Connect with others who understand.

Sign up Log in
Resources
About MyPsoriasisTeam
Powered By

Overview

Zithranol-RR is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Zithranol-RR became available in 2009 for the treatment of plaque psoriasis affecting the skin or scalp. Zithranol-RR is also known by its drug name, Dithranol. Anthralin is another drug name for Zithranol-RR; Dithranol and Anthralin may be used interchangeably.

Zithranol-RR should be used with caution in people with a history of kidney disease. Zithranol-RR may not be appropriate for use by pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding.

Anthralin, the active ingredient in Zithranol-RR, is a synthetic form of a compound found in the bark of a tree indigenous to South America. It is believed that Zithranol-RR works in cases of psoriasis by reducing inflammation and slowing cell growth.

How do I take it?
Zithranol-RR is applied to the skin once daily for a limited period, usually 5 to 30 minutes. Your doctor will provide directions on the appropriate amount of time to leave Zithranol-RR on your skin. For psoriasis on the scalp, your doctor may tell you to apply Zithranol-RR every other day.

Apply Zithranol-RR only to skin affected by psoriasis. You can protect surrounding healthy skin from irritation with a layer of petroleum jelly before applying Zithranol-RR. Wash your skin with soap before applying Zithranol-RR. If applying Zithranol-RR to the scalp, first wash your hair with shampoo to remove any loose scales, and then apply Zithranol-RR while the hair is still damp. After leaving Zithranol-RR on for the amount of time indicated by your doctor, first rinse it off with cool or lukewarm water, and then wash again with soap or shampoo and hot water.

Zithranol-RR should be used with caution on the face, genitals, between fingers and toes, or on skin folds. Wear disposable gloves while applying Zithranol-RR to avoid discoloration of the fingernails. If you do not wear disposable gloves, after applying Zithranol-RR first rinse your hands with lukewarm water, then wash with hot water and soap.

Do not apply Zithranol-RR to irritated or acutely inflamed skin. Avoid getting Zithranol-RR onto mucus membranes of your eyes, nose, mouth, or genitals.

Zithranol-RR can stain skin and light-colored hair and permanently stain fabric. Take care to protect clothes and furnishings when using Zithranol-RR.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when using Zithranol-RR.

Results
In clinical trials, Anthralin (Zithranol-RR) provided significant improvement in cases of psoriasis in comparison with the placebo. Anthralin is considered to be a practical and effective treatment for psoriasis.

Side effects
Side effects of Zithranol-RR may include irritation and redness. These effects may fade as your body becomes accustomed to the medication.

Contact your doctor if your psoriasis worsens or spreads while using Zithranol-RR.

Many drugs can cause allergic reactions that, in the most serious cases, can result in death. Seek immediate medical help if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing or swelling in the face, throat, eyes, lips, or tongue.

Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
Lock Icon Your privacy is our priority. By continuing, you accept our Terms of Use, and our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a Member? Log in