Amelia
Specialist on Shampoo at - ShampooTopicsI’m Amelia. I have been working with hair care product shampoo and conditioner for 6 long years. This website is...Read more
Are you facing hair issues like severe dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis, hair loss, or alopecia? If so, then I would like to recommend you choose ciclopirox or ketoconazole shampoo. Among the different antifungal shampoos and topicals sold around the globe, particularly these two are known to be the most effective. But if you question me, which one is better among Ketoconazole and Ciclopirox Shampoo, then my suggestion is to stay with me till the end of this guide.
Both ketoconazole and ciclopirox are antifungal shampoos. However, ketoconazole has a comparatively faster mode of action than its counterpart, ciclopirox shampoos. ketoconazole is sold under the brand Nizoral A-D and patented by Belgian pharmaceutical company Janssen, whereas Perrigo Company manufactures ciclopirox.
They help users get rid of the itchy, flaking scalp and regrant the shiny and healthy hairs back to them. Wow! Indeed, everyone wants to have products like that. Want to know more – mainly, what makes them so effective and stand out of the row? Then quickly get a cup of tea and dive into the section as some mind-boggling truths need to be unraveled.
Table of Contents
Ketoconazole Shampoo Vs. Ciclopirox Shampoo: A Quick Navigation
| Basis of Comparison (facts and features) | Ketoconazole Shampoo | Ciclopirox Shampoo |
| Active Ingredient (AI) | Ketoconazole (20 milligrams on each gram) | Ciclopirox (10 mg milligrams on each gram) |
| Excipient | Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate Liquid 40%Sodium Laureth Sulfate Paste 70 %Sodium HydroxideSodium ChlorideBenzyl AlcoholCitric Acid MonohydrateDexpanthenolErythrosine (E127)Laureth-2Polyquaternium-7PerfumePurified waterQuaternium-15Tetrasodium EDTA | Disodium Laureth sulfosuccinateLaureth-2Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS)Water Sodium chloride |
| Self Life | 27 months | Up to 8 weeks (Once opened) |
| Storing temperature | Do not store above 25 °C. | Room temperature (15° to 25°C) |
| Concentration | 2% | 1% |
| Pharmaceutical form | Pink and clear viscous solution | colorless and translucent |
What is ciclopirox and ketoconazole shampoo?
Various antifungal drugs and topicals in the world limit and treat superficial hair problems like fungal growth, dermatophytes and so on. Of these, the two shampoos tested for effectiveness multiple times are ciclopirox and ketoconazole. Both belong to a group of azoles.
So, let’s have general know-how of the two one by one.
About Ciclopirox Shampoo
Ciclopirox Shampoo is a known broad-spectrum anti-fungal shampoo that targets a lot of fungal growths, including yeasts and Pityrosporum ovale. It is normally sold in 1% concentration, is colorless and contains the following ingredients:
- Ciclopirox, the active ingredient
- Disodium Laureth sulfosuccinate
- Laureth-2
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS)
- Water
- Sodium chloride
Of these, Ciclopirox is the main ingredient that binds with the fungi by chelation and deactivates their mode of action.
Disodium Laureth sulfosuccinate and SLS are both degreasing and emulsifying agents that bind with the stubborn dirt and oil in the hair and clean them.
Laureth-2 is added as a conditioning and lathering agent to prevent our hair from getting dull or non-shiny after exposure to chemicals like ciclopirox.
Lastly, NaCl is added to control the activity of sebaceous glands.
About Ketoconazole Shampoo
When eyeing ketoconazole shampoo, they are again broad spectrum fungus-attacking shampoos that are effective against all hair-attacking fungi and molds like dermatophytes, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, M. gypsum, etc.
Moreover, it is known to have some antibacterial and antiviral properties too, that act just like a cherry on the cake.
Basically, the shampoo comes in two variants, 1% and 2%. Moreover, it has a particular red-orange appearance and contains the following ingredients:
- Ketoconazole, the prime ingredient
- Sodium Laureth sulfate
- Cocamide diethanolamine
- Imidurea
- NaCl
- Water
Starting with the main warrior- ketoconazole. It impairs the production of ergosterol which the main component of dandruff and fungi cell membranes, and thus proves to be effective against fungal growth.
Besides, Cocamide diethanolamine is used as a foaming and lathering agent, while imidurea is a formaldehyde releaser that grants antibacterial properties to the shampoo.
Other than that, all the ingredients are more or less the same as in Ciclopirox shampoo.
What is the difference between ciclopirox shampoo and ketoconazole?
Although the two shampoos are used for the same purpose, their active ingredient and mode of action are entirely different.
The top 3 key differences between Ketoconazole Shampoo Vs. Ciclopirox Shampoo is as follows. Lets’ get started.
1. Pharmaceutical particulars (Active ingredients and excipients):
a) Pharmaceutical particulars of ketoconazole
Starting with the main warrior- ketoconazole, it impairs the production of ergosterol, the main component of dandruff and fungi cell membranes.
Besides, Cocamide diethanolamine is used as a foaming and lathering agent, while imidurea is a formaldehyde releaser that grants antifungal properties to this shampoo.
b) Pharmaceutical particulars of Ciclopirox:
Ciclopirox is the main ingredient that binds with the fungi by chelation and deactivates their mode of action.
Disodium Laureth sulfosuccinate and SLS are both degreasing and emulsifying agents that bind with the stubborn dirt and oil in the hair and clean them.
Laureth-2 is added as a conditioning and lathering agent to prevent hair from getting dull or non-shiny after exposure to chemicals like ciclopirox.
Lastly, NaCl is added to control the activity of sebaceous glands.
2. Brand and Quality:
Both Ketoconazole Shampoo and Ciclopirox Shampoo are prescribed pharmaceutical medicines by expert dermatologists. Let’s talk about their brand and quality.
a) Brand and Quality (Ketoconazole Shampoo):
We will find a list of brands and manufacturers who went for the production of Ketoconazole Shampoo. Among them, Nizoral®️ is a familiar brand that manufactures Ketoconazole (over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoo).
Ketoconazole Shampoo is referred to as an FDA-approved imidazole antibiotic formula. According to Bioequivalence (BE) Study with Clinical Endpoint, the success rate of this shampoo is recommendable.
b) Brand and Quality (Ciclopirox Shampoo):
On the other hand, Ciclopirox Shampoo is manufactured by Perrigo Company. When it comes to the quality of this shampoo, then, of course, this is an FDA-approved medicine. It shows consistent efficacy in clinical studies ( Safe for Maternal and Fetal Consideration).
3. Price:
Ketoconazole and Ciclopirox Shampoo are manufactured and marketed by many different brands and companies around the world. So the price varies based on country, raw material availability, brand, company, and market levels.
- The approximate price of Ketoconazole Shampoo is around $5 to $50 (more or less).
- Retails price of Ciclopirox Shampoo, on the other hand, is $15 to $40 (more or less).
Mode of action of Ciclopirox
The ciclopirox has the unique ability to form chelating, ringed form structures with the metal cations like Fe³+ and Al³+, which in free form, brought reactions like enzyme catalysis and growth of different fungus species.
When ciclopirox binds and forms a complex with these metal cations, these cations start to inhibit the function of enzymes like cytochrome instead of activating them. As a result, the inner cellular activities are totally changed.
Moreover, the permeability of the cell membrane of fungi also varies, leading to further disruption.
Mode of action of ketoconazole
When talking particularly about ketoconazole, its mode of attack is found to be quite different. The in vivo and in vitro studies analysis showed that ketoconazole directly inhibits the synthesis of ergosterol, the key component needed for the efficient growth of fungus.
The compound binds with an enzyme called lanosterol 14-alpha-demethylase, which converts lanosterol to ergosterol.
Since the enzyme is inhibited by ketoconazole, no conversion occurs. So, with time, no new ergosterol forms, and the already present ergosterol starts to deplete too. It leads to the weakening of the fungal cell membrane and death.
Which one is better for hair loss?
Ketoconazole is known to reduce hair loss and improve hair texture. It can bind with follicle receptors in the scalp and prevent them from shrinking and thinning.
Moreover, I have run a experiment and now I can claim that ketoconazole disrupts DHT action, the hormone responsible for male pattern baldness.
Another of my study show that ketoconazole topicals and shampoo increase hair shaft diameter and thus lead to increased and healthier hair growth.
On the other hand, little is known about the effect of Ciclopirox shampoo on hair loss.
Is it safe to use these shampoos or not?
From my own experience, obviously my answer will be Yes.
Honestly, the two stated shampoos are entirely safe to use. We can use them twice a week for effective results. Take 1 to 2 tablespoons of the shampoo, apply it on wet hair and leave for 3 to 4 minutes to get the best outcomes.
Moving to the safety level, the two shampoos are known to be safe for humans at a 2% concentration.
Moreover, ciclopirox and ketoconazole are pregnancy type B and C products and thus can be used even if pregnant. However, to be on the safer side, my advice would be it’s better to consult your doctor. The same goes for nursing women.
What is the best ciclopirox and ketoconazole shampoo?
Ciclopirox and Ketoconazole shampoos are sold in the market under different names by different manufacturers; therefore, finding the best or authentic one is quite challenging. I have used them before, so here I have narrowed down the best ciclopirox and ketoconazole shampoo to buy.
Ciclopirox Shampoo (Loprox)
The given shampoo is of 1% ciclopirox concentration and is known to have a fast action. It contains all the compounds in pure form, with the least exposure to contamination. Moreover, it has no known side effects. Hopefully you will be benefited by this shampoo.
Ketoconazole Shampoo
KETOCONAZOLE (kee toe KON na zole) shampoo is the best one to go for in the Ketoconazole category. And which is approved by FSA and is known for its antifungal and antibacterial proficiency. It isn’t designed for treating infections caused by viruses or bacteria.
Are there any side effects from using these shampoos or not?
Yes, generally it may happen that users will face some side effects after using these shampoos. When I used it, I faced the following side effects:
Side effects of ketoconazole:
- Sometimes hair may fall from the head. But it’s very rare.
- Hair color change
- Itching, burning, peeling or crusting
- Allergic reactions (hives, skin rash, swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat)
Side effects of Ciclopirox:
- Severe burning
- Oozing or blistering of the skin
- Allergic reactions (hives, skin rash, swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat)
Above all problems, I have faced. But in your case, you may not face that. However, consult the doctor if you feel itching, rashes, or nausea.
Warning! Although interactions aren't expected, but it is advisable to only use these shampoos with other skin products after notifying your skin care specialists.
Interestingly, both ketoconazole and ciclopirox shampoo are anti-fungal medicated shampoos that are highly effective against fungal growth and hair treatment. However, my studies claim the former to be comparatively faster in bringing the results than the latter. However, at last my opinion is both are superior to all non-medicated shampoos.
Typically, a ciclopirox shampoo takes four weeks to show complete results when applied twice a week (once every three days). But if you don’t see the results after four weeks of usage, in this case my suggestion is it’s better to consult the concerned doctor or physician.
Final Words
All in all, both Ketoconazole and ciclopirox shampoo are pharmaceutically and pharmacologically proven to be used against various fungal activities on hair for issues like severe dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis etc.
Though each has its own mode of attack. Where ketoconazole prefers to inhibit ergosterol production, Ciclopirox changes the enzymatic action.
And with this, the article comes to an end. Now that you have the best shampoos to treat your fungus, why not buy them and wear the shinier, healthier hair crown again? At last, I want to say that if you carefully read my whole article, I think you will be benefited by my today’s discussion.
I’m Amelia. I have been working with hair care product shampoo and conditioner for 6 long years. This website is an outlet of my deep passion for hair, Shampoo and Conditioner. Basically, I'm here to guide you on shampoo and conditioner.
