Dermatologic Agent (Anti-Psoriatic)
PREGNANCY RECOMMENDATION: No Human Data—Probably Compatible
BREASTFEEDING RECOMMENDATION: No Human Data—Probably Compatible
PREGNANCY SUMMARY
No reports describing the use of anthralin in human pregnancy have been located. The lack of animal reproduction data and human pregnancy experience prevents an assessment of the embryo–fetal risk. However, a 2002 review of psoriasis in pregnancy stated that there was no evidence of systemic absorption or toxicity with topical anthralin (1). Thus, the embryo–fetal risk probably is nil.
FETAL RISK SUMMARY
Anthralin (dithranol) is a synthetic product used in creams and ointments for the topical treatment of psoriasis. It has been used in the treatment of psoriasis since 1916 (1). Reproduction studies in animals have not been conducted (2).
Either there is no systemic absorption of anthralin or the plasma concentrations are too low to detect. In either case, exposure of the embryo–fetus to clinically significant amounts of anthralin appears to be nil, despite the low molecular weight (about 226).
A case of contact dermatitis to dithranol (anthralin) in a woman at 7 months gestation was reported in 2003 (3). The dermatitis, due to inadvertent exposure, cleared rapidly after exposure was eliminated. No information on the pregnancy outcome was given.
BREASTFEEDING SUMMARY
No reports describing the use of anthralin during human lactation have been located. The molecular weight (about 226) is low enough for excretion into breast milk. However, either there is no systemic absorption of anthralin or the plasma concentrations are too low to detect. In either case, exposure of the nursing infant to clinically significant amounts of anthralin appears to be nil.
References
1.Tauscher AE, Fleischer AB Jr, Phelps KC, Feldman SR. Psoriasis and pregnancy. J Cutan Med Surg 2002;6:561–70.
2.Product information. Psoriatec. Sirius Laboratories, 2004.
3.Strauss RM, Bate J, Pring D. Connubial contact dermatitis: an unusual pregnancy dermatoses. Acta Derm Venereol 2003;83:316.