Boots Anti-Dandruff Ketoconazole 2% w/w Shampoo

Information for the user

Boots Anti-Dandruff Ketoconazole 2% w/w Shampoo

What this medicine is for

This medicine contains Ketoconazole which belongs to a group of medicines called anti-fungals, which act to treat fungal infections.

It can be used to treat and prevent dandruff, which you may notice as visible flaking of dry skin from the scalp.

Dandruff is associated with the presence of a yeast (fungus) called Pityrosporum Ovale. This yeast lives naturally on the skin of everyone, but people with dandruff appear to have more than usual. Ketoconazole works by destroying the yeast associated with dandruff.

Before you use this medicine

This medicine can be used by adults and adolescents. However, some people should not use this medicine or should seek the advice of their pharmacist or doctor first.

How to use this medicine

Shake the bottle well before use.

Adults and adolescents: Wet hair and scalp and apply enough shampoo to cover the scalp and produce a foam (lather). Leave for 3-5 minutes before rinsing. Use twice a week, at least three days apart, for the first 2 to 4 weeks.

After 2 to 4 weeks you can use the shampoo once every 1 to 2 weeks to keep dandruff under control.

For use on the hair and scalp only.

Do not use more than the amount recommended above.

If your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

If symptoms do not go away within 4 weeks talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

If you accidentally swallow some of the shampoo: Swallowing this shampoo is normally harmless. Talk to a doctor if you are concerned and take this shampoo with you. Do not make yourself sick.

Possible side effects

Most people will not have problems, but some may get some, which are usually mild.

If you get any of these serious side effects, stop using the shampoo. See a doctor at once:

• Difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face, neck, tongue or throat (severe allergic reactions)

If you get any of the following side effects see your pharmacist or doctor:

Uncommon side effects:

(less than 1 in every 100 people are affected)

• (Localised reactions including redness, irritation and itching of the skin
• Dry skin, skin rash or a burning sensation of the skin
• Swelling of the hair follicles, hair loss or changes in the hair texture
• An increase in tear production

Rare side effects:

(less than 1 in every 1000 people are affected)

• Changes in taste of food
• Eye irritation
• Other skin reactions such as flaky skin, acne, contact dermatitis (redness and swelling of the skin)
• Other localised allergic reactions including small blisters on the surface of your skin

Other side effects:

(It is unknown how often these may occur)

• Changes in hair colour
• Raised, red itchy skin (symptoms of urticaria, which is often known as hives or nettle rash)

If any side effect becomes severe, or you notice any side effect not listed here, please tell your pharmacist or doctor.

How to store this medicine

Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original container. Keep the container tightly closed.

Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard.

Use by the date on the end flap of the carton.

What is in this medicine

Each gram of shampoo contains Ketoconazole 20 mg, which is the active ingredient.

As well as the active ingredient, the shampoo also contains sodium laureth sulfate paste, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, sodium chloride, citric acid monohydrate, benzyl alcohol, tetrasodium EDTA, quaternium–15, polyquaternium– 7, dexpanthenol, laureth– 2, sodium hydroxide, perfume, purified water, erythrosine (E127).

The pack contains 60 or 100 ml of clear, pink, thick shampoo.

Who makes this medicine

Manufactured for

by the Marketing Authorisation holder