anthralin

This medication is used for the treatment of long-term psoriasis of the scalp. Anthralin is a man-made version of a natural substance found in goa powder, which is from the araroba tree. It works by slowing down the growth of skin cells. This product does not contain a corticosteroid or coal tar. 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.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Exactly follow all directions from your doctor and pharmacist. Learn how to apply this medicine, how long to leave it on the scalp, and how to avoid staining. This medication is for use on the scalp. To prevent discoloration of fingernails, apply this medication using plastic gloves. Apply a thin layer to the area with psoriasis, usually once daily. Avoid the normal scalp. Rub in well. If normal skin surrounding the treated areas becomes too irritated, you may cover the normal skin with petroleum jelly to protect it. Wash hair first with a shampoo to remove loose scales. Rinse off the shampoo, then apply this medication as directed, only on the psoriasis area. Follow your doctor's directions for how long to leave the drug on the scalp (usually starting at 5-10 minutes per treatment). Then wash the scalp with a recommended shampoo and rinse well. After using this medicine, wash hands with plenty of soap and water. Do not allow the drug to come in contact with the eyes or the inside of the nose/mouth. If this occurs, flush with plenty of water. If irritation occurs, contact your doctor immediately. Treatment is usually continued until the affected area is entirely clear. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially: other skin products or shampoos used for psoriasis, corticosteroids (e.g., triamcinolone, amcinonide creams). This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Do not share this medication with others. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another skin condition unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case.

This medication may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Before using anthralin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to preservatives (e.g., parabens); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain other inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease. To prevent staining of clothing or bed linen, a 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. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Keep container tightly closed. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Temporary redness or irritation of the treated scalp may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: increased soreness of skin, spread of psoriasis. This medication may temporarily discolor fingernails or discolor gray/white hair. It will also stain skin and fabrics (see also Precautions section). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.