Dithranol
Description
Dithranol is used for the treatment of plaque psoriasis, a condition characterized by red, scaly, itchy, dry patches on the skin and the scalp due to the increased production of skin cells. It may be used either alone or in a combination with other medicines.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Dithranol
- Skin rash
- Temporary discoloration of skin
- Staining of hair, fingernails, and skin
Uses of Dithranol
What is it prescribed for?
- Plaque Psoriasis
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time taken by this medicine to show its effect is not clinically established. However, its effect is believed to be cumulative and improvement in symptoms is usually observed within 2 weeks of application.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine. If the medicine is used, the infant should be monitored closely for any undesired side effects.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to dithranol or any other inactive ingredient present in the formulation.
Acute or actively inflamed psoriatic eruptions
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with acute or actively inflamed psoriatic eruptions.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine. If the medicine is used, the infant should be monitored closely for any undesired side effects.
General warnings
Contact with eyes or mucous membranes
This medicine is meant for external use only. Patients are advised to take precautions so that the medicine does not come into contact with the eyes or mucous membranes.
Use in children
This medicine is not recommended for use in children less than 18 years of age since the safety and efficacy of use are not clinically established.
Missed Dose
Apply the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next scheduled application, then the missed dose can be skipped. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Apply this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Do not use in smaller or larger quantities than recommended. Avoid contact with the eyes or face. Ensure that the course of treatment is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine slows down the excessive production of skin cells and relieves the symptoms of psoriasis.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Topical antipsoriatics
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. Psoriasis-association.org.uk. 2018 [cited 27 September 2018]. Available from:
Anthralin - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 27 September 2018]. Available from:
DailyMed - Anthralin cream [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 27 September 2018]. Available from:
Dithrocream - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (eMC) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 27 September 2018]. Available from:
Dithranol: a review of the mechanism of action in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris. - PubMed - NCBI [Internet]. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2018 [cited 27 September 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 31 Dec 2018
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.