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Drug Details

ALPHOSYL HC

• Drug Class Description
  Antipsoriatics / corticosteroids (topical steroids).
• Generic Name
  Coal tar extract, allantoin, hydrocortisone
• Presentation
  Cream for topical application.
• Description
  Active ingredientsQuantity (% w/w) Alcoholic extract of coal tar 5.0 Hydrocortisone 0.5 Allantoin 2.0
• Indications
  For the treatment of psoriasis by topical administration.
• Adult Dosage
  

  For all patients, apply sparingly twice daily to psoriatic plaques and rub in well until the cream is no longer visible.

  Not recommended for children under 5 years.

• Child Dosage
  Under 5 years, not recommended; over 5 years, apply twice daily.
• Contra Indications
  

  Tuberculosis or fungal lesions of the skin (eg. athletes foot), acne vulgaris, herpes simplex (cold sores), vaccinia or varicella or a history of hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.

  Not for use in sore, acute or pustular psoriasis or in the presence of infection.

• Special Precautions
  

  For external use only, avoid contact with the eyes.

  Discontinue use if sensitivity occurs. Avoid mucosa, genital or rectal areas and broken or inflamed skin

  Use sparingly.

  The following results of steroid use are uncommon at this dosage, however:

  - When used over large areas or for prolonged periods systemic side effects can result.

  - Under occlusive dressings or in intertriginous areas, topical steroids may cause skin atrophy manifesting as striae, thinning and telangiectasia.

  - Viral, bacterial or fungal infection of the skin may be substantially exacerbated by topical steroid treatment unless accompanied by appropriate therapy.

  - Wound healing can be significantly retarded.

• Adverse Drug Reactions
  

  Adverse events derived from post-marketing data are tabulated below by system organ class. The frequency of these adverse events is not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

   

  Body System	Undesirable effect
  Immune system disorders	Hypersensitivity (including rash, itching, dyspnoea and angioedema) Allergic reactions*
  Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders	Skin irritation and acne like eruptions Photosensitivity

  *Allergic reactions may be delayed.