Zinc pyrithione
Description
Zinc pyrithione is a topical agent that exhibits both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It is mainly used to treat dandruff and fungal infection of the scalp characterized by scaly patches, red itchy scalp, etc. It may also be used to relieve the skin irritation associated with skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and ringworm infections, etc. This medicine is recommended for external use only.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Zinc pyrithione
- Skin irritation
- Stinging or burning sensation of scalp
- Skin peeling
Uses of Zinc pyrithione
What is it prescribed for?
- Dandruff
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
- 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. 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. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to zinc pyrithione or any other inactive ingredients present along with the formulation.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. 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. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before using this medicine.
General warnings
External use only
This medicine is recommended for use on the scalp and adjacent areas. Avoid contact with the eyes because it may cause eye irritation. If you experience any skin irritation, treatment should be discontinued.
Missed Dose
Shampoo/soap/Spray: Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Shampoo/soap/Spray: An overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause severe symptoms. However, the ingestion of this medicine may cause harm and immediate medical intervention may be required.
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.
Shampoo: Follow all the usage instructions mentioned on the label or the package insert. Wet your hair and apply a sufficient amount of shampoo to the affected areas of the scalp and adjacent areas. Massage thoroughly with the fingertips for about 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse the hair thoroughly with water. Avoid contact with the eyes because it may cause eye irritation. If you experience any skin irritation, treatment should be discontinued.
Soap/bar: This medicine is meant for external use only. Follow all dosing instructions mentioned on the label or the package insert. Report any severe undesired side effects or a lack of improvement to the doctor immediately.
Spray: Use this medicine as instructed by your doctor. Do not use in larger amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable effects. Do not stop using the medicine before completion of the course/without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine works by stopping the multiplication of fungal cells.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Miscellaneous topical agents, Scalp Cleanser
Schedule
OTC
Pyrithione - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2019 [cited 24 October 2019]. Available from:
DailyMed - Dandruff - pyrithione zinc 1% shampoo [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [cited 24 October 2019]. Available from:
DailyMed - Dove- pyrithione zinc shampoo [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [cited 24 October 2019]. Available from:
The antifungal mechanism of action of zinc pyrithione. - PubMed - NCBI [Internet]. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [cited 24 October 2019]. Available from:
[Internet]. Chemotechnique.se. 2019 [cited 24 October 2019]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 24 Oct 2019
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.