Top 20 Medicated Shampoos: A Guide for Doctors

Introduction

Medicated shampoos are specialized formulations designed to address various scalp and hair conditions. They are a vital part of dermatological treatments and are often recommended by healthcare professionals to patients suffering from issues such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and fungal infections. As a healthcare professional, having a thorough understanding of the best medicated shampoos available can significantly enhance patient care and treatment outcomes. This guide provides an in-depth look at the top medicated shampoos on the market, their active ingredients, indications, and usage.

Understanding Medicated Shampoos

Medicated shampoos contain active ingredients specifically aimed at treating scalp and hair conditions. These ingredients can include antifungals, antibacterials, keratolytics, corticosteroids, and more. The choice of shampoo depends on the specific condition being treated, the severity of the symptoms, and the patient’s overall health profile.

Top Medicated Shampoos in the Market

1. Nizoral A-D (Ketoconazole 1%)

Active Ingredient: Ketoconazole
Indications: Dandruff, Seborrheic Dermatitis
Description: Nizoral A-D is a popular over-the-counter shampoo containing 1% ketoconazole, an antifungal agent. It is effective in reducing the yeast that causes dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Regular use helps relieve flaking, scaling, and itching.

2. Selsun Blue (Selenium Sulfide 1%)

Active Ingredient: Selenium Sulfide
Indications: Dandruff, Seborrheic Dermatitis
Description: Selsun Blue is known for its blue, thick formula that controls dandruff and scalp itching. Selenium sulfide reduces the production of natural oils on the scalp that can exacerbate dandruff.

3. Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength (Selenium Sulfide 1%)

Active Ingredient: Selenium Sulfide
Indications: Severe Dandruff, Seborrheic Dermatitis
Description: This formulation by Head & Shoulders is designed for severe dandruff cases. The clinical strength formula provides relief from persistent dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis with regular use.

4. Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo (Coal Tar 2%)

Active Ingredient: Coal Tar
Indications: Psoriasis, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Dandruff
Description: Neutrogena T/Gel uses coal tar extract to slow the overproduction of skin cells on the scalp. It is particularly effective for psoriasis and severe seborrheic dermatitis.

5. DHS Zinc Shampoo (Zinc Pyrithione 2%)

Active Ingredient: Zinc Pyrithione
Indications: Dandruff, Seborrheic Dermatitis
Description: DHS Zinc Shampoo is formulated with 2% zinc pyrithione, known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It helps control the symptoms of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

6. Tarsum Professional Medicated Shampoo/Gel (Coal Tar 10%)

Active Ingredient: Coal Tar
Indications: Psoriasis, Seborrheic Dermatitis
Description: Tarsum Professional Medicated Shampoo/Gel contains a high concentration of coal tar, making it suitable for severe psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. It can be applied to the scalp before showering for maximum effectiveness.

7. MG217 Medicated Conditioning Coal Tar Formula Shampoo

Active Ingredient: Coal Tar
Indications: Psoriasis, Seborrheic Dermatitis
Description: MG217’s medicated shampoo features a conditioning coal tar formula that treats psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis while conditioning the hair to reduce dryness and brittleness.

8. Scalpicin Anti-Itch Liquid (Hydrocortisone 1%)

Active Ingredient: Hydrocortisone
Indications: Itching, Inflammation
Description: Scalpicin is a liquid treatment that can be applied directly to the scalp to relieve itching and inflammation associated with various scalp conditions. Hydrocortisone helps reduce redness and swelling.

9. Nioxin Scalp Recovery Medicating Cleanser

Active Ingredient: Pyrithione Zinc 1%
Indications: Dandruff, Seborrheic Dermatitis
Description: Nioxin Scalp Recovery is a medicating cleanser designed to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis while promoting a healthy scalp environment. It’s part of a system that includes a conditioner and serum.

10. Pharma-C-Wash Shampoo (Ciclopirox 1%)

Active Ingredient: Ciclopirox
Indications: Seborrheic Dermatitis, Fungal Infections
Description: Pharma-C-Wash contains ciclopirox, an antifungal agent effective against a variety of scalp fungi. It is commonly used to treat seborrheic dermatitis and other fungal scalp infections.

11. Capex Shampoo (Fluocinolone Acetonide 0.01%)

Active Ingredient: Fluocinolone Acetonide
Indications: Seborrheic Dermatitis
Description: Capex Shampoo is a corticosteroid treatment used for seborrheic dermatitis. Fluocinolone acetonide helps reduce inflammation, itching, and redness.

12. Loprox Shampoo (Ciclopirox 1%)

Active Ingredient: Ciclopirox
Indications: Seborrheic Dermatitis
Description: Loprox Shampoo uses ciclopirox to treat seborrheic dermatitis and other fungal infections of the scalp. It helps reduce itching, flaking, and redness.

13. Clobex Shampoo (Clobetasol Propionate 0.05%)

Active Ingredient: Clobetasol Propionate
Indications: Psoriasis
Description: Clobex is a powerful corticosteroid shampoo used to treat psoriasis. Clobetasol propionate reduces inflammation and itching, helping to manage severe psoriasis symptoms.

14. Dermazinc Zinc Therapy Soap

Active Ingredient: Zinc Pyrithione
Indications: Psoriasis, Eczema, Seborrheic Dermatitis
Description: Dermazinc Therapy Soap uses zinc pyrithione to treat a variety of scalp conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis. It’s a soap bar that can be used on both the scalp and body.

15. Psorilax Shampoo

Active Ingredient: Salicylic Acid, Coal Tar
Indications: Psoriasis, Seborrheic Dermatitis
Description: Psorilax combines salicylic acid and coal tar to effectively treat psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. Salicylic acid helps exfoliate the scalp, while coal tar reduces cell turnover.

16. Exsel Shampoo (Selenium Sulfide 2.5%)

Active Ingredient: Selenium Sulfide
Indications: Severe Dandruff, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Tinea Versicolor
Description: Exsel Shampoo is a prescription-strength treatment containing 2.5% selenium sulfide, suitable for severe dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and tinea versicolor.

17. Zetaclear Shampoo

Active Ingredient: Undecylenic Acid, Tea Tree Oil
Indications: Fungal Infections
Description: Zetaclear combines undecylenic acid and tea tree oil to treat fungal infections of the scalp. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties that help reduce infection and soothe the scalp.

18. SaliZinc Shampoo

Active Ingredient: Salicylic Acid, Zinc Pyrithione
Indications: Dandruff, Seborrheic Dermatitis
Description: SaliZinc uses a combination of salicylic acid and zinc pyrithione to exfoliate the scalp and control dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It helps reduce flaking and itching.

19. Kerydin Shampoo (Tavaborole 5%)

Active Ingredient: Tavaborole
Indications: Fungal Infections
Description: Kerydin is a novel antifungal shampoo containing tavaborole, which is effective against various fungal infections of the scalp. It is usually prescribed for persistent or resistant cases.

20. Ducray Kelual DS Shampoo

Active Ingredient: Ciclopirox, Zinc Pyrithione
Indications: Severe Dandruff, Seborrheic Dermatitis
Description: Ducray Kelual DS combines ciclopirox and zinc pyrithione to provide a powerful treatment for severe dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It helps reduce flaking, itching, and redness.

Choosing the Right Medicated Shampoo

When recommending a medicated shampoo, consider the following factors:

• Diagnosis: Ensure an accurate diagnosis of the scalp condition.
• Severity: Consider the severity of the condition and choose a formulation with appropriate potency.
• Patient History: Take into account any allergies, sensitivities, or contraindications.
• Active Ingredients: Match the active ingredient to the specific condition (e.g., antifungals for fungal infections, corticosteroids for inflammation).
• Usage Instructions: Provide clear instructions on how to use the shampoo, including frequency and duration of treatment.

Conclusion

Medicated shampoos play a crucial role in the treatment of various scalp and hair conditions. By understanding the active ingredients and their specific indications, healthcare professionals can make informed recommendations to their patients, ensuring effective and safe treatment outcomes.