Derobin Ointment
Description
Derobin Ointment is a topical medication primarily used in the treatment of psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by the rapid build-up of skin cells leading to thick, red, scaly patches. The formulation combines three active ingredients: dithranol (anthralin), salicylic acid, and coal tar. Dithranol is an anti-psoriatic agent that slows down the excessive multiplication of skin cells by interfering with the mitochondrial function of keratinocytes. Salicylic acid acts as a keratolytic agent, helping to shed dead skin cells and soften thickened patches, thereby allowing for better penetration of the active ingredients. Coal tar reduces itching and inflammation while promoting desquamation of the outer layer of the skin.
This ointment is intended for external use only and should be applied only to the affected areas as directed by a physician. Its use is contraindicated in several conditions, including broken or inflamed skin, pustular psoriasis, facial psoriasis, and in individuals with known hypersensitivity to any of its components. It is also not recommended for use on sensitive areas, such as the face, groin, or underarms, due to the risk of skin irritation, burning, and permanent discolouration. Caution must be exercised to avoid contact with the eyes, mucous membranes, and surrounding healthy skin. Proper hand hygiene, both before and after application, is essential to prevent unintentional transfer to sensitive areas.
The most common side effects of Derobin ointment include skin irritation, redness, burning sensation, dryness, and temporary staining of skin, nails, and clothing. Serious side effects may occur if the medication is over-applied or used over large surface areas for extended durations, potentially leading to systemic absorption and toxicity. Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, tinnitus, hearing loss, and other systemic effects. Frequent follow-ups with the healthcare provider are necessary to assess treatment progress, adjust dosage, and minimise potential complications.
In special populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, the use of Derobin should be approached with caution. Limited data are available on its safety in pregnancy and lactation; thus, it should only be used if clearly prescribed by a doctor. Its use in children is not recommended. Patients should avoid sun exposure, smoking near treated areas, and contact with flammable materials, as the ointment may increase the risk of severe burns. It should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Any unused or expired product should be disposed of responsibly.
Product Summary
Offer Price | ₹107.42 |
You Save | ₹32.08 (23% on MRP) |
Contains | Dithranol(1.15 %)+Salicylic Acid(1.15 %)+Coal Tar(5.3 %) |
Uses | Psoriasis |
Side effects | Skin irritation, skin rash, dry skin, redness, burning sensation |
Therapy | DRUGS FOR PSORIASIS |
Uses
Contraindications
- If you are allergic to this medicine or any other ingredients of Derobin ointment.
- If you have psoriasis that is sore, tender, and inflamed and has small blisters filled with pus (pustular psoriasis).
- If you have psoriasis on your face.
- If you suffer from any inflammation of the hair follicles.
- If you have acne.
- If you have sensitivity or allergy to sunlight.
- If you have inflamed or broken skin like oozing wounds and infected skin.
- If you have a condition called lupus erythematosus.
- Do not use this ointment on your private parts.
Side effects
- Skin irritation
- Skin rash
- Dry skin
- Skin redness
- Burning sensation at the area applied
- Staining of skin and hair
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Breast Feeding
Driving
Alcohol
Other General Warnings
- You experience a severe burning sensation or skin irritation.
Directions for Use
- Derobin ointment is meant for external use only. Use it in exact quantity and frequency as prescribed by your doctor.
- Apply it to a healthy skin surface free from cuts and wounds and gently rub the ointment on the affected area only. If you are applying it to the scalp, first remove scales and debris with a comb and rub it on the affected area....
- Wash the ointment off as prescribed by your doctor.
- Wash your hands before and after using this medicine unless your hands are the area to be treated.
- Avoid contact with the face or eyes. In case your eyes come in contact with this medicine, rinse your eyes with clean water immediately.
Storage and disposal
- Store Derobin ointment in a cool and dry place protected from direct sunlight, moisture and heat.
- Do not freeze it. Keep it out of reach and sight of children and pets. Do not use the ointment once the expiry date has passed.
- Discard any unused medicine properly, do not flush in the toilet or throw it into the drain.
Quick Tips
- Derobin ointment should be used as directed by your doctor.
- Using this ointment on large areas of the skin for a prolonged period can lead to toxic symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, deafness, and other serious side effects.
- Derobin ointment should not be applied to folded skin, such as the groin and breast area.
- Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Wash your hands properly after using it.
- Avoid contact with fabrics, plastics, and other materials, as it may permanently stain them.
- Avoid direct sunlight exposure after applying Derobin ointment.
- Do not smoke or go near naked flames, as fabric in contact with this medicine burns more efficiently and there is a risk of severe burns.
- Derobin ointment is not recommended for children, as there is limited information about its safety and efficacy.
Dosage
Overdose
- Since Derobin ointment is meant to be applied externally on the skin, cases of overdose are unlikely.
- In some cases, an overdose of this ointment for long periods or on large areas of skin can lead to over-absorption of this ointment into the body causing symptoms like vomiting, dehydration, diarrhoea, ringing sensation in ears, deafness, sweating, warm hand and feet, pounding heart rates, increased breathing and other serious side effects. ...
- If you experience any of the symptoms or you accidentally ingest it, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.
Missed a Dose
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- Since Derobin ointment is to be used externally on the skin. It is less likely to interact with other medicines. However, you should always consult your doctor if you are taking other medicines for treating other health conditions. ...
- Derobin ointment may increase the absorption and chances of side effects of other medicines. So, avoid applying other topical medicines (cream, lotion, etc.) with this ointment on the same area of the skin concomitantly....
Content Details

Dr. Arpit Verma
MBBS, MD, CCEBDM Diabetology

Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Derobin ointment used for?
Q: What are the side effects of using Derobin ointment?
Q: Can I use Derobin ointment for pimples?
Q: Can I apply Derobin ointment on open wounds?
Q: For how long should I use Derobin ointment?
Q: When to stop using Derobin ointment?
Q: What should I do if my eyes come in contact with Derobin ointment?
Q: Can I use Derobin for fungal infection?
Q: What is the composition of Derobin?
Q: Is Derobin harmful to the skin?
Q: Is Derobin antifungal?
Q: Can Derobin be used on the face?
Q: Can Derobin be used for ringworm?
References
- Dithrocream - Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) - (emc) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2021 [cited 27 August 2021]
- Coal Tar (Exorex) Lotion - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2021 [cited 27 August 2021]
- Salicylic Acid Ointment BP - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2021 [cited 27 August 2021]
- ScienceDirect. Dithranol. ScienceDirect. ScienceDirect. Dithranol. ScienceDirect.
- Benezeder T, Painsi C, Patra V, Dey S, Holcmann M, Lange-Asschenfeldt B, Sibilia M, Wolf P. Dithranol targets keratinocytes, their crosstalk with neutrophils and inhibits the IL-36 inflammatory loop in psoriasis. Elife. 2020 Jun 2;9:e56310. doi: 10.7554/eLife.56310. Accessed February 10, 2025.
- National Cancer Institute. Coal tar and cancer risk. National Cancer Institute. Accessed February 10, 2025.
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