Anthralin (Topical)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 12, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Drithocreme
• Dritho-Scalp
• Psoriatec
• Zithranol
• Zithranol-RR

In Canada

• Anthraforte 2%
• Anthraforte 3%
• Anthrascalp

Available Dosage Forms:

• Shampoo
• Cream

Therapeutic Class: Antipsoriatic

Uses for anthralin

Anthralin is used to treat psoriasis. It may also be used to treat other skin conditions as determined by your doctor.

In the U.S., anthralin is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using anthralin

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For anthralin, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to anthralin or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies on anthralin have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of anthralin in children with use in other age groups.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of anthralin in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of anthralin. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Skin diseases or problems (other)—Anthralin may make the condition worse

Proper use of anthralin

Keep anthralin away from the eyes and mucous membranes, such as the mouth and the inside of the nose.

Do not apply anthralin to blistered, raw, or oozing areas of the skin or scalp.

Do not use anthralin on your face or sex organs or in the folds and creas...