Zithranol
Zithranol (anthralin) is a medication that you apply to your skin (topically) to treat psoriasis. This medication comes in both cream and shampoo formulations to help with skin and scalp psoriasis. Zithranol (anthralin) is easy to use, but it can stain clothing and other materials.
What is Zithranol (anthralin)?
What is Zithranol (anthralin) used for?
- Psoriasis
How Zithranol (anthralin) works
Zithranol (anthralin) is an antipsoriatic medication. Psoriasis is a condition where the body produces an excessive amount of new skin cells that build up, causing red, itchy, and scaly patches. Zithranol (anthralin) helps treat psoriasis by slowing down the growth of skin cells and lowering the swelling (inflammation) on the skin.
Drug facts
Side effects of Zithranol (anthralin)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Staining of normal skin surrounding the lesions
- Temporary discoloration of hair and fingernails
Less Common Side Effects
- Red, itchy rash
The following Zithranol (anthralin) side effects have also been reported
Anthralin has been shown to cause tumors in animals. However, there have been no reports of anthralin causing tumors in humans.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Redness or other skin irritation of treated or uninvolved skin not present before use of this medicine
Rare
Skin rash
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get your GoodRx coupon
Pros and cons of Zithranol (anthralin)
Pros
- Available in both cream and shampoo forms
- Generally well tolerated for most people
- Skin discoloration is temporary
Cons
- Can stain clothing and other materials
- Can cause skin irritation
- Not for use in children
Pharmacist tips for Zithranol (anthralin)
- Wash your hands thoroughly after applying Zithranol (anthralin).
- Avoid getting Zithranol (anthralin) into your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Don't leave the medication on the skin for longer than prescribed by your provider. Leaving it on for too long can cause skin irritation.
- Only apply the medication to areas affected by psoriasis. Avoid using an excessive amount of medication to minimize irritation and discoloration of the skin. Any skin discolorations are usually temporary and will go away after stopping the medication.
- Stop using Zithranol (anthralin) and speak with your provider if you experience a reaction or excessive irritation with the medication.
Common questions about Zithranol (anthralin)
Zithranol (anthralin) can cause irritation to the skin, so you should only allow the medication to sit on the skin for a short amount of time. For Zithranol (anthralin) shampoo, it should be left on the scalp for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing off. For Zithranol (anthralin) creams, check with your provider. They might have specific directions for you depending on how severe your symptoms are.
It might take a few weeks to see improvements from Zithranol (anthralin). Let your provider know if you don't see any improvments after 4 weeks of treatment.
Using a different shampoo to clean the hair is not necessary when using Zithranol shampoo. If you want to use an additional shampoo or conditioner after using the Zithranol shampoo, make sure they are non-medicated.
It's not known if Zithranol (anthralin) can harm your unborn baby during pregnancy, or if it'll pass into your breast milk. Speak with your provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding to see if Zithranol (anthralin) is safe for you and your baby.
No, Zithranol-RR is no longer available in the US because it was discontinued. It's unclear why the medication was discontinued, but it could be because the medication wasn't used as much as other treatments that are available for psoriasis.
How to save using GoodRx
Risks and warnings for Zithranol (anthralin)
Zithranol (anthralin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Staining of different materials
Zithranol (anthralin) might stain fabrics, plastics, and other materials, so it's best to avoid contact whenever possible. Zithranol (anthralin) might also cause temporary discoloration of hair and skin so wash your hands thoroughly after each use. You can use protective dressings to prevent stains on clothing or bed sheets. To prevent Zithranol (anthralin) from staining the tub or shower, make sure you rinse the area with lukewarm water right after washing or showering. You can use a cleanser to remove any stains that are present in the tub or shower.
Zithranol (anthralin) dosage
Bottle of shampoo| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85g of 1% | 1 bottle | $927.75 | $927.75 |
Typical dosage for Zithranol (anthralin)
- Apply as directed by your provider.
- Apply the medication onto your wet scalp 3 to 4 times per week, or as directed by your provider. Lather and leave it on the scalp for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Interactions between Zithranol (anthralin) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does Zithranol (anthralin) cost?
$927.75
Zithranol (anthralin) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Zithranol (anthralin) will not be safe for you to take.
Zithranol-RR cream:
- Sudden or active inflamed psoriatic eruptions
