Pentrax shampoo contains coal tar extract as the active ingredient.
Coal tar has been used in skin conditions for hundreds of years, but it is still not fully understood how it works, mainly because it is made up of so many different compounds.
Coal tar has mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects, and relieves itching. It is also absorbed into the skin cells and is thought to inhibit DNA replication in these cells. This slows down cell division and stops the cells from multiplying excessively. In turn, this reduces thickening and scaling of the skin.
Coal tar may also work by breaking down keratin, a protein that forms part of the skin structure. This helps the skin cells shed from the treated area, thus reducing the thickening and scaling.
Pentrax shampoo is used to treat scaly, itchy skin conditions affecting the scalp, such as psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis or dandruff.
The shampoo should be massaged into wet hair and the scalp for several minutes until a rich lather is produced. Rinse thoroughly then repeat the procedure.
Use at least twice a week as necessary, or as directed by your doctor.
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
This medicine is not known to affect other medicines.
| Alphosyl 2 in 1 shampoo | Carbo-Dome cream | Clinitar cream |
| Clinitar shampoo | Coal tar paste | Coal tar solution |
| Exorex lotion | Psoriderm bath emulsion | T/Gel shampoo |