title: A novelliposomal formulation of dithranol for psoriasis: preliminary results.
abstract: We have prepared a novel, aqueous gel-based, liposome-entrapped formulation of dithranol. Herein, we report preliminary observations on its efficacy, tolerability, and cosmetic acceptability in treating stable plaque psoriasis. Nineteen plaques of psoriasis in nine adult patients were treated for six weeks in a prospective, open-label trial. In five patients, there was total clearance of lesions, with more than 50% subsidence in a further two patients. Significantly, there were no reports of lesional or perilesional irritation, and only one patient showed faint brown staining of the skin, which was completely and rapidly reversible. These preliminary results indicate that our liposomal dithranol gel has potential advantages over presently available preparations of dithranol; these may translate into enhanced acceptance of this useful drug by patients and physicians.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
authors.forename: Ravindra
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Agarwal
authors.forename: Abir
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Saraswat
authors.forename: Inderjeet
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kaur
authors.forename: Om Prakash
authors.initials: OP
authors.lastname: Katare
authors.forename: Bhushan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kumar
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000875:Anthralin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004337:Drug Carriers; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008081:Liposomes; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D004337:Drug Carriers; D008081:Liposomes; D000875:Anthralin