Active ingredient
- ketoconazole
Legal Category
GSL: General Sales List
GSL: General Sales List
The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine. It is possible that the leaflet in your medicine pack may differ from this version because it may have been updated since your medicine was packaged.
Below is a text only representation of the Patient Information Leaflet. The original leaflet can be viewed using the link above.
The text only version may be available in large print, Braille or audio CD. For further information call emc accessibility on 0800 198 5000. The product code(s) for this leaflet is: PL 04917/0063.
Boots Anti-Dandruff Ketoconazole 2% w/w Shampoo
Information for the user
Boots Anti-Dandruff Ketoconazole 2% w/w Shampoo
Read all of this leaflet carefully because it contains important information for you.
This medicine is available without prescription to treat and prevent dandruff. However, you still need to use it carefully to get the best results from it.
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.
Do not use:
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor:
Other important information
Avoid contact with the eyes.
If shampoo accidentally comes into contact with the eyes use cold water to gently bathe the eyes.
If you are using a steroid product on your scalp, when you stop using the steroid product your dandruff may worsen. Reducing the steroid over a period of 2 to 3 weeks whilst using the shampoo will reduce the chance of the dandruff becoming worse.
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:
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)
Rare side effects:
(less than 1 in every 1000 people are affected)
Other side effects:
(It is unknown how often these may occur)
If any side effect becomes severe, or you notice any side effect not listed here, please tell your pharmacist or doctor.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
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
Leaflet prepared June 2014
If you would like any further information about this medicine, please contact
Other formats
To request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge:
0800 198 5000 (UK only)
Please be ready to give the following information:
Product name: Boots Anti-Dandruff Ketoconazole 2% w/w Shampoo
Reference number: 04917/0063
This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People.