Psorin Scalp Gel
SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Psorin scalp gel
2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Dithranol 0.25% w/w, salicylic acid 1.6% w/w.
For excipients, see 6.1.
3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Gel.
Pale yellow, opaque gel
4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic indications
For the topical treatment of psoriasis of the scalp.
4.2 Posology and method of administration
Before beginning regular treatment a small area of affected skin should be treated. The gel should be left on the skin for 20 minutes and then washed off with an appropriate shampoo. If there is no major reaction within 24 hours the full treatment can be instituted.
Psorin Scalp Gel is applied to areas of the scalp affected by psoriasis avoiding spread to healthy skin. Wash hands after use or use disposable gloves. The gel should be left on the affected area for 10 - 20 minutes and then removed with an appropriate shampoo. Treatment should be repeated initially on alternate days and then daily until the lesions have resolved. As treatment progresses, the gel can be left on the scalp for periods of up to one hour. Several weeks of treatment may be necessary.
Psorin Scalp Gel should not be used in patients who are known to be sensitive to dithranol, salicylic acid or any of the excipients. It should not be used in acute or pustular psoriasis, or unstable psoriasis where the skin is hot to touch, itchy and deteriorates in the sun.
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
Avoid contact with the eyes, mucous membranes and sensitive areas of skin such as the face, skin flexures and genitals.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Dithranol preparations should not be used within two weeks of withdrawing potent topical steroids.
4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and lactation
Although there is no experimental evidence to support the safety of the product in pregnancy, the active ingredients have been in widespread use for many years without apparent ill-effects.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
None known.
4.8 Undesirable effects
The treatment may induce a feeling of warmth. If there is a prolonged or severe burning sensation the contact time should be reduced. Normally this sensation resolves within 3-4 days and the full treatment regime can be resumed. In extreme cases it may be necessary to stop treatment.
Dithranol causes staining of skin, hair and clothing. Staining of healthy skin will be more marked and will resolve after cessation of treatment.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
If excess gel is applied, it should be removed with a neutral or slightly acidic shampoo.
5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antipsoriatics for topical use: anthracin derivatives, ATC code: D05AC.
Dithranol has antimicrobial properties and reduces the rate of epidermal mitosis in psoriatic lesions.
Salicylic acid is a keratolytic agent which may aid penetration of the dithranol into the epidermis.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
Not relevant for this type of preparation when used as recommended.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
None other than those described in other sections of the Summary of Product Characteristics.
6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
Methyl salicylate; white soft paraffin; paraffin, light liquid.
6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable.
6.3
Shelf life
3 years.
6.4
Special precautions for storage
Do not store above 25 °C. Store in the original container in order to protect from light.
6.5
Nature and contents of container
Psorin Scalp Gel is supplied in 9g, 25g & 50g epoxy lined aluminium tubes. Not all pack sizes may be marked.
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MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Boston Healthcare Limited Unit 6, Navigation Court Calder Park Wakefield
West Yorkshire WF2 7BJ United Kingdom
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17/07/2015