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.
Psoriasis
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.
Source:Â DailyMed
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.
Available in both cream and shampoo forms
Generally well tolerated for most people
Skin discoloration is temporary
Can stain clothing and other materials
Can cause skin irritation
Not for use in children
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.
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.
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.
Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
85g of 1% | 1 bottle | $925.82 | $925.82 |
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.
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.
Zithranol-RR cream:
Sudden or active inflamed psoriatic eruptions
Plaque psoriasis - cream, ointment, foam
Scalp psoriasis - foam, solution
Acne - 0.1% strength only
Plaque psoriasis - 0.05% and 1% strengths
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