Dithranol

Dithranol

Clinical data
Pregnancy category	AU: B2
Routes of administration	topical
ATC code	D05AC01 (WHO)
Legal status
Legal status	UK: P (Pharmacy medicines)
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	0%, trace amounts metabolites
Protein binding	0%
Metabolism	absorbed and oxidised within the skin
Elimination half-life	n/a
Excretion	n/a
Identifiers
IUPAC name 1,8-dihydroxy-10H-anthracen-9-one
CAS Number	480-22-8
PubChem CID	2202
E number	{{#property:P628}}
ECHA InfoCard	{{#property:P2566}}
Chemical and physical data
Formula	C14H10O3
Molar mass	226.227 g/mol

WikiDoc Resources for Dithranol
Articles
Most recent articles on Dithranol Most cited articles on Dithranol Review articles on Dithranol Articles on Dithranol in N Eng J Med, Lancet, BMJ
Media
Powerpoint slides on Dithranol Images of Dithranol Photos of Dithranol Podcasts & MP3s on Dithranol Videos on Dithranol
Evidence Based Medicine
Cochrane Collaboration on Dithranol Bandolier on Dithranol TRIP on Dithranol
Clinical Trials
Ongoing Trials on Dithranol at Clinical Trials.gov Trial results on Dithranol Clinical Trials on Dithranol at Google
Guidelines / Policies / Govt
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse on Dithranol NICE Guidance on Dithranol NHS PRODIGY Guidance FDA on Dithranol CDC on Dithranol
Books
Books on Dithranol
News
Dithranol in the news Be alerted to news on Dithranol News trends on Dithranol
Commentary
Blogs on Dithranol
Definitions
Definitions of Dithranol
Patient Resources / Community
Patient resources on Dithranol Discussion groups on Dithranol Patient Handouts on Dithranol Directions to Hospitals Treating Dithranol Risk calculators and risk factors for Dithranol
Healthcare Provider Resources
Symptoms of Dithranol Causes & Risk Factors for Dithranol Diagnostic studies for Dithranol Treatment of Dithranol
Continuing Medical Education (CME)
CME Programs on Dithranol
International
Dithranol en Espanol Dithranol en Francais
Business
Dithranol in the Marketplace Patents on Dithranol
Experimental / Informatics
List of terms related to Dithranol

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Dithranol (INN) or Anthralin (USAN and former BAN) is a Hydroxyanthrone, anthracene derivative, medicine applied to the skin of people with psoriasis. It is available as creams, ointment or pastes in 0.1 to 2% stengths (Dithrocream®, Micanol® and Psorlin®).

Pharmacology

Dithranol accumulates in mitochondria where it interferes with the supply of energy to the cell, probably by the oxidation of dithranol releasing free radicals. This impedes DNA replication and so slows the excessive cell division that occurs in psoriatic plaques. In addition Dithranol may act by reducing the elevated levels of cGMP that occurs in psoriasis.

More dithranol penetrates into impaired skin in 30 minutes than into intact skin during about 16 hours. For this reason weaker 0.1-0.5% preparations are applied over night, but stronger 1-2% products are applied for between 30 minutes and one hour depending upon the formulation.

Clinical considerations

Dithranol has a slower onset of action in controlling psoriasis, typically several weeks, compared to glucocorticoid steroids, but is without the potential for rebound reaction on withdrawal. It cannot be used on the face or genitalia.

Side effects

It temporarily stains the skin a yellowy-brown and permanently stains clothing fabrics. It may cause a local burning sensation and irritation, this may be minimised by careful attention to the details of treatment and only gradually stepping up through the strengths of dithranol formulations. The surrounding skin can be protected using soft white paraffin and the treated area is covered with tube gauze.

References

• Anthralin Treatment of Psoriasis The Skin Site
• British National Formulary 45 March 2003
• "Micanol data sheet". New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority. 2 May 2001.