Dermazinc 2% Shampoo
It is used to control seborrheic dermatitis.It is used to treat skin irritation and dandruff.It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
Drug Class
Antiseborrheic; Antifungal
Pharmacologic Class
Zinc pyrithione; Antifungal agent
Pregnancy Category
Not assigned (minimal systemic absorption)
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Dermazinc 2% Shampoo is an over-the-counter medicated shampoo used to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It contains pyrithione zinc, which helps to control the fungus and reduce the flaking and itching associated with these scalp conditions.
How to Use This Medicine
Using Your Medication Correctly
To use this medication safely and effectively, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. It's essential to use this medication as directed to get the best results.
Avoid getting the medication in your eyes. If this happens, rinse your eyes with cool water immediately.
This medication is for external use only. Apply it to your scalp and hair, avoiding your mouth, nose, ears, and eyes, as it may cause burning.
Before applying, shake the medication well.
Wet your hair and scalp, then work the medication into a lather and rinse thoroughly.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To ensure the medication remains effective and safe:
Store it at room temperature.
Keep all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets.
Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist. Check with your pharmacist for guidance on the best disposal method, and consider participating in local drug take-back programs.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you forget to apply a dose:
Apply it as soon as you remember.
If it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular application schedule.
Do not apply two doses at once or use extra doses to make up for a missed application.
To use this medication safely and effectively, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. It's essential to use this medication as directed to get the best results.
Avoid getting the medication in your eyes. If this happens, rinse your eyes with cool water immediately.
This medication is for external use only. Apply it to your scalp and hair, avoiding your mouth, nose, ears, and eyes, as it may cause burning.
Before applying, shake the medication well.
Wet your hair and scalp, then work the medication into a lather and rinse thoroughly.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To ensure the medication remains effective and safe:
Store it at room temperature.
Keep all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets.
Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist. Check with your pharmacist for guidance on the best disposal method, and consider participating in local drug take-back programs.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you forget to apply a dose:
Apply it as soon as you remember.
If it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular application schedule.
Do not apply two doses at once or use extra doses to make up for a missed application.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Use regularly as directed to maintain control of symptoms.
- Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
- Do not use on broken or inflamed skin without consulting a doctor.
- Limit use of other irritating hair products if scalp irritation occurs.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
Apply to wet hair, lather, rinse thoroughly. For best results, use at least twice a week or as directed by a doctor.
Condition-Specific Dosing:
seborrheicDermatitis:
Use regularly to control symptoms.
dandruff:
Use regularly to control symptoms.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established (consult physician)
Infant:
Not established (consult physician for children under 2 years)
Child:
Apply to wet hair, lather, rinse thoroughly. For children 2 years and older, use at least twice a week or as directed by a doctor.
Adolescent:
Apply to wet hair, lather, rinse thoroughly. Use at least twice a week or as directed by a doctor.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed (topical application, minimal systemic absorption)
Moderate:
No adjustment needed (topical application, minimal systemic absorption)
Severe:
No adjustment needed (topical application, minimal systemic absorption)
Dialysis:
No specific considerations (topical application, minimal systemic absorption)
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed (topical application, minimal systemic absorption)
Moderate:
No adjustment needed (topical application, minimal systemic absorption)
Severe:
No adjustment needed (topical application, minimal systemic absorption)
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pyrithione zinc is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent with antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is thought to exert its effect by interfering with fungal cell membrane transport and enzyme activity, leading to inhibition of fungal growth. In seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff, it helps to control the proliferation of Malassezia globosa (a yeast commonly associated with these conditions) and reduces epidermal cell turnover.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Negligible systemic absorption from topical application
Tmax:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
FoodEffect:
Not applicable (topical application)
Distribution:
Vd:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
ProteinBinding:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
CnssPenetration:
No (minimal systemic absorption)
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
Clearance:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
ExcretionRoute:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
Unchanged:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Clinical improvement typically seen within 1-2 weeks of regular use.
PeakEffect:
Optimal control of symptoms usually achieved with consistent, regular use over several weeks.
DurationOfAction:
Effects persist as long as the product is used regularly; symptoms may recur upon discontinuation.
Confidence:
Medium
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Contact your doctor or seek medical help if you experience:
- Irritation at the site where the medication was applied.
Note that this list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor for advice.
Reporting Side Effects
To report side effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or visit their website at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Your doctor is also a valuable resource for guidance on managing side effects.
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. Contact your doctor or seek medical help if you experience:
- Irritation at the site where the medication was applied.
Note that this list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor for advice.
Reporting Side Effects
To report side effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or visit their website at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Your doctor is also a valuable resource for guidance on managing side effects.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Increased scalp irritation or redness
- Allergic reaction (e.g., rash, hives, swelling)
- Worsening of dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis symptoms
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist assess potential interactions between this medication and other substances you are taking.
* Any existing health problems, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that this medication can be taken with all your current medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural products, and vitamins. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist assess potential interactions between this medication and other substances you are taking.
* Any existing health problems, as this medication may interact with certain conditions.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to verify that this medication can be taken with all your current medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all of your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. If this drug is accidentally ingested, it can be harmful, so it is crucial to contact a doctor or a poison control center immediately if swallowing occurs. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are currently breast-feeding, you must discuss this with your doctor to carefully weigh the benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Ingestion of large amounts may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- Excessive topical use is unlikely to cause systemic toxicity due to minimal absorption, but may lead to skin irritation.
What to Do:
For accidental ingestion, seek medical attention or contact a Poison Control Center immediately (Call 1-800-222-1222). For topical irritation, discontinue use and rinse thoroughly.
Drug Interactions
Monitoring
Symptom Monitoring
- Reduction in scalp flaking
- Reduction in scalp itching
- Reduction in scalp redness
- Overall improvement in dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis symptoms
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally considered safe for topical use during pregnancy due to minimal systemic absorption. However, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider before using any medication during pregnancy.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Low risk due to minimal systemic absorption.
Second Trimester:
Low risk due to minimal systemic absorption.
Third Trimester:
Low risk due to minimal systemic absorption.
Lactation
Generally considered safe for use during lactation due to minimal systemic absorption. No known adverse effects on breastfed infants. Consult a healthcare provider if concerns arise.
Infant Risk:
Low risk
Pediatric Use
Safe for children 2 years of age and older. For children under 2 years, consult a doctor before use.
Geriatric Use
No specific dosage adjustments or precautions are generally necessary for geriatric patients, as systemic absorption is minimal.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- For best results, allow the shampoo to remain on the scalp for a few minutes before rinsing.
- If symptoms do not improve after 4-6 weeks of regular use, consult a dermatologist.
- Pyrithione zinc can be used as a maintenance therapy once symptoms are controlled, typically 1-2 times per week.
- Avoid getting shampoo in eyes, as it can cause irritation. Rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs.
Alternative Therapies
- Selenium sulfide shampoos (e.g., Selsun Blue)
- Ketoconazole shampoos (e.g., Nizoral A-D)
- Salicylic acid shampoos (e.g., T/Sal)
- Coal tar shampoos (e.g., T/Gel)
- Ciclopirox shampoos
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$5 - $20 per bottle (e.g., 4-14 fl oz)
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Generally not covered by insurance as it is an over-the-counter (OTC) product, unless specifically prescribed and covered by a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA).
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe and effective treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it is a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, do not hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide detailed information about the overdose, including the type and amount of medication taken, as well as the time it occurred.