The Big Three (Shampoo)

[Highlander]

What is the difference between the 1 and 2%? I don't want to go and get a prescription just for some shampoo with questionable benefits. But will using 1% actually make much of difference? Or is 2% the only way to go?

[Unterleigen]

The studies that have been done have used 2%. No studies have been done comparing the efficacy of 1% vs 2%. To my knowledge, there are no studies examining the dose dependency of Ketoconazole. Thus, no one here can answer your question with certainty and we can only speculate as to whether the 1% shampoo will work just as well as the 2% for MPB.

I would recommend simply getting the script. If you have insurance, it will probably wind up being cheaper anyway. If you live near Canada, you can hop across the border and pick up the 2% there without a prescription. You can also get it in Germany (my home country) without a prescription I believe (not currently living there).

[Tracy C]

Originally Posted by Highlander

What is the difference between the 1 and 2%?

1% and 2% refers to the percentage of Ketoconazole in the shampoo.

Originally Posted by Highlander

But will using 1% actually make much of difference? Or is 2% the only way to go?

Ketoconazole itself is not a stand-alone treatment for hereditary hair loss. It is an adjunct to stand-alone treatment. Either way, if you do have hereditary hair loss, using the 1% once a week is better than not using any treatment at all. I use the non-prescription strength 1% Nizoral A-D twice a week as an adjunct to oral Spiro, topical Minoxidil and low level laser therapy. If I were using the 2%, I would only use it once per week.

It is also a good idea to replace your regular shampoo and conditioner with sulfate free shampoo and conditioner.