Dosing and uses of Psoriatec, Dritho-Scalp (anthralin)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
cream
- 1%
- 1.2%
Psoriasis
1% cream: Rub cream qDay well into psoriatic lesions in skin
0.5% scalp cream: Apply as directed after washing hair and remove by washing or showering
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
Safety & efficacy not established
Psoriatec, Dritho-Scalp (anthralin) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Allergic reactions around surrounding skin
Lesion soreness
Staining of hair, skin, and fingernails
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Acute or actively inflamed psoriatic eruptions
Cautions
Avoid contact with eyes or mucous membranes
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: excretion in milk unknown/not recommended
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Psoriatec, Dritho-Scalp (anthralin)
Metabolism: N/A
Excretion: N/A
Mechanism of action
Not fully understood
Inhibits cell proliferation putatively through inhibition of DNA synthesis as well as from its strong reducing properties
Anti-psoriatic action may be partly through inactivating epidermal 12-lipoxygenase & reducing levels of endothelial cell adhesion molecules which are markedly elevated in psoriasis
