DITHRANOL
Brand name Dithrocream
Used in the following combined preparations Psoradrate, Psorin
GENERAL INFORMATION
Dithranol is an effective topical drug for moderately severe psoriasis. Applied as a cream, ointment, or paste, it restores excessive skin growth to normal. It is sometimes accompanied by ultraviolet (UVB) treatments to boost its effect.
If psoriasis is severe, treatment at a specialized outpatient centre may be needed. But most people can use the drug at home, leaving it on overnight or for short periods each day, before washing it off. Since it may stain, bed linen and clothes should be protected.
Dithranol frequently causes irritation or redness of normal skin around the treated areas, especially when given at high concentrations. A protective coat of petroleum jelly applied to normal skin before using the drug helps to minimize such effects and plastic gloves should be worn during application. Areas that are raw, blistered, or oozing should never be treated. Dithranol should not be used on the face, genital area, or skin folds such as those of the neck or groin.
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Follow instructions on the label. Call your doctor if symptoms worsen.
How taken
Cream, ointment, paste.
Frequency and timing of doses
Once daily, at low concentration (0.1-0.5 per cent) at bedtime for 8-12 hours (overnight treatment), or at high concentration (1-2 per cent) during the day for 30-60 minutes as directed (short-contact treatment). Remove the medicine by washing as directed after each application.
Adult dosage range
Apply thinly to the affected area as directed. The strength of the cream, ointment, or paste is increased if required as treatment continues.
Onset of effect
2-3 days. Full beneficial effect of the drug may not be felt for several weeks.
Duration of action
Up to 72 hours.
Diet advice
None.
Storage Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Missed dose
Apply as soon as you remember. If your next
dose is due within 4 hours (short-contact treatment), apply a single dose now and skip the next. However, if it is not remembered until the next morning (overnight treatment), skip the missed application and apply your next dose as usual.
Stopping the drug
For best results, apply the full course of treatment as instructed.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra application is unlikely to be a cause for concern. If the preparation is left on the skin longer than recommended, irritation and redness may result. If this occurs, notify your doctor.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
Irritation or redness of the skin around the helped by reducing the amount or frequency
treated areas is fairly common and is usually of application. Allergic skin rashes are rare.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Drug for psoriasis
Overdose danger rating Low
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed No
Available as generic Yes
INTERACTIONS
General note
Any drug that increases the sensitivity of the skin to light may increase the risk of redness or irritation with dithranol. These include coal tar or coal tar derivatives, and rarely thiazide
diuretics, griseofulvin, nalidixic acid, phenothiazine antipsychotic drugs, sulphonamides, and tetracycline antibiotics.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this drug if:
You have a long-term kidney problem. You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
No evidence of risk, but discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
No evidence of risk, but discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Not recommended under 12 years.
Over 60
No special problems.
Driving and hazardous work
No known problems.
Alcohol
No known problems.
PROLONGED USE
No special problems.
