Nizoral Shampoo: Hair loss treatment
Nizoral is an anti-fungal shampoo that kills the fungi that cause seborrhea and dandruff. Nizoral 2% shampoo’s active ingredient, ketoconazole, has been clinically proven to kill the fungus that can cause dandruff. The formula is pH balanced and is reported to leave hair feeling fresh and clean and dandruff free. The ketoconazole used in Nizoral Shampoo is known that when it is ingested orally that it inhibits the binding of androgens to receptors in the body and this would include the binding of DHT to hair-follicle receptors. Individuals have found that Nizoral, regularly used, is helpful in alopecia treatment. Positive results with Nizoral shampoo are often noted within a few weeks. One theory of Nizoral’s anti-alopecia effects may be on its activity upon sebum. Sebum is a fatty substance that accumulates in the scalp around the hair follicles. It is possible that the removal of sebum may help “unclog” the hair follicle and expose it to more nutrition from an improved blood supply, rather like unclogging a drain! It is known that Nizoral can remove and reduce sebum deposits.
Some research suggests that ketoconazole, which is the main ingredient in Nizoral Shampoo may be beneficial in men suffering from male pattern baldness. Reports indicate that both the one-percent (available over-the-counter) and two-percent (available by prescription) dosages have hair loss benefits. However, the more potent 2% formulation may produce superior results.
Nizoral primary active ingredient is ketoconazole
Nizoral Shampoo is marketed as an antifungal shampoo for sufferers of seborrheic dermatitis, or dandruff, in an over-the-counter (OTC), 1 percent solution and by prescription as a 2 percent solution. Although Nizoral Shampoo is approved by the Federal Drug Administration for use as a dandruff shampoo, it has not been recognized to prevent hair loss or promote hair growth. The primary active ingredient in Nizoral is ketoconazole.
Various studies have been conducted on ketoconazole and its role as a hair loss treatment. While currently ketoconazole is approved by the FDA as a treatment for dandruff, research continues on it's use for hair loss.
In March 04, 2001 at the American Academy of Dermatology meeting held in Washington DC - Scientists working for McNeil, makers of Nizoral anti-dandruff shampoo, presented the findings of a study done on 1% Nizoral shampoo which has good news for hair loss sufferers. Read the report here.
Ketoconazole increased hair density
Comparison studies found that ketoconazole improved hair shaft and hair increased hair density. Click here for the study.
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA)
Our understanding of the aetiology of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) has substantially increased in recent years. As a result, several treatment modalities have been tried with promising results especially in early stages of AGA. However, as far as has been ascertained, there is no comprehensive study comparing the efficacy of these agents alone and in combination with each other. One hundered male patients with AGA of Hamilton grades II to IV were enrolled in an open, randomized, parallel-group study, designed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of oral finasteride (1 mg per day), topical 2% minoxidil solution and topical 2% ketoconazole shampoo alone and in combination. They were randomized into four groups. Read the study by clicking here.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using ketoconazole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other azole antifungals such as clotrimazole, econazole, or miconazole; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
