Zinc Pyrithione

About Zinc Pyrithione

It is a coordination complex of zinc. It is a fungistatic and bacteriostatic agent that is used to treat seborrhoeic dermatitis. The active ingredient Pyrithione zinc is found in many OTC shampoos as an antidandruff topical treatment. It works by increasing cell copper levels and by destroying iron and sulfur clusters of proteins crucial for metabolism and growth of fungi.

Properties:

• CAS ID: 13463-41-7
• Synonyms: ZnPT zinc 1-oxidopyridin-1-ium-2-thiolate 2-Pyridinethiol 1-Oxide Zinc Salt 1-Hydroxypyridine-2-thione zinc salt Zinc pyrethion
• Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₈N₂O₂S₂Zn
• Molecular Weight: 317.7
• Appearance: colourless solid
• Melting point: 240 Degree C
• pH level: 6.1
• Solubility: Insoluble in water

How does it work:

Pyrithione zinc, also called as zinc pyrithione, is an antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal remedy for treating seborrheic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, and acne. A main cause of dandruff is yeast growth, which is inhibited by this product. A zinc coordination complex called pyrithione zinc has fungistatic and bacteriostatic properties.  It is used to treat seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Applications Or where it is used:

You may be prescribed this medication for other reasons, such as dandruff, skin irritation and seborrheic dermatitis. It has been used for more than 50 years to successfully treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. In addition to that, it is commonly used for other skin benefits, such as hygienic care.

How to use:

A common anti-dandruff shampoo contains zinc pyrithione. Antifungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties make it effective in killing bacteria, fungi, and microorganisms that can cause an itchy, flaky scalp. Lather it on a wet scalp, let it sit for a minute, then rinse thoroughly.

Dosage of usage:

DOSAGES OF PYRITHIONE ZINC:

• Shampoo: 0.25%, 1%, 2%
• Lotion: 0.25%
• Cream: 0.25%

DOSAGE CONSIDERATIONS - SHOULD BE GIVEN AS FOLLOWS:

• Seborrhea
• Shampoo: Wet hair/scalp, lather, rinse well; follow with conditioner
• Bar: Wet area to be rubbed in; massage in and rinse

Side effects:

• Side effects of Pyrithione Zinc include:  
• Stinging/burning of scalp
• Skin peeling
• Irritation of the skin (rare)
• Signs of an allergic reaction

Warnings and precautions while using this product:

Pyrithione zinc is in this medicine. Do not use it if you are allergic to pyrithione zinc or any ingredients found in this drug. Keep it away from children.