Kenozole Shampoo (ketoconazole 2%)

Kenozole Shampoo general information

What is Kenozole Shampoo used for?

Kenozole Shampoo 2% is used to treat and prevent conditions of the scalp, including severe dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis, thought to be caused by an inflammatory reaction to the metabolites of the fungus malassezia.  This is a yeast normally found in the skin, but if it becomes overgrown it can cause skin problems.  Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a chronic form of eczema/dermatitis that affects mainly the scalp and face causing dry or greasy scaling of the scalp.  Dandruff, also known as pityriasis capitis, is a common mild form of seborrhoeic dermatitis, characterised by flaking of the skin on the scalp.  Other conditions may cause dandruff, including dry skin or oily skin, which can cause clumping of skin cells that have been shed; tinea capitis a fungal infection of the scalp caused by the a dermatophyte fungus tinea; also psoriasis, a non-allergic chronic inflammatory skin disease that is characterised by the appearance of red raised patches of thickened skin covered in a dry silvery scaly rash and is thought to be an autoimmune disorder (hyperactivity of the immune system which then attacks self).  Kenozole Shampoo 2% relieves the itching, redness and scaling caused by these conditions.

How does Kenozole Shampoo work?

Kenozole Shampoo contains ketoconazole, a synthetic broad-spectrum antifungal agent that specifically kills the fungus by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, an important component of fungal cell membrane that is not found in animal cells.  Ketoconazole in Kenozole shampoo 2% weakens the fungal cell membrane, causing the cell contents to leak out which kills the fungus, preventing the fungus from spreading and relieving symptoms like itching and scaling caused by the infection.  Kenozole shampoo 2% also contains zinc pyrithione a chemical with fungistatic properties that inhibits fungal growth; also antiseborrheic properties that prevents overproduction of sebum (produced by the sebaceous glands of the hair follicles).  Ketoconazole and zinc pyrithione in Kenozole Shampoo 2%, work together to treat conditions of the scalp that are thought to be associated with fungal infection.  

What does Kenozole Shampoo contain?

Kenozole Shampoo contains the active ingredients ketoconazole (2%) an antifungal and zinc pyrithione (1%) a fungistatic that are used in combination to treat seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff. 

Treating dandruff with Kenozole Shampoo

Kenozole Shampoo 2% contains ketoconazole, a synthetic broad-spectrum antifungal agent, also zinc pyrithione a chemical with fungistatic properties.  Dandruff, also known as pityriasis capitis, is a common mild form of seborrhoeic dermatitis, which is chronic form of eczema/dermatitis characterised by scaling and flaking of the skin on the scalp.  Both seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff are thought to be associated with an overgrowth of the fungus malassezia, a yeast normally found in the skin.  The rate at which dead skin cells are shed and replaced begins to speed up, as a reaction to irritation by the fungus and they clump in the sebum causing the visible flakes known as dandruff.  Ketoconazole in Kenozole Shampoo 2% inhibits the synthesis of ergosterol, an important component of fungal cell membrane that is not found in animal cells.  Kenozole shampoo 2% weakens the fungal cell membrane, causing the cell contents to leak out which kills the fungus.  Zinc pyrithione in Kenozole Shampoo 2% inhibits fungal growth and prevents overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands.  The combined actions of ketoconazole and zinc pyrithione in Kenozole Shampoo relieve the itching, redness and scaling caused by dandruff.  

Kenozole shampoo for hair loss

Kenozole Shampoo 2% may be used to help treat hair loss both in androgenic alopecia in men (male pattern hair loss) and loss of hair as a result of seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff.  There is some evidence to suggest that Ketoconazole and Zinc Pyrithione in Kenozole Shampoo prevents hair loss by promoting hair growth and decreasing hair shedding, as well as increasing hair follicles in anagen-phase (growth phase)^1-3.  Also the amount of sebum produced was reduced.  It is thought that this may be due to the antifungal and antiinflamatory properties of Kenozole Shampoo.  

What are the side effects of Kenozole Shampoo?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Kenozole Shampoo include, burning sensation, itching, skin redness or irritation where the shampoo has been used.  Less common is oily, dry or discoloured hair (mainly with grey hair or hair that has been permed, dyed or bleached). 

When should Kenozole Shampoo not be used?

You should not use Kenozole Shampoo if you:

• are allergic to ketoconazole or zinc pyrithione or any ingredients in Kenozole Shampoo
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• using a topical corticosteroid, you should stop using the corticosteroid for 2 weeks before starting with Kenozole Shampoo to reduce risk of irritation

How should Kenozole Shampoo be used?

You should use your Kenozole Shampoo 2% twice a week for up to 4 weeks, using normal shampoo in between if you want to wash your hair between treatments.  Then to prevent the condition returning you can use Kenozole shampoo again after 4 weeks.  Wet your hair, apply the shampoo to your wet scalp and work into lather.  Leave on for 3 to 5 minutes then rinse thoroughly with water.  Avoid contact with the eyes and if shampoo enters the eyes, rinse with cold water.  If you stop using your Kenozole Shampoo 2% dandruff will reappear within a short time.  

How long should you take Kenozole Shampoo?

You should continue to use your Kenozole Shampoo 2% twice a week for 4 weeks, then wait 4 weeks before starting another course of treatment.

Missed dose of Kenozole Shampoo

If you miss a dose of Kenozole Shampoo apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not use a double dose.

How should Kenozole Shampoo be stored?

You should store your Kenozole Shampoo below 25°C in a cool dry place. 

References

1. Jiang J, Tsuboi R, Kojima Y, Ogawa H. Topical application of ketoconazole stimulates hair growth in C3H/HeN mice. J Dermatol 2005;32(4):243-7.
2. Khandpur S, Suman M, Reddy BS. J Dermatol 2002;29(8):489-98. Comparative efficacy of various treatment regimens for androgenetic alopecia in men.
3. C. Piérard-Franchimont C, Goffin V, Henry F, Uhoda I, Braham C, Piérard GE. Nudging hair shedding by antidandruff shampoos. A comparison of 1% ketoconazole, 1% piroctone olamine and 1% zinc pyrithione formulations. Int J Cosmetic Sci.  2002 24(5):249-56