Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

ANTHRALIN TOPICAL

(AN-thruh-lin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Anthralin, Psoriatec

Uses

This medication is used for the treatment of long-term psoriasis. It is not meant to be used for a severe outbreak of psoriasis. Do not use this drug if the skin is inflamed or irritated.

How To Use

Follow all doctor and pharmacist directions exactly. Learn how to apply the medicine, how long to leave it in scalp and how to avoid staining. This medication is for use on the scalp and/or skin. Apply this medication using plastic gloves since fingernails may become discolored. Apply thin layer to the psoriasis lesion. Avoid the normal skin or scalp. Rub in well. For the scalp: wash hair first with a shampoo to remove loose scales. Rinse off the shampoo then apply medicine as directed only on the psoriasis area. Avoid contact with the eyes. At the end of the contact period (usually starts as 15-30 minutes per treatment) remove the drug by rinsing/shampooing scalp or washing, taking a bath or shower to remove any drug from skin. Wash hands after using this medicine. Treatment is usually continued until the affected area is entirely clear. The drug strength may be gradually increased depending on your response and tolerance.

Side Effects

Redness or irritation may occur temporarily. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Report promptly: increase soreness of lesions, spread of psoriasis. Very unlikely but notify your doctor if you develop a skin rash, burning, inflammation or swelling of the area where the medication is applied. These may be signs of an allergic reaction. This medication may temporarily discolor fingernails or discolor gray/white hair and stain skin and fabrics. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor if you have: kidney disease, allergies. Do not allow the drug to come in contact with eyes, mucous membranes (e.g., lips, mouth), or genital area. Caution is advised when applying on the areas between toes and fingers, on the face or in skin folds. To prevent staining clothing or bed linen, protective dressing may be useful. To prevent staining of the tub or shower (after washing off the medicine), rinse tub/shower with lukewarm water. Then use a cleanser to remove any deposits left on the surface. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may use, especially of: all skin products or shampoos used for psoriasis, corticosteroids (e.g., triamcinolone, amcinonide creams). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If this product was taken by mouth, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as remembered; If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Discard unused medication after expiration date on the container.