Anthralin

Anthralin is an antipsoriatic medication used to treat long-term psoriasis.

• Anthralin is available under the following different brand names: Psoriatec, Dritho-Scalp, Micanol, Zithranol-RR

Common side effects of Anthralin include:

• temporary redness or irritation of the treated scalp
• temporary discoloration of hair and fingernails
• staining of skin or hair

Serious side effects of Anthralin include:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

Rare side effects of Anthralin include:

• none

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, coordination loss, unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.
• Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult dosage

Cream

• 0.5%
• 1%
• 1.2%

Psoriasis

Adult dosage

• 1% cream: Rub cream once a day well into psoriatic lesions in the skin until absorbed; avoid applying it in excessive quantity
• 0.5% scalp cream: Apply as directed after washing hair and remove by washing or showering

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, healthcare provider, or pharmacist first.

• Anthralin has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Anthralin has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs.
• Anthralin has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs.
• Anthralin has no noted minor interactions with any other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your healthcare professional or doctor for additional medical advice, health questions, or concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity
• Acute or actively inflamed psoriatic eruptions

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Anthralin?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Anthralin?”

Cautions

• Avoid contact with eyes or mucous membranes
• If redness is observed, reduce the frequency of application or discontinue therapy
• May stain fingernails, hair, or fabrics
• Use with caution in patients with extensive and prolonged applications

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use with caution if the benefits outweigh the risks during pregnancy
• Lactation
  • Excretion in milk unknown/not recommended