ANTHRALIN (Topical)

Brand & Generic Names

Anthra-Derm	Drithocreme HP
Anthraforte	Dritho-Scalp
Anthranol	Lasan
Anthrascalp	Lasan HP
Dithranol	Lasan Pomade
Drithocreme	Lasan Unguent

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Antipsoriasis, hair growth stimulant

Uses

• Treats quiescent or chronic psoriasis.
• Stimulates hair growth in some people (not an approved use by the FDA).

Dosage & Usage Information

How to use:
Wear plastic gloves for all applications.
If directed, apply at night.
Cream, lotion, ointment--Bathe and dry area before use. Apply small amount and rub gently.
If for short contact, same as above for cream.
Leave on 20 to 30 minutes. Then remove medicine by bathing or shampooing.
If for scalp overnight--Shampoo before use to remove scales or medicine. Dry hair. Part hair several times and apply to scalp. Wear plastic cap on head. Clean off next morning with petroleum jelly, then shampoo.

When to use:
As directed.

If you forget a dose:
Use as soon as you remember.

What drug does:
Reduces growth activity within abnormal cells by inhibiting enzymes.

Time lapse before drug works:
May require several weeks or more.

Don't use with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
None expected.

WHAT TO DO:

Not for internal use. If child accidentally swallows, call poison-control center.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

None expected.

Common:

None expected.

Infrequent:

Redness or irritation of skin not present before application, rash.

Rare:

None expected.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't use if:

• You are allergic to anthralin.
• You have infected skin.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have chronic kidney disease.
• If you are allergic to anything.

Over age 60:
No problems expected, but check with doctor.

Pregnancy:
Risks unknown. Studies in animals and humans have not been done. Consult doctor.

Breast-feeding:
No problems expected, but check with doctor.

Infants & children:
No problems expected, but check with doctor.

Prolonged use:
No problems expected, but check with doctor.

Skin & sunlight:
May cause rash or intensify sunburn in areas exposed to sun or sunlamp. Avoid undue exposure.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.

Discontinuing:
No problems expected.

Others:

• Keep cool, but don't freeze.
• Apply petroleum jelly to normal skin or scalp to protect areas not being treated.
• Will stain hair, clothing, shower, bathtub or sheets. Wash as soon as possible.
• Heat and moisture in bathroom medicine cabinet can cause breakdown of medicine. Store someplace else.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Antidiabetic agents*	Increased sensitivity to sun
	exposure.
Coal tar	Increased sensitivity
preparations*	to sun exposure.
Diuretics, thiazide*	Increased sensitivity to sun
	exposure.
Griseofulvin	Increased sensitivity to sun
	exposure.
Methosalen	Increased sensitivity to sun
	exposure.
Nalidixic acid	Increased sensitivity to sun
	exposure.
Phenothiazines*	Increased sensitivity to sun
	exposure.
Sulfa drugs*	Increased sensitivity to sun
	exposure.
Tetracyclines*	Increased sensitivity to sun
	exposure.
Trioxsalen	Increased sensitivity to sun
	exposure.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.