Type of medicine: antipsoriatic
Generic and brand names: anthralin, topical; Drithocreme HP; Dritho-Scalp; Micanol
This medicine is applied to the skin to treat long-term psoriasis. It is to be used on the skin or scalp only.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Your healthcare provider may adjust your dosage depending on your response and the side effects you may have. Wash your hands before and after using this medicine. Wear plastic gloves to apply the medicine. Wash and dry the area where you have the plaques before you use the medicine. Keep the medicine off the surrounding skin and away from your mouth, nose, eyes, and sex organs. Do not get this medicine in the folds and creases in your skin such as the armpits or groin. Apply just enough medicine to cover the plaques and rub gently. Your provider will tell you how long to leave the medicine on the plaques.
At the end of each treatment, rinse the area with cool to lukewarm water, and then wash with soap. Do not put tight bandages over the plaques.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
This medicine may color the skin or fingernails purple or brown. Use the medicine carefully and wash after use to avoid stains. Stained skin will return to normal color after treatment ends. It will also stain clothes and bedding. Wash the bathtub or shower stall with a household cleanser to avoid staining.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which may lead to painful sunburns. While you are taking this medicine, avoid long exposure to the sun. Wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen lotion when you need to be outdoors. Do not use a sunlamp. If you get a severe sunburn, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Your plaques may improve in about 2Â weeks, but you may need to use this medicine for 4Â weeks or longer. Use the medicine for as long as your healthcare provider tells you to do so.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious: None, when used as directed.
Other: Redness, scaling, itching, rash, burning, pain, scabbing, crusting, swelling, peeling or flaking of skin, staining of skin, nails, or hair.
No significant interactions with other medicines have been reported. However, do not use any insect repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-M-toluamide) while you are using this medicine. Also, you should not use this medicine within 1 week of using topical corticosteroids.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
