Salicylaseline

Products

Salicylaseline is available in pharmacies and drugstores in various concentrations (e.g., 2%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%). It is usually prepared in-house, for example as an extemporaneous formulation, and it can also be ordered by professionals from specialized suppliers. In some countries, ready-to-use medicines are also available.

Ingredients

Salicylaseline is prepared with the active ingredient salicylic acid and with petrolatum. Thick kerosene may be added as an additional excipient. This softens the ointment. The addition of preservatives is not necessary, because the salicylic acid preserves the drug itself. The active ingredient is suspended in the base and not dissolved. The various concentrations can also be easily prepared from a high-percentage ointment (e.g., salicylaseline 50% DAC) by diluting it with petroleum jelly. See the example in the article “Customer times customer by pharmacist”. Vaseline adheres well to the skin and has an occluding effect.

Effects

Salicylic acid (ATC D01AE12) has keratolytic (keratoplastic), corneolytic, penetration-promoting, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, pathogenic yeasts, dermatophytes, and molds. It has a short half-life in the organism of about 2 to 3 hours, but this can increase sharply with overdose. With a pKa of 2.97, salicylic acid is a relatively strong acid.

Indications for use

Indications for use include skin disorders with callus formation (hyperkeratoses), infections, warts, and corns.

Dosage

According to the professional information. The ointment is applied once or twice daily. Salicylvaseline should not be applied to large areas because the salicylic acid may enter the circulation through the skin and cause side effects. According to the German technical information, adults should apply a maximum of 2 g of salicylic acid per day. After application, hands should be washed well with soap and water so that the ointment is not carried away. The detachment of the callus can be promoted by a warm bath.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to the active substance and salicylates.
  • Contact with the eyes, with mucous membranes and open wounds.
  • Use on infants
  • Impaired renal function
  • Pregnancy and lactation

Full precautions can be found in the drug label.

Interactions

Salicylic acid may increase the permeation of other active ingredients.

Adverse effects

Possible adverse effects include local skin irritation, a burning sensation, redness, dry skin, and peeling of the skin. Allergic reactions may rarely occur. In the event of improper use, salicylic acid overdose may rarely occur due to percutaneous absorption into the bloodstream. It manifests itself, among other things, in tinnitus, nosebleeds, nausea and vomiting, and central nervous disorders such as dizziness and confusion (salicylism).