If you've been reaching for shampoo after shampoo, trying to control persistent dandruff or an itchy, flaking scalp, there's a good chance someone has recommended Conaz Shampoo to you. It's one of the most prescribed medicated shampoos in Pakistan and a regular feature on dermatology prescriptions across Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and beyond.

But what is Conaz actually doing for your scalp, when should you reach for it (and when shouldn't you), and how does it compare to the other ketoconazole shampoos available in Pakistan? This guide is written by a Pakistani-registered pharmacist for people who want to understand what they're putting on their heads before they buy.

What is Conaz Shampoo?

Conaz Shampoo, manufactured in Pakistan by Atco Laboratories, is a medicated antifungal scalp treatment. The active ingredient is ketoconazole, a clinically-proven antifungal compound that has been used in dermatology for decades. Conaz is sold in Pakistan as a 60ml shampoo-based scalp lotion that lathers like an ordinary shampoo but acts pharmacologically on the scalp.

In simple terms, it kills the yeast on your scalp that causes most cases of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Regular cosmetic shampoos clean the surface; Conaz treats the underlying cause.

Available across Pakistan with same-day delivery in Lahore and cash on delivery nationwide. Current price on Derma.pk: PKR 348 for the 60ml bottle.

What does Conaz Shampoo treat?

Conaz is appropriate for several scalp and skin conditions, all of which involve an overgrowth of a normally-harmless yeast called Malassezia: Dandruff — the most common reason patients in Pakistan use Conaz. Persistent flaking, itching, and visible scalp scale that doesn't respond to ordinary anti-dandruff shampoos usually has a fungal component, and ketoconazole tackles it directly.
Seborrheic dermatitis — a more inflamed, red, scaly version of dandruff that can extend beyond the scalp to the eyebrows, sides of the nose, and behind the ears. Conaz is a first-line treatment.

Tinea (pityriasis) versicolor — patchy discoloration on the chest, back, or shoulders, common in Pakistan's humid summer months. Although tinea versicolor isn't on the scalp, Conaz can be used on affected skin areas under a doctor's direction.

Fungal folliculitis — small itchy bumps that look like acne but don't respond to acne treatments. Often misdiagnosed as ordinary acne for months before the fungal cause is recognized.

If you have simple cosmetic dandruff that responds to a normal anti-dandruff shampoo within two weeks, you may not need Conaz. But for stubborn, recurring, or inflammatory scalp issues, ketoconazole shampoos like Conaz are usually where dermatologists start.

How to use Conaz Shampoo correctly

This is where most users go wrong. Conaz is not an everyday shampoo — using it like one will neither give you the benefit nor cause harm, just waste of product.

Step 1. Wet your hair thoroughly with warm water. Conaz lathers better on a fully wet scalp.

Step 2. Apply a small amount (about a 5-rupee-coin-sized dollop) directly to the scalp, not to the hair length. Massage gently with fingertips until you have a thin lather covering the affected scalp areas. The hair length doesn't need treatment — only the scalp.

Step 3 — this is the most important step. Leave the lather on your scalp for 3 to 5 minutes. This contact time is what allows the ketoconazole to penetrate and work. Set a timer if needed. Rinsing immediately defeats the entire purpose.

Step 4. Rinse thoroughly with water until no lather remains. Follow with a regular conditioner on the hair length only if your hair feels dry — Conaz can be drying.

Step 5 — frequency. For active dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, use Conaz 2 to 3 times per week for the first 2 to 4 weeks. Once the condition has cleared, drop to once a week or even once every two weeks as a maintenance dose. Most patients need indefinite maintenance because the underlying yeast colonization returns.

In Pakistan's humid climate, especially in Karachi and coastal areas, scalp conditions tend to recur faster. Maintenance use is realistic for most users; don't expect a one-month course to fix the problem permanently.

Side effects and when to stop

Conaz is well-tolerated by most users when used correctly, but some side effects are worth knowing about:

Common (mild): scalp dryness, hair feeling rougher than usual, mild itching during the first few uses.

Less common: hair shedding (usually temporary; resolves once you stop), skin irritation along the hairline, change in hair texture or color (rare).

Stop using and consult a doctor if: you develop a burning sensation that doesn't go away, persistent redness, blisters, or your scalp condition worsens after two weeks of correct use.

Conaz should not be used on broken or open scalp wounds. Avoid getting it in the eyes; if it does, rinse thoroughly with water.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: topical ketoconazole has minimal systemic absorption, but always consult your doctor before starting any new medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Conaz vs other ketoconazole shampoos available in Pakistan

Conaz isn't the only ketoconazole shampoo on the Pakistani market. The most common alternatives are:

Genketo Shampoo (Hilton Pharma) — same active ingredient (ketoconazole), similar strength, similar price range. Functionally interchangeable with Conaz for most users.

Triac Face Wash — different category. Triac is salicylic acid-based for acne, not for dandruff. Don't substitute.

Selsun Shampoo (selenium sulfide-based) — different active ingredient. Selenium sulfide also treats dandruff but works through a different mechanism. Useful as a rotation option if Conaz alone isn't enough.

Acneez Face Wash — also a different category, intended for acne not scalp.

If your dermatologist has prescribed Conaz specifically, stick with Conaz. If you're self-treating mild dandruff, any ketoconazole shampoo will do similar work; price and availability often decide for most patients in Pakistan.

For severe, inflammatory, or treatment-resistant scalp conditions, see a dermatologist. Sometimes the issue isn't fungal at all — psoriasis, contact dermatitis, or even autoimmune scalp conditions can mimic dandruff and need different treatment entirely.

Where to buy Conaz Shampoo in Pakistan

Conaz is available at most retail pharmacies in Pakistan, but availability and pricing vary by area. Online ordering through a licensed pharmacy gives you predictable pricing, authenticated stock, and home delivery.

At Derma.pk, the 60ml Conaz Shampoo is PKR 348 with:

• Same-day delivery in Lahore (DHA, Bahria Town, Gulberg, Johar Town, Model Town, Cantt, Garden Town and most other neighborhoods) for orders before 2 PM

• 2 to 3 day delivery to Karachi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, and 200+ other cities

• Cash on delivery nationwide — you only pay when the rider hands you the package

• Authentic stock with visible batch number and expiry, sourced through Atco's authorized Pakistan distribution

Order Conaz Shampoo on Derma.pk →

If you're unsure whether Conaz is right for your scalp condition, message our pharmacy team on WhatsApp at +92 320 5999650 with photos of your scalp and a brief description of how long the issue has been going on. We can recommend an appropriate next step or suggest you see a dermatologist if the condition requires in-person evaluation.