Dermazinc Spray
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
Pharmacologic Class
Zinc coordination complex; Antimicrobial
Pregnancy Category
Not available
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Pyrithione zinc is an over-the-counter spray used to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It helps reduce flaking, itching, and irritation on the scalp and skin by controlling the growth of certain yeasts and bacteria that contribute to these conditions.
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. It is essential to follow all instructions closely to ensure safe and effective use.
When applying this medication, be careful not to get it in your eyes. If accidental exposure occurs, rinse your eyes with cool water immediately. This medication is for topical use only, meaning it should be applied directly to the affected area of your skin. Avoid getting it in your mouth, nose, ears, or eyes, as it may cause burning.
To apply, shake the container well before use, then gently rub a thin layer of the medication onto the affected area.
Storage and Disposal
To maintain the medication's potency and safety, store it at room temperature, away from heat sources or open flames. Do not puncture or burn the container, even if it appears empty. Keep all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion or exposure.
Missed Dose
If you forget to apply a dose, put it on as soon as you remember. However, 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 the same time or use extra doses to make up for a missed one.
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all accompanying information carefully. It is essential to follow all instructions closely to ensure safe and effective use.
When applying this medication, be careful not to get it in your eyes. If accidental exposure occurs, rinse your eyes with cool water immediately. This medication is for topical use only, meaning it should be applied directly to the affected area of your skin. Avoid getting it in your mouth, nose, ears, or eyes, as it may cause burning.
To apply, shake the container well before use, then gently rub a thin layer of the medication onto the affected area.
Storage and Disposal
To maintain the medication's potency and safety, store it at room temperature, away from heat sources or open flames. Do not puncture or burn the container, even if it appears empty. Keep all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion or exposure.
Missed Dose
If you forget to apply a dose, put it on as soon as you remember. However, 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 the same time or use extra doses to make up for a missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Use regularly as directed on the product label, even after symptoms improve, to maintain control.
- Shake the spray bottle well before each use.
- Ensure the spray reaches the affected skin, not just the hair, and massage gently if applicable.
- Avoid contact with eyes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
- For external use only. Do not swallow.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
Apply to affected areas 2-3 times per week or as directed by a physician. For spray, typically spray onto affected area and massage gently.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Not established (use with caution and physician guidance for cradle cap)
Infant:
Not established (use with caution and physician guidance for cradle cap)
Child:
Apply to affected areas 2-3 times per week or as directed by a physician (for dandruff/seborrheic dermatitis)
Adolescent:
Apply to affected areas 2-3 times per week or as directed by a physician
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 exerts fungistatic and bacteriostatic effects by increasing cellular copper levels, damaging iron-sulfur clusters of proteins, and inhibiting proton pump activity. This leads to disruption of membrane transport and metabolic processes in microorganisms, particularly *Malassezia globosa*, a yeast implicated in dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Minimal to none (systemic)
Tmax:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
FoodEffect:
Not applicable (topical)
Distribution:
Vd:
Not applicable (primarily localized to skin)
ProteinBinding:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption)
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 relief (e.g., reduced itching, flaking) within days to a week of regular use.
PeakEffect:
Weeks of consistent use for optimal control of dandruff/seborrheic dermatitis.
DurationOfAction:
Effects persist as long as the product is used regularly.
Confidence:
Medium
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. 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 if you experience any of the following side effects or if they persist or bother you:
- Irritation at the site where the drug was applied.
Important Note
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. For medical advice regarding side effects, contact your doctor. You can also 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. 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 if you experience any of the following side effects or if they persist or bother you:
- Irritation at the site where the drug was applied.
Important Note
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. For medical advice regarding side effects, contact your doctor. You can also 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:
- Condition worsens or does not improve after regular use (e.g., 2-4 weeks).
- Irritation, redness, or rash develops or persists.
- Signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., severe itching, swelling, difficulty breathing - seek immediate medical attention).
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 allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If a large area of your body needs to be treated with this medication.
To ensure safe use, it is crucial to disclose all of your medications, including:
Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
Natural products
* Vitamins
Additionally, inform your doctor about any existing health problems. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist determine if it is safe for you to take this medication with your other drugs and health conditions.
Remember, do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor. This precaution is necessary to avoid potential interactions and ensure your safety while taking this medication.
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 allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If a large area of your body needs to be treated with this medication.
To ensure safe use, it is crucial to disclose all of your medications, including:
Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
Natural products
* Vitamins
Additionally, inform your doctor about any existing health problems. This information will help your doctor and pharmacist determine if it is safe for you to take this medication with your other drugs and health conditions.
Remember, do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor. This precaution is necessary to avoid potential interactions and ensure your safety while taking this medication.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.
If you accidentally swallow this drug, it can be harmful. Immediately contact a doctor or a poison control center for assistance.
Before taking this medication, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the potential benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding to ensure the best decision for you and your baby.
To minimize risks, avoid using this medication near an open flame or while smoking, as it may ignite or burst.
If you accidentally swallow this drug, it can be harmful. Immediately contact a doctor or a poison control center for assistance.
Before taking this medication, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the potential benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding to ensure the best decision for you and your baby.
To minimize risks, avoid using this medication near an open flame or while smoking, as it may ignite or burst.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Topical overdose is unlikely to cause systemic toxicity.
- Ingestion (accidental): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
What to Do:
For accidental ingestion, seek medical attention immediately or call a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222). For topical overuse, discontinue use and wash the area with water.
Drug Interactions
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Severity of dandruff/seborrheic dermatitis
Rationale: To establish baseline for treatment efficacy assessment.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Presence of skin irritation/lesions
Rationale: To identify pre-existing conditions or contraindications.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Routine Monitoring
Improvement in symptoms (flaking, itching, redness)
Frequency: Weekly to bi-weekly
Target: Reduction or resolution of symptoms
Action Threshold: If no improvement after 2-4 weeks, reassess diagnosis or treatment.
Local skin irritation (burning, stinging, redness)
Frequency: Daily during initial use, then as needed
Target: Absence of irritation
Action Threshold: Discontinue use if significant irritation or allergic reaction occurs.
Symptom Monitoring
- Skin irritation
- Redness
- Itching
- Burning sensation
- Worsening of condition
- Rash
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 (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 come into direct contact or ingest the product.
Infant Risk:
Low risk
Pediatric Use
Safe for use in children for dandruff and cradle cap, but always follow product instructions and consult a pediatrician, especially for infants, to ensure appropriate use and rule out other conditions.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustments or precautions needed beyond general topical use guidelines. Elderly patients may have more sensitive skin, so monitor for irritation.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Pyrithione zinc is a common and effective OTC treatment for dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
- Consistency is key: regular use as directed is crucial for controlling symptoms and preventing recurrence.
- While primarily for scalp, some formulations can be used on other body areas affected by seborrheic dermatitis (e.g., face, chest) if indicated on the product label.
- Patients should be advised that improvement may not be immediate and can take several weeks of consistent use.
- If symptoms persist or worsen despite regular use, advise patients to consult a healthcare professional to rule out other dermatological conditions.
Alternative Therapies
- Selenium sulfide (e.g., Selsun Blue)
- Ketoconazole (e.g., Nizoral A-D)
- Coal tar (e.g., T/Gel)
- Salicylic acid (e.g., T/Sal)
- Topical corticosteroids (prescription for severe inflammation)
- Ciclopirox
- Tea tree oil (natural alternative)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$10 - $30 per spray bottle (e.g., 4-8 oz)
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Not typically covered by prescription drug plans (OTC product); may be eligible for FSA/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's a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this 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 overdose, including the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.