Ketocip Shampoo 2% Ketoconazole 100ml

Ketocip 2% Ketoconazole Shampoo (100ml, Cipla)

Ketoconazole 2% antifungal shampoo, manufactured by Cipla (India). Same active ingredient and strength as Dandrazol and prescription Nizoral 2%, in a lower-cost generic form. Used 2-3 times per week to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, and as an adjunct to hair loss treatment for its mild anti-DHT and anti-inflammatory effect at the scalp.

How ketoconazole shampoo helps hair loss

Ketoconazole is an antifungal medicine. Applied to the scalp:

• It clears the Malassezia yeast overgrowth that causes dandruff and scalp inflammation
• It has a mild topical anti-androgen effect (reduces local DHT activity in the scalp)
• Reducing scalp inflammation improves the environment for hair follicles

The evidence base for ketoconazole as a hair loss adjunct is modest but consistent. It complements rather than replaces finasteride and minoxidil.

How to use

1. Wet your hair and scalp thoroughly in the shower
2. Apply a small amount of shampoo (a 10p coin is enough) to your scalp
3. Massage into the scalp for 1 minute, then leave in place for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing. The contact time is what makes it work
4. Rinse thoroughly
5. Follow with a regular conditioner if your hair needs it

Use 2 to 3 times per week for hair loss support and active dandruff. Once symptoms are controlled, drop to once or twice weekly for maintenance.

What to expect

• 1 to 2 weeks: dandruff and itch usually reduce noticeably
• 4 to 8 weeks: full dandruff control
• 3 to 6 months: modest hair loss benefit if used as an adjunct alongside finasteride or minoxidil

Side effects

Ketoconazole 2% shampoo is well tolerated. Systemic absorption from shampoo use is negligible because contact time is short and most of the product is rinsed off.

Common (roughly 1 in 10)

• Dry hair or scalp with regular use (offset by a good conditioner on non-shampoo days)
• Mild scalp itching, especially in the first 2 weeks

Uncommon (roughly 1 in 100)

• Changes to hair colour or texture with prolonged use (usually reversible on stopping)
• Contact dermatitis at the hairline

Rare (less than 1 in 1,000)

• Localised allergic reaction (rash, hives at the hairline)

When to seek urgent medical advice

• Signs of allergic reaction: facial or lip swelling, difficulty breathing, widespread rash
• Severe scalp burning or blistering

Who should not use

• Known allergy to ketoconazole or other imidazole antifungals
• Broken or infected scalp skin (wait for it to heal first)
• Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding without prescriber review

Ketocip vs Dandrazol vs Nizoral

Three brands of the same active ingredient at the same strength:

• Ketocip (this product): Cipla-manufactured generic (India), lower cost
• Dandrazol: Crescent-manufactured UK brand (see our Dandrazol option)
• Nizoral 2%: Johnson & Johnson branded, prescription-only in the UK for higher-strength than the 1% OTC Nizoral you can buy in supermarkets

All three deliver the same 2% ketoconazole with the same clinical effect. Ketocip is the cheapest option, Dandrazol is UK-manufactured branded, Nizoral is the original brand.

Combining with other hair loss treatments

• Topical minoxidil: ideal combination. Wash with ketoconazole 2-3 times weekly, apply minoxidil daily to dry scalp between shampoo days. Wait 4 hours after minoxidil before shampooing
• Oral finasteride or dutasteride: works independently, no timing conflict
• Topical finasteride or dutasteride: same rule as minoxidil (shampoo separately, wait 4 hours)

Delivery

Dispatched from UK stock. No prescription needed. Free UK delivery.