Anthralin inhibits DNA replication in the affected area after topical application. It is used to treat patients with stable plaque psoriasis

Anthralin Dose in Adults

For the treatment of Psoriasis:

Cream:

• Apply once a day or as directed.
• Start with a brief (5–10 minute) contact time for one week, and when it is tolerated, progressively increase it to 30 minutes.

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• Skin application:
  • Apply only to psoriatic lesions and rub into the skin gently and carefully until absorbed.
  • Application in excessive quantities may cause soiling and staining of the clothing or bed linen.
• Scalp application:
  • Remove scalar debris with a comb, wet hair and, rub cream well into the lesions.
  • Avoid application over the forehead.

• Shampoo:
  • Shampoo should be applied to a damp scalp, lathered, and left on for three to five minutes.
  • Rinse thoroughly.
  • Apply 3 - 4 times a week

Anthralin Dose in Childrens

Dose in the treatment of Scalp psoriasis:

• Children older than 12 years and Adolescents:
  • Rub shampoo onto wet scalp, lather and leave for 3 - 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and apply 3 - 4 times a week.

Pregnancy Risk Factor C

• Its use in pregnancy is not known.

Anthralin use during breastfeeding:

• It is unknown if the drug can be found in breastmilk.
• Manufacturers recommend that you weigh the benefits and risks of treatment.

Anthralin Dose in Renal Disease:

• Adjustment in the dose has not been recommended by the manufacturer in patients with kidney disease.

Anthralin Dose in Liver Disease:

• Adjustment in the dose has not been recommended by the manufacturer in patients with liver disease.

Side Effects of Anthralin Frequency not defined.

• Dermatologic:
  • Allergic contact sensitivity
  • Erythema
  • Temporary discoloration of hair, nails, and skin
• Miscellaneous:
  • Transient irritation of the uninvolved skin

Contraindication to Anthralin Include:

• Anthralin and any component of the formulation can cause alergic reactions
• Inflamed acute psoriatic eruptions.

Warnings and Precautions

• Redness:
  • Some patients may experience redness, which may lead to treatment discontinuation or reduction.
• Staining
  • It can cause permanent staining to the skin, hair, and fingernails.

Monitoring Parameters:

None required.

How to administer Anthralin:

• It may be applied directly over plaques using latex gloves to prevent staining of the fingers.
• It should be rubbed gently avoiding unaffected skin. Application over the scalp should be done by separating the hair at one-inch segments to reach the plaques.
• It should be removed by washing after the prescribed period is over.
• Care should be taken to avoid contact of the drug with eyes. petroleum jelly may be used around the lesions to avoid application over the unaffected skin.

Mechanism of action of Anthralin:

It inhibits the synthesis of nucleic protein by inhibiting DNA synthesis in the affected area resulting in reducing the rate of mitosis and proliferation of epidermal cells in psoriasis.

International Brands of Anthralin:

• Ansrin
• Anthra West
• Anthramash
• Anthramed
• Anthranol
• Anthrin
• Antranol
• Dithrasis
• Dithrocream
• Filorose
• Micanol
• Psoradexan
• Psoriderm
• Psorinol
• Timicolid

Anthralin brands in Pakistan:

No brands available in Pakistan.