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Anthralin is applied to your skin or scalp to treat certain skin conditions. Common side effects may include minor skin irritation, soreness, or temporary hair, fingernail, or skin color changes where it is applied. You can use gloves to apply anthralin to minimize exposure of your hands to the medicine. Anthralin can also stain fabrics, so be careful to avoid getting it on your clothes or other fabrics.

Uses

What is anthralin used for?

Anthralin is commonly used for plaque psoriasis or psoriasis of your scalp.

Anthralin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not reviewed this medicine for safety and effectiveness, and the label is not approved by the FDA. Learn more about unapproved drugs here.

How does anthralin work (mechanism of action)?

Psoriasis is a skin condition that involves your immune system. Skin cells grow very quickly and can build up into patches (called plaques). Anthralin seems to help slow down the growth of cells, possibly by blocking the way DNA is made. It also seems to act as an antioxidant. It might also help partly by switching off a specific enzyme in the skin and by lowering the levels of “sticky” proteins. These sticky protein levels seem to be much higher in people with psoriasis.

How is anthralin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Drithocreme
  • Dritho-Scalp
  • Micanol
  • Psoriatec
  • Zithranol

Dosage forms and strengths

  • Various strengths and dosage forms, such as a cream that is applied to the skin and a shampoo that is used to wash the scalp

How should I store anthralin?

Anthralin should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Some products can be exposed to higher or lower temperatures, such as between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C). Follow the storage suggestions for the product you are using. Keep the container tightly closed when you are not using it and protect it from light. Avoid exposing it to very hot temperatures.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of anthralin?

The most common side effects of anthralin are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Minor skin irritation or soreness 
  • Temporary hair, fingernails, or skin color changes where it is applied

There may be other side effects of anthralin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of anthralin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of anthralin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Anthralin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using anthralin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use anthralin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use anthralin.

  • Anthralin
  • Drithocreme
  • Dritho-Scalp
  • Micanol
  • Psoriatec
  • Zithranol
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific anthralin products they stock.

What should I know about anthralin before using it?

Do not use anthralin unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. 

Follow any instructions from your health care provider about how long to leave anthralin on your skin or scalp before rinsing with cool or lukewarm water and washing the area. Wash your hands well after applying this medicine. 

Do not share anthralin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep anthralin out of the reach of children.

Using anthralin may cause temporary color changes to your hair, skin, or nails. Use this medicine carefully to limit exposure to areas of skin that are not affected by psoriasis. You can use gloves to apply it to minimize exposure of your hands to the medicine. Anthralin can also stain fabrics or certain plastics, so be careful to avoid getting it on your clothes or other fabrics. 

Avoid letting anthralin touch your eyes, lips, mouth, nose, or genitals. If this happens, flush the area with water. If the area seems irritated after flushing with water, contact your health care provider.

What should I tell my health care provider before using anthralin?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if anthralin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

If your psoriasis seems to be spreading or the affected area is very irritated, tell your health care provider. Your health care provider may suggest you change how long you leave anthralin on your skin or ask you to stop using it.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how anthralin could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use anthralin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if anthralin passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use anthralin while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does anthralin interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between anthralin and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect anthralin.

Does anthralin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Anthralin may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much anthralin?

If you or someone else has used too much anthralin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of anthralin?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.