DrugInfoSys

Salicylic Acid

Drug #653

Salicylic Acid is a orthohydroxybenzoic acid. Salicylic Acid is obtained from the bark of the white willow and wintergreen leaves, and also prepared synthetically. It has bacteriostatic, fungicidal and keratolytic actions. It was chemically synthesied in 1860 and has been extensively used in dermatologic therapy as a keratolytic agent. It releives pain and reduces swelling. Salicylic Acid is effective to treat warts, skin ulcer, psoriasis and other skin conditions.

← Previous drugNext drug →

Primary Characteristics

It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Benzoic Acid.

It belongs to Cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Keratolytic Agent pharmacological group. It is also classified under Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Agents .

Molecular Weight: 138.1 · pKa: 3.0, 13.4 · Solubility in Water: 1 in 550 · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 4 · Non-proprietary name: Salicylic Acid.

Molecular structure of Salicylic Acid

Pharmacokinetics

Elimination: it is metabolised via Hepatic, renal excretion is >95%.

Advertisement

Indications

Salicylic Acid is primarily indicated in conditions like Acne vulgaris, Corns, Eczema, Ichthyosis, Psoriasis, Scaly skin conditions, Warts.

Contraindications

Salicylic Acid is contraindicated in conditions like Pregnancy, Lactation, Hypersensitivity to the drug.

Dosage

Salicylic Acid's dosage details are as follows:

DoseSingle DoseFrequencyRouteInstructions
Adult Dosage
3.25 %3.25 %Every 12hTopicalAs Required
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
3.25 %3.25 %Every 12hTopical As Required
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
3.25 %3.25 %Every 12hTopical As Required

Drug Interactions

Unknown8 interactions
2 interactions

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Salicylic Acid in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Acidosis , Stupor , Urticaria , Anaphylactoid reactions , Coma , Respiratory depression , Excitement , Metabolic disturbances , Erythema multiforme.

Salicylic Acid produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Salicylate intoxication. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

Salicylic Acid is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Confusion, Fatigue, Fever, Inflammation, Irritation, Nausea, Salicylism , SweatingX, Thirst, Tinnitus.

Warnings / Precautions

Salicylic acid should be used with caution in patients with chronic renal (kidney) insufficiency, gastric ulcer, severe anemia, patients intolerant to salicylate or diabetes. Avoid prolonged and excessive use on large area of body or on broken or inflammed skin. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth or other mucous membrane. It should also be used with caution on extremities of patients with impaired peripheral circulation.

Available Brands

Click on a strength to view available brands.

Single Ingredient

Cream
2 %w/w
Ear Drops
130 mg/15ml
Gel
2 %w/w
Lotion
2 %w/v

Multi-Ingredient Combinations

Cream
3 %w/w
Gel
16.7 %w/w
Liquid
16.7 %w/v3 %w/v
Lotion
16.7 %w/v2 %w/v3 %w/v
Oil
3 %w/w
Oint
0.3 %w/w1 %w/w1.6 %w/w3 %w/w3.6 %w/w
Poultice
2 g/kg
Shampoo
2 %w/v
Soap
3 %w/w

Storage Conditions

Salicylic Acid should be stored Soln, Lotion, Gel, Powder.

Drug Classification

  1. 1.13.5.2 — Others
  2. 2.28 — Otic drugs

Manufacturers