Ammonium Bituminosulfonate: Effects, Uses & Risks

Ammonium bituminosulfonate is an anti-inflammatory agent used in the treatment of skin diseases. The drug is in the form of a black ointment and as a solution to be applied to the skin area to be treated. Medicines containing ammonium bituminosulfonate are available in pharmacies and over the counter.

What is ammonium bituminosulfonate?

Ammonium bituminosulfonate is an anti-inflammatory drug used in the treatment of skin diseases. Ammonium bituminosulfonate is a natural product. It is also known as ichthyol and is obtained from oil shales rich in sulfur and containing fossil fish relics by dry distillation. In the next processing step – sulfonation and subsequent neutralization of individual oil fractions of the crude shale oil – ammonium bituminosulfonate is formed, namely as a sulfonate salt in an aqueous solution. The natural product ammonium bituminosulfonate is a mixture of many components. Unlike tars, ammonium bituminosulfonate contains only small traces of procyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Ammonium bituminosulfonate can be used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, boils, acne and psoriasis. It has also been shown to be helpful in the treatment of inflammatory rheumatic complaints. The active ingredient is usually used as a tensile ointment in 10-, 20- and 50-percent concentrations. The positive dermatological effect of ammonium bituminosulfonate was discovered by the German physician Paul Gerson Unna. The trade names of the mono-preparations made from it are Ichtholan, Thiobitum, Ichthyol and Ichtho-Bad. As a combination preparation, ammonium bituminosulfonate is commercially available under the names Aknederm, Aknemycin and Hewelsymphon, for example. Ammonium bituminosulfonate ointment is characterized by a tar-like odor. When used, it may cause black discoloration of the laundry.

Pharmacological effect

Ammonium bituminosulfonate has an anti-inflammatory effect, making it one of the anti-inflammatory drugs. It also has antibacterial, antiseborrheic, antieczematous, antipruritic, antimycotic and circulatory stimulating effects. Ammonium bituminosulfonate inhibits hyaluronidase, sebaceous gland secretion, leukocyte migration and release of chemotactic factors from granulocytes. It also decreases scaling by reducing cell proliferation. Used in high concentrations, it may cause mild skin irritation. The active ingredient ammonium bituminosulfonate is composed of various organic substances. Of these, aromatics such as phenol are particularly effective. They have an antibacterial effect, curb sebaceous gland secretion and inhibit deeper inflammation of muscles and joints. Ammonium bituminosulfonate is composed of short-chain and long-chain molecules. Thanks to its short-chain molecules, it overcomes the skin barrier, fights the inflammatory process and also has an analgesic effect due to its anti-inflammatory action. The long-chain molecules, in turn, lead to an osmotic pressure gradient on the skin surface. The resulting traction effect almost always succeeds in transporting pus accumulations to the skin surface, causing abscesses to heal more rapidly. Likewise, the traction effect reduces joint effusions and swelling in fibrous and joint inflammation.

Medical use and application

The anti-inflammatory drug ammonium bituminosulfonate can be used in the therapy of various inflammatory skin, muscle and joint conditions:

  • Acne
  • Boils
  • Eczema
  • Psoriasis
  • Joint inflammation
  • Muscle inflammations
  • Abscesses
  • Nail bed inflammations

In addition, ammonium bituminosulfonate is recommended for the therapy of inflammatory rheumatic diseases such as:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Arthritis
  • Tendovaginitis
  • Epicondylitis
  • Periarthritis
  • Bursitis

Ammonium bituminosulfonate is available as an ointment and as a solution, with preference for use as an ointment. The active ingredient ammonium bituminosulfonate can bring pus accumulation from deeper layers of the skin to the skin surface by traction of the ointment. Its anti-inflammatory effect additionally reduces pain. For example, ammonium bituminosulfonate very effectively alleviates the typical symptoms of acne by counteracting blockages in the sebaceous gland excretory ducts, combating the bacteria that have settled there and preventing further development into boils.Ammonium bituminosulfonate has a disinfecting and skin softening effect.

Risks and side effects

Except for occasional possible local skin reactions such as rash, redness, itching or burning, ammonium bituminosulfonate does not cause irritation of the skin. Since it is irritating to mucous membranes, contact with the eyes should be avoided. Likewise, it should not be allowed to enter open wounds. Ammonium bituminosulfonate is contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity to preparations of shale oils, as well as in pregnant and breastfeeding women above an active substance concentration of 20%. Children under 14 years of age should be administered ammonium bituminosulfonate only in lower concentrations of 10 % to a maximum of 20 %, as their skin reacts particularly sensitively. Since ammonium bituminosulfonate promotes the absorption of other substances into the skin and enhances their effect, this active ingredient should not be used in parallel with other drugs for the skin.