Zithranol Shampoo
Generic name:anthralin
Dosage form: shampoo
Drug class:Topical antipsoriatics
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 21, 2021.
Disclaimer: This drug has not been found by FDA to be safe and effective, and this labeling has not been approved by FDA. Read further information about unapproved drugs.
Zithranol Shampoo
anthralin 1% | microcrystalline-encapsulated system
Package Insert:
On This Page
Rx Only
FOR DERMATOLOGIC USE ONLY
NOT FOR OPHTHALMIC USE
DESCRIPTION
Zithranol Shampoo contains 1% anthralin in a shampoo base containing glyceryl monolaurate, glyceryl monomyristate, citric acid, sodium hydroxide, FD&C Blue No. 1, Macare® G-2C, and purified water. The chemical name of anthralin is 1,8-dihydroxy-9-anthrone and its structural formula is:
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
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 antiinflammatory effects of anthralin on psoriatic and normal skin. The antiproliferative 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 antipsoriatic 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.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Zithranol Shampoo 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.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Use of Zithranol Shampoo is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to anthralin or to any ingredient in this preparation.
