Pyrithione (Topical)

Generic name: pyrithione [ pir-i-THYE-one ]
Brand names: 2 in 1 Dandruff, Beta Med, DermaZinc, DHS Zinc, Skincure, Zincon, Znp
Drug class: Miscellaneous topical agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 31, 2024.

Uses for pyrithione

Pyrithione is used to help control the symptoms of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.

This medicine is available without a prescription.

Before using pyrithione

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Although there is no specific information comparing use of pyrithione in children with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of pyrithione in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper use of pyrithione

For best results, use this medicine at least 2 times a week or as directed by your doctor.

To use:

• Before applying this shampoo, wet the hair and scalp with lukewarm water.
• Apply enough shampoo to the scalp to work up a lather and rub in well, then rinse.
• Apply the shampoo again and rinse thoroughly.

Keep this medicine away from the eyes. If you should accidentally get some in your eyes, flush them thoroughly with water.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For bar dosage form:
  • For dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis:
    • Adults and children—Apply to the affected skin of body, face, or scalp once a day at least two times a week. Lather, massage into affected area, rinse, and repeat.

• For cream dosage forms:
  • For dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis:
    • Adults and children—Apply one to three times a day to affected skin on the body, face, or scalp or as directed by the doctor.
    • For Brylcreem Antidandruff—Adults: Apply to scalp once a day after shampooing and toweling hair dry. Massage into scalp for one minute.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.

• For lotion dosage form:
  • For dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis:
    • For DermaZinc Scalp: Adults—Apply to scalp one to three times a day or as directed by the doctor.
    • For DermaZinc Spray: Adults—Apply one spray to affected skin of body, face, or scalp one to three times a day or as directed by the doctor. Medicine should cover a three-inch-square area. Treatment should continue for one week after symptoms lessen.
    • For DermaZinc Baby: Children—Apply to affected skin of face, body, or scalp one to four times a day or as directed by the doctor.

• For lotion shampoo dosage forms:
  • For dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis:
    • Adults and children up to 2 years of age—Use once a day as a shampoo on the scalp at least two times a week; however, may be used every day. Apply to wet hair and leave on the scalp for several minutes or massage into scalp vigorously before rinsing.
    • Children up to 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Related/similar drugs

prednisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone topical, ketoconazole topical, Decadron, Deltasone, salicylic acid topical, Nizoral Shampoo, Nizoral Topical, selenium sulfide topical

Precautions while using pyrithione

If your condition does not get better after regular use of this medicine, or if it gets worse, check with your doctor.

Side Effects of pyrithione

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common or rare

• Irritation of skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• 2 in 1 Dandruff
• Beta Med
• DermaZinc
• DHS Zinc
• Skincure
• Zincon
• Znp

Available Dosage Forms:

• Cream
• Spray
• Shampoo
• Soap
• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Dermatological Agent

Chemical Class: Pyrethrums

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer