Zithranol Shampoo

Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Last updated on RxList: 9/25/2023

Drug Summary

What Is Zithranol Shampoo?

Zithranol Shampoo (1% anthralin) is a topical anti-psoriatic medication indicated for the treatment of scalp psoriasis in subjects 12 years of age and older.

What Are Side Effects of Zithranol Shampoo?

Common side effects of Zithranol Shampoo include temporary irritation, or staining of the hair or skin. Zithranol Shampoo may also stain fabrics.

Dosage for Zithranol Shampoo

Zithranol Shampoo should be applied onto wet scalp 3 to 4 times per week (or as directed by the physician). Lather and leave on scalp for 3 to 5 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Zithranol Shampoo?

Zithranol Shampoo may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Zithranol Shampoo During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding

During pregnancy, Zithranol Shampoo should be used only if prescribed. It is unknown if it could affect a fetus. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Additional Information

Our Zithranol Shampoo (1% anthralin) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

Description for Zithranol Shampoo

Zithranol Shampoo contains 1% anthralin in a shampoo base containing glyceryl monolaurate, glyceryl monomyristate, citric acid, sodium hydroxide, FD&C Blue #1, Macare® G-2C, and purified water. The chemical name of anthralin is 1,8-dihydroxy-9-anthrone and its structural formula is:

Zithranol Shampoo (anthralin) Structural Formula Illustration

Uses for Zithranol Shampoo

Zithranol Shampoo is indicated for the treatment of scalp psoriasis in subjects 12 years of age and older (see PRECAUTIONS).

Patients should be instructed to use Zithranol Shampoo for the minimum time period necessary to achieve the desired results.

Dosage for Zithranol Shampoo

Zithranol Shampoo should be applied onto wet scalp 3 to 4 times per week (or as directed by the physician). Lather and leave on scalp for 3 to 5 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. Avoid contact with eyes. Although no additional shampoo is necessary to cleanse the hair, a non-medicated shampoo or conditioner can be applied following the use of Zithranol Shampoo, if desired. If no improvement is seen after 4 weeks of treatment, consult the physician.

HOW SUPPLIED

Zithranol Shampoo (anthralin 1%) microcrystalline-encapsulated system is supplied in tubes.

85g NDC 42783-111-85
7.5g NDC 42783-111-07 (physician sample size)

Store at controlled room temperature 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).

Caution: Federal law prohibits dispensing without prescription.

Manufactured for: Elorac, Inc., Vernon Hills, IL 60061. Revised: Oct 2011

Side Effects for Zithranol Shampoo

Very few instances of contact allergic reactions to anthralin have been reported. Transient primary irritation and staining of hair or skin may occur. The temporary discoloration of hair and skin may be minimized by careful application. Staining of fabrics may be permanent so contact should be avoided.

Drug Interactions for Zithranol Shampoo

No information provided.

Warnings for Zithranol Shampoo

Avoid contact with the eyes or mucous membranes. Discontinue use if a sensitivity reaction occurs or if excessive irritation develops.

Precautions for Zithranol Shampoo

General

For external use only. Contact with fabrics, plastics, and other materials may cause staining and should be avoided. Always wash hands thoroughly after use. Keep container tightly capped when not in use. Avoid excessive heat. Keep out of the reach of children.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

Although long-term studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of the drug, there have been no reports to suggest carcinogenic effects in humans after many years of clinical use.

Pregnancy

Teratogenic effects

Pregnancy category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Zithranol Shampoo. It is also not known whether Zithranol Shampoo can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Zithranol Shampoo should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Nursing Mothers

Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Zithranol Shampoo is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.

Overdose Information for Zithranol Shampoo

No information provided.

Contraindications for Zithranol Shampoo

Use of Zithranol Shampoo is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to anthralin or to any ingredient in this preparation.

Clinical Pharmacology for Zithranol Shampoo

Zithranol Shampoo contains anthralin, a synthetic compound whose precise mechanism of antipsoriatic action is not yet fully

understood. However, numerous studies have demonstrated antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects of anthralin on psoriatic and normal skin. The anti-proliferative effects of anthralin appear to result from both an inhibition of DNA synthesis as well as from its strong reducing properties. Recently, anthralin's effectiveness as an anti-psoriatic agent has also been in part attributed to its ability to induce lipid peroxidation and reduce levels of endothelial adhesion molecules, which are markedly elevated in psoriatic patients. Unlike retinoids and PUVA, anthralin does not inhibit liver microsomal enzyme activity; consequently, the likelihood of adverse drug interactions is greatly reduced when other agents are administered concomitantly with anthralin.

Patient Information for Zithranol Shampoo

Zithranol Shampoo
(anthralin 1%) microcrystalline-encapsulated system

How To Use Zithranol Shampoo

Your health care provider has prescribed Zithranol Shampoo, the non-steroidal prescription shampoo for mild-to-moderate scalp psoriasis. Using Zithranol Shampoo is simple and easy. In order to get the best results, however, it's important to follow the instructions carefully. As with any medication, always consult your health care provider if you experience any discomfort or unexpected reactions.

OPEN THE TUBE

Unscrew the cap and invert it to puncture the tube seal. Squeeze shampoo into palm of hand.

Remember to place the cap back on the shampoo after using.

Step 1: Lather

Wet hair then massage Zithranol Shampoo onto scalp. Work into a gentle lather.

Leave on the scalp for at least 3 minutes or as directed by your health care provider.

Massage Zithranol Shampoo onto scalp - Illustration

Step 2: Rinse

Rinse with lukewarm water (do not use very hot water). Although no additional shampoo is necessary to cleanse the hair, a non-medicated shampoo or conditioner can be used following Zithranol Shampoo, if desired.

Rinse with lukewarm water - Illustration

Step 3: Done

You're done! You can dry or style your hair as you normally do.

dry or style your hair - Illustration

Figure

Zithranol Shampoo - Illustration

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Zithranol Shampoo is used to treat mild-to-moderate scalp psoriasis. Avoid contact with the eyes or mucous membranes. The shampoo should not be applied directly on the face, underarms, or groin. Discontinue use if a sensitivity reaction occurs or if excessive irritation develops. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions concerning this product.

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