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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Other
Pyrithione Zinc is a topical antifungal and antibacterial agent primarily used in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. It belongs to the class of antiseborrheic agents and works by regulating fungal growth on the scalp and skin.
Name
Pyrithione
Raw Name
PYRITHIONE ZINC
Category
Other
Salt Form
Zinc
Drug Count
198
Variant Count
296
Last Verified
February 17, 2026
RxCUI
209884, 247812, 1043244, 283707, 1043014, 244458, 2059178, 1044465, 1052676, 1101729, 1721127, 1245937, 2606313, 1091088, 1485895, 1048123, 1052932, 1593569, 2275631, 242537, 1101635, 204642, 210208, 1246250, 2104634, 1487080, 2104630, 1441558, 1441563, 251632, 259549, 1245090, 1306177
UNII
R953O2RHZ5, WV9CM0O67Z
About Pyrithione
Pyrithione Zinc is a topical antifungal and antibacterial agent primarily used in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. It belongs to the class of antiseborrheic agents and works by regulating fungal growth on the scalp and skin.
Detailed information about Pyrithione
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication containing Pyrithione.
Pyrithione, most commonly encountered as Pyrithione Zinc, is a coordination complex of zinc with antifungal and antibacterial properties. It belongs to a class of medications known as antiseborrheic agents or cytostatic agents. Primarily utilized in over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription dermatological products, it is the gold standard for managing scalp conditions. According to the FDA OTC Drug Review (2024), Pyrithione Zinc is recognized as safe and effective for the control of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. While its use in industrial applications as a preservative is well-documented, its clinical application focuses on its ability to inhibit the division of fungal and bacterial cells on the skin's surface.
The mechanism of action for Pyrithione Zinc involves the disruption of membrane transport by blocking the proton pump that energizes the transport mechanism in fungal cells. At the molecular level, it increases the cellular levels of copper, which leads to the inactivation of iron-sulfur cluster-containing proteins. This process inhibits mitochondrial function and reduces the synthesis of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of the cell. By depriving fungi, particularly Malassezia species, of the energy required for growth and reproduction, Pyrithione effectively reduces the inflammatory response associated with dandruff and dermatitis.
Pyrithione Zinc is FDA-approved for several dermatological indications:
Pyrithione Zinc is available in various topical delivery systems, including:
> Important: Only your healthcare provider can determine if Pyrithione is right for your specific condition.
For the treatment of dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, healthcare providers typically recommend the following:
Pyrithione Zinc is generally considered safe for children over the age of 2 when used as directed on OTC labels. For children under 2 years of age, a pediatrician must be consulted before use, as the safety profile for infants has not been extensively established in controlled clinical trials.
Because systemic absorption is negligible, no dosage adjustments are typically required for patients with kidney disease.
No dosage adjustments are necessary for patients with liver impairment due to the lack of systemic metabolic involvement.
Standard adult dosing is generally appropriate for elderly patients, though care should be taken if the skin barrier is significantly thinned or compromised.
Pyrithione Zinc is for external use only. When using the shampoo form, wet the hair thoroughly, massage the product into the scalp, and allow it to sit for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure adequate contact time with the fungal cells. Rinse thoroughly with water. Avoid contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth. If contact occurs, rinse the area with cool water for several minutes. Store the product at room temperature, away from direct heat and moisture.
If you miss an application, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled application, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not apply extra medication to make up for a missed dose.
Systemic overdose from topical application is highly unlikely. However, if the product is accidentally ingested, it may cause gastrointestinal distress, nausea, or vomiting. In cases of significant ingestion, contact a Poison Control Center or seek emergency medical attention immediately.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose without medical guidance.
Pyrithione Zinc is generally well-tolerated. The most common side effects are localized to the site of application and may include:
> Warning: Stop taking Pyrithione and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these.
Pyrithione Zinc does not typically cause systemic long-term side effects. However, prolonged use of high-concentration formulations on sensitive skin may lead to chronic dryness or localized thinning of the skin (atrophy), though this is much less common than with topical corticosteroids.
No FDA black box warnings have been issued for Pyrithione Zinc. It is considered one of the safest topical antifungal agents for long-term maintenance of scalp health when used as directed.
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Pyrithione Zinc is intended for external use only. It should never be ingested, injected, or applied to internal mucosal surfaces. Patients should be aware that while symptoms often improve within 1-2 weeks, the condition may return if treatment is discontinued abruptly.
No FDA black box warnings for Pyrithione.
There are no standard laboratory monitoring requirements (such as blood tests) for the topical use of Pyrithione Zinc. Healthcare providers will typically monitor the clinical progress of the skin condition through visual examination during follow-up visits.
There is no evidence to suggest that topical Pyrithione Zinc interferes with the ability to drive or operate heavy machinery.
There are no known interactions between topical Pyrithione Zinc and alcohol consumption.
There is no risk of a withdrawal syndrome upon discontinuation. However, for chronic conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, symptoms may flare up once the inhibitory effect on fungal growth is removed. Tapering is not required.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions with your healthcare provider before starting Pyrithione.
There are currently no medications that are strictly contraindicated for use alongside topical Pyrithione Zinc. Because the drug is not systemically absorbed, it does not interfere with oral medications.
There are no known food interactions with topical Pyrithione Zinc. Dietary choices do not affect the efficacy or safety of this topical treatment.
No clinically significant interactions have been identified between Pyrithione Zinc and herbal supplements such as St. John's Wort or Ginkgo Biloba. Systemic supplements do not influence the localized action of the drug.
Pyrithione Zinc is not known to interfere with standard blood, urine, or diagnostic laboratory tests.
For each major interaction, the primary mechanism is localized pharmacodynamic additive irritation rather than systemic CYP450 inhibition. The management strategy involves spacing out the application of different topical products.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
There is limited evidence of cross-sensitivity between Pyrithione Zinc and other zinc-based topical products (like zinc oxide), but patients with multiple metal allergies should proceed with caution.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history before prescribing Pyrithione.
Pyrithione Zinc is generally classified as Pregnancy Category C. While animal studies on systemic administration have shown some risks, topical application results in negligible systemic exposure. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), many topical OTC products are considered low-risk during pregnancy, but patients should consult their OB-GYN before use, especially during the first trimester.
It is unknown if Pyrithione Zinc is excreted in human milk. However, because systemic absorption is minimal, it is considered unlikely to pose a risk to the nursing infant. Care should be taken to avoid applying the product directly to the breast or nipple area to prevent the infant from accidental oral ingestion.
Pyrithione Zinc is approved for use in children aged 2 and older for the treatment of dandruff. It is not approved for use in infants unless directed by a physician. Parents should ensure that the product does not get into the child's eyes during bathing.
Clinical studies have not identified significant differences in response between elderly and younger patients. However, elderly patients often have more fragile or dry skin, which may increase the likelihood of localized irritation.
No dose adjustment is necessary for patients with renal impairment, as the drug does not reach the systemic circulation in significant quantities.
No dose adjustment is required for patients with liver disease.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment.
Pyrithione Zinc acts as a coordination complex that disrupts the cellular metabolism of fungi and bacteria. It specifically targets the Malassezia yeast, which is implicated in the pathogenesis of dandruff. By increasing the influx of copper and interfering with iron-sulfur clusters, it inhibits the mitochondrial membrane potential and reduces ATP production, leading to cell cycle arrest in the fungus.
The onset of action is typically observed within 1 to 2 weeks of consistent use. The duration of effect lasts as long as the concentration in the stratum corneum remains above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the target fungi. Tolerance does not typically develop with long-term use.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | < 1% (Topical) |
| Protein Binding | N/A (Negligible absorption) |
| Half-life | N/A (Localized action) |
| Tmax | N/A |
| Metabolism | None (Systemic) |
| Excretion | Rinsed off (Topical) |
Pyrithione Zinc is classified as an antiseborrheic and antifungal agent. It is related to other antifungal chelators but is unique in its specific efficacy against scalp-dwelling yeasts.
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Common questions about Pyrithione
Pyrithione Zinc is primarily used to treat and prevent the symptoms of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It works by reducing the growth of yeast on the scalp, which in turn decreases inflammation, itching, and flaking. Healthcare providers may also recommend it for other fungal skin conditions like tinea versicolor or scalp psoriasis. Because it has both antibacterial and antifungal properties, it is effective at maintaining a healthy microbial balance on the skin's surface. It is available in both over-the-counter shampoos and prescription-strength topical formulations.
The most common side effects of Pyrithione Zinc are localized skin reactions at the site of application. Users may experience mild stinging, burning, or redness, particularly if the skin is already irritated. Some individuals report that their scalp feels excessively dry or that their hair texture changes slightly after use. These effects are usually temporary and resolve as the skin adjusts to the treatment. If these symptoms become severe or persistent, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for further guidance.
Yes, you can generally drink alcohol while using Pyrithione Zinc. Since this medication is applied topically to the skin or scalp, it does not enter the bloodstream in significant amounts. Consequently, there are no known systemic interactions between the drug and alcohol consumption. However, it is always a good idea to maintain overall health, as excessive alcohol can sometimes exacerbate inflammatory skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis. Always follow the specific advice provided by your doctor regarding lifestyle factors and your treatment plan.
Pyrithione Zinc is generally considered low-risk during pregnancy because very little of the medication is absorbed through the skin. Most healthcare providers consider it safe for use on the scalp during pregnancy, especially when used in standard OTC concentrations. However, because it is technically classified as Pregnancy Category C, you should discuss its use with your OB-GYN before starting treatment. They will help you weigh the benefits of controlling your skin condition against any theoretical risks. Avoid applying it to large areas of broken skin where absorption might be higher.
Most patients begin to see a visible reduction in dandruff and itching within the first 1 to 2 weeks of consistent use. For seborrheic dermatitis, it may take slightly longer for the redness and inflammation to fully subside. It is important to use the product as directed, usually twice a week, to achieve the best results. If you do not see any improvement after 4 weeks of regular use, you should consult a dermatologist. They may need to confirm the diagnosis or suggest a stronger prescription-strength alternative.
You can stop using Pyrithione Zinc suddenly without experiencing any physical withdrawal symptoms. However, because conditions like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are often chronic, the symptoms may return once you stop the treatment. Many people find that they need to use a Pyrithione-based product once a week or once every other week for maintenance even after their symptoms have cleared. If your condition flares up again after stopping, you can usually resume the treatment as before. Consult your doctor for a long-term management strategy tailored to your skin type.
If you miss a scheduled application of Pyrithione Zinc, simply apply it as soon as you remember. If it is already time for your next scheduled use, skip the missed application and continue with your regular routine. Do not use double the amount of product to make up for a missed dose, as this may increase the risk of skin irritation. Consistency is key for controlling fungal growth, so try to stick to a regular schedule. If you find it difficult to remember, try linking the application to a specific day of the week, such as every Sunday and Wednesday.
There is no evidence to suggest that Pyrithione Zinc causes weight gain. Weight gain is typically a side effect associated with systemic medications, such as oral steroids or certain antidepressants, that affect metabolism or appetite. Because Pyrithione Zinc is applied topically and has negligible systemic absorption, it does not interfere with the hormones or metabolic processes that regulate body weight. Any changes in weight you experience while using this product are likely due to other factors. If you have concerns about unexplained weight changes, you should discuss them with your primary care physician.
Pyrithione Zinc can generally be used alongside most oral medications without any risk of interaction. Because it acts locally on the skin and does not enter the bloodstream, it does not interfere with how other drugs are processed by the liver or kidneys. However, you should be cautious when using other topical treatments, such as medicated creams or lotions, on the same area of skin. Using multiple topical products simultaneously can increase the risk of skin irritation or dryness. Always inform your healthcare provider about all the products you are using, including over-the-counter items.
Yes, Pyrithione Zinc is widely available as a generic product and is the active ingredient in many store-brand dandruff shampoos and skin cleansers. Generic versions are required by the FDA to have the same concentration and efficacy as brand-name products. You can find it in various strengths, most commonly 1% for daily use and 2% for more intensive treatment. Choosing a generic version is often a cost-effective way to manage chronic scalp conditions. Check the 'Active Ingredients' section of the label to ensure it contains Pyrithione Zinc.