Dermazinc 2% Therapy Soap Bar
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; Antidandruff; Antifungal (topical)
Pharmacologic Class
Zinc compound; Antifungal; Antibacterial
Pregnancy Category
Not available
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Pyrithione zinc is an ingredient found in medicated shampoos and soaps used to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It works by slowing down the growth of skin cells and fighting off fungi and bacteria that can cause flaking, itching, and redness on the scalp and skin.
How to Use This Medicine
Proper Use of This Medication
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all accompanying information carefully. If the medication comes into contact with your eyes, rinse them with cool water immediately.
Application Instructions
Do not ingest this medication. It is for topical use on the skin only.
Avoid applying the medication to your mouth, nose, ears, or eyes, as it may cause burning.
Use this medication on affected skin areas in place of your regular soap.
Lather the medication well and rinse thoroughly.
Storage and Disposal
Store the medication at room temperature.
Keep all medications in a safe 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.
If you have questions about disposing of medications, consult your pharmacist. You may also have access to drug take-back programs in your area.
Missed Dose Instructions
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember.
If it is 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 dose.
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all accompanying information carefully. If the medication comes into contact with your eyes, rinse them with cool water immediately.
Application Instructions
Do not ingest this medication. It is for topical use on the skin only.
Avoid applying the medication to your mouth, nose, ears, or eyes, as it may cause burning.
Use this medication on affected skin areas in place of your regular soap.
Lather the medication well and rinse thoroughly.
Storage and Disposal
Store the medication at room temperature.
Keep all medications in a safe 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.
If you have questions about disposing of medications, consult your pharmacist. You may also have access to drug take-back programs in your area.
Missed Dose Instructions
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember.
If it is 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 dose.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Use regularly as directed on the product label or by your doctor.
- Ensure adequate contact time with the skin/scalp (e.g., lather and leave on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing).
- Avoid contact with eyes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
- For external use only. Do not swallow.
- If using on hair, consider using a conditioner afterwards as it can be drying.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
Apply to affected areas (scalp, skin) 2-3 times per week, or as directed by a physician. Lather, leave on for several minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Condition-Specific Dosing:
dandruff:
Use 2-3 times per week, or as directed.
seborrheic_dermatitis:
Use 2-3 times per week, or as directed.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established (use with caution and medical supervision for cradle cap)
Infant:
Not established (use with caution and medical supervision for cradle cap)
Child:
Apply to affected areas 2-3 times per week, or as directed by a physician. Lather, leave on for several minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Adolescent:
Apply to affected areas 2-3 times per week, or as directed by a physician. Lather, leave on for several minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Moderate:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Severe:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Dialysis:
No specific considerations (minimal systemic absorption)
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Moderate:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Severe:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption)
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pyrithione zinc is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. It is thought to exert its antifungal and antibacterial effects by increasing cellular copper levels and damaging iron-sulfur clusters of proteins essential for fungal and bacterial metabolism, leading to inhibition of cell growth and division. It also has cytostatic properties, reducing epidermal cell turnover.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Minimal systemic
Tmax:
Not applicable (topical)
FoodEffect:
Not applicable (topical)
Distribution:
Vd:
Not applicable (topical)
ProteinBinding:
Not applicable (topical)
CnssPenetration:
No
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:
Symptomatic improvement typically within 2-4 weeks of regular use
PeakEffect:
Varies with continued use
DurationOfAction:
Maintained with regular use
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention, as they may be signs of a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction:
- 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, difficulty 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, although not everyone will experience them. Most side effects are minor and temporary. However, if you notice any of the following or any other side effects that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor for advice:
- Irritation at the site where the drug was applied.
Reporting Side Effects
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have concerns about side effects or need more information, consult your doctor. For medical advice about side effects, you can also contact your doctor. Additionally, you can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention, as they may be signs of a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction:
- 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, difficulty 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, although not everyone will experience them. Most side effects are minor and temporary. However, if you notice any of the following or any other side effects that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor for advice:
- Irritation at the site where the drug was applied.
Reporting Side Effects
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have concerns about side effects or need more information, consult your doctor. For medical advice about side effects, you can also contact your doctor. Additionally, you can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Increased skin irritation
- Redness
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Rash
- Allergic reaction (e.g., swelling, severe itching)
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.
If a large area of your body needs to be treated with this medication.
Potential interactions with other medications or health conditions. To ensure safe use, disclose all your medications, including:
+ Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
+ Natural products
+ Vitamins
Any existing health problems that may affect your ability to take this medication safely.
Remember to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen, including starting, stopping, or adjusting the dose of any drug. Your doctor will help you determine whether it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions.
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.
If a large area of your body needs to be treated with this medication.
Potential interactions with other medications or health conditions. To ensure safe use, disclose all your medications, including:
+ Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
+ Natural products
+ Vitamins
Any existing health problems that may affect your ability to take this medication safely.
Remember to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen, including starting, stopping, or adjusting the dose of any drug. Your doctor will help you determine whether it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions.
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, as it is necessary to weigh the benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Topical overdose is unlikely to cause systemic toxicity.
- Accidental ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
What to Do:
For accidental ingestion, seek immediate medical attention or call a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222). For topical irritation, discontinue use and rinse affected area thoroughly.
Drug Interactions
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Assessment of dandruff/seborrheic dermatitis severity
Rationale: To establish baseline symptoms (flaking, itching, redness) for evaluating treatment efficacy.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Routine Monitoring
Symptom improvement (flaking, itching, redness)
Frequency: Weekly during initial treatment, then as needed
Target: Reduction or resolution of symptoms
Action Threshold: Lack of improvement after 4-6 weeks, or worsening of symptoms, warrants re-evaluation.
Skin irritation or adverse reactions
Frequency: With each use
Target: Absence of irritation, redness, burning, or rash
Action Threshold: Presence of significant irritation or allergic reaction warrants discontinuation.
Symptom Monitoring
- Reduction in scalp flaking
- Decrease in scalp itching
- Reduction in scalp redness
- Improvement in overall scalp/skin condition
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally considered safe for topical use during pregnancy due to minimal systemic absorption. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Low risk (minimal systemic absorption)
Second Trimester:
Low risk (minimal systemic absorption)
Third Trimester:
Low risk (minimal systemic absorption)
Lactation
Generally considered safe for topical use during lactation due to minimal systemic absorption. Avoid applying to areas where the infant may ingest the product.
Infant Risk:
Low risk
Pediatric Use
Safe for use in children for conditions like cradle cap or seborrheic dermatitis, often under medical supervision for infants. Ensure product does not get into eyes.
Geriatric Use
No specific dosage adjustments or precautions are generally needed for geriatric patients. Use as directed.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- For best results, allow the lather to remain on the affected area for several minutes (e.g., 3-5 minutes) before rinsing thoroughly.
- Pyrithione zinc can be drying to the hair and scalp; using a separate conditioner after shampooing may be beneficial.
- Consistent and regular use is key for managing chronic conditions like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
- If symptoms do not improve after 4-6 weeks of regular use, or if irritation worsens, consult a healthcare professional.
Alternative Therapies
- Topical corticosteroids (for severe inflammation)
- Other topical antifungals (e.g., ciclopirox)
- Prescription-strength medicated shampoos
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$5 - $20 per bar/bottle
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Not typically covered by insurance (Over-the-Counter product)
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to 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 details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.