Indications: ketoconazole 2% shampoo is indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of infections in which the yeast Malassezia (previously called Pityrosporum) is involved, such as pityriasis versicolor (localized), seborrhoeic dermatitis and pityriasis capitis (dandruff). Pharmacology: Ketoconazole 2% shampoo is a broad spectrum imidazole-dioxolane, synthetic antifungal agent which inhibits the in vitro growth of the following common dermatophytes and yeasts by altering the permeability of the cell membrane: dermatophytes: Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, T. tonsurans, Microsporum canis, M. audouini, M. gypseum and Epidermophyton floc-cosum; yeasts: Candida albicans, Malassezia ovale (Pityrosporum ovale) and C. tropicalis; and the organism responsible for tinea versicolor, Malassezia furfur (Pityrosporum orbiculare).