Dithranol

Dithranol, also known as anthralin, works by reducing the mitotic activity of keratinocytes (epidermal skin cells) in psoriasis by normalizing the rate of epidermal cell proliferation and keratinization, thus inhibiting the DNA replication, cellular respiration and key cellular enzymes. In patients with psoriasis, it promotes lipid peroxidation and reduces the concentration of endothelial adhesion molecules due to elevated levels.

Use this medication precisely as recommended by your physician. Follow the prescription of your doctor carefully.

The medication dose given by your physician is based on your health conditions, other medications or food supplements taken, and your reaction to the treatment. To diminish risks for adverse effects, do not increase your dosage, thus take it regularly, or take it as instructed by your physician. Adverse events may still happen even at usual prescription dosages.

If your physician requests you to use this drug consistently, take it regularly to get the most benefits from it. To make you remember it better, take it at a fixed time every day.

Your doctor may need to modify your dosages to ease your symptoms or if you develop adverse reactions.

Uses

Dithranol is used in the following conditions:

Subacute and chronic psoriasis

This medicine may be recommended for different uses. Approach your physician or pharmacist for more information.

Warnings

Do not use Dithranol in people with the following conditions:

Acute pustular psoriasis or inflamed skin

Side Effects

Dithranol may have the following side effects:

Burning sensation especially on perilesional skin
Temporary staining of skin and hair
Skin irritation and/or warmth feeling on application site

Keep in mind that your physician has recommended this drug since he or she has known that the advantage to you is more significant than the risk of adverse reactions. Many individuals utilizing this medicine don’t have serious side effects.

A severe allergy to this medication is uncommon. In any case, seek emergency medical help if you see any manifestations of a serious allergic response, including a rash, tingling or swelling particularly of the face or tongue or throat, dizziness or difficulty in breathing.

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you see other effects not recorded above, contact your physician or pharmacist.

Precautions

Take extra caution in patients with the following medical conditions:

Patient withfair skin
Children
Pregnancy
Lactation

Prior in taking this medicine, tell your physician or pharmacist if you have allergies or other hypersensitivity reactions with the drug. This drug may contain inert ingredients which can cause unfavorable side effects or different issues. Talk with your pharmacist for more information.

Interactions

Dithranol may interact with the following medicines:

Photosensitising drugs
Propylene glycol-containing drugs
Steroids

Inform your physician about the drugs you take including over-the-counter medications, prescribed drugs, supplements and vitamins.

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Approach your physician or pharmacist for more details.

The effects of certain medications can change if you consume different medications or herbal products simultaneously. This can build your risk for side effects or may cause your drugs not to work effectively. These interactions are possible, yet don’t generally happen. Your physician or pharmacist can prevent or oversee interactions by changing how you utilize your prescriptions or by close checking.

While utilizing this drug, don’t start, stop, or change the dose of other medicines you are using without your physician’s advice.

Overdose & Brands

If you think you have used Dithranol more than the usual dosage, please seek medical help immediately.

Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

Burning and deep staining of the skin

Available Brands:

Anthraforte
Anthrascalp
Anthra-Derm
Dritho-Scalp
Drithocreme
Micanol
Psoriatec
Zithranol
Zithranol-RR