2025 Guidelines for the Evaluation and Management of Adults With Congenital Heart Disease
December 19, 2025
Brand Name :
Exsora
Synonyms :
benzoic acid/salicylic acid/ichthammol/ triamcinolone acetonide
Class :
Topical antifungals, Keratolytic and corticosteroids
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Ointment
15 gm
Clean and dry the affected area of skin and apply thin layer of ointment for 2 to 3 times daily
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Ointment
15 gm
for >12 years old:
Clean and dry the affected area of skin and apply thin layer of ointment for 2 to 3 times daily
Refer to adult dosing
Actions and Spectrum
benzoic acid is a simple aromatic carboxylic acid. Its action is antimicrobial, as it inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi. salicylic acid is a type of beta hydroxy acid (BHA) with keratolytic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly used in skincare products to treat various skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, and warts.
ichthammol is a dark, tarry substance derived from shale oil. It has been used for many years as a topical treatment for various skin conditions. triamcinolone acetonide is a synthetic corticosteroid. It has potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Its action is to suppress the immune response and reduce inflammation.
Frequency not defined
Allergic reaction
Difficulty breathing
Irritant reactions
Irritation
Dryness
Folliculitis
Hives
Burning
Dermatitis
Hypertrichosis
Itching
Hypersensitivity
Black Box Warning
None
Contraindication/Caution:
Contraindication:
Caution:
Pregnancy consideration:
Pregnancy category: N/A
Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown
Pregnancy Categories:
Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.
Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.
Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.
Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category.
Pharmacology
benzoic acid and its salts act as antimicrobial preservatives. They work by reducing the pH of the environment, making it less hospitable for the growth of bacteria, yeast, and molds.
salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) with keratolytic properties. It acts by exfoliating the stratum corneum, which helps to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve skin texture.
ichthammol also has mild anti-inflammatory properties. Its primary action is as a drawing agent or poultice. It increases blood flow to the area and helps to draw out pus and impurities in skin conditions like boils and abscesses.
triamcinolone acetonide is a synthetic corticosteroid with potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. It works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators.
Pharmacodynamics
benzoic acid disrupts the microbial cell membrane and interferes with their metabolic processes.
salicylic acid possesses mild antimicrobial effects by disrupting the cell membranes of some bacteria and fungi, which contributes to its usefulness in treating acne and other skin disorders.
ichthammol softens the skin and is thought to help draw out pus, impurities, and foreign objects from skin conditions like boils and abscesses.
triamcinolone acetonide can dampen the immune response, thus it is useful in conditions where the immune system is overactive and contributing to inflammation.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
benzoic acid/salicylic acid/ichthammol/ triamcinolone acetonide is absorbed through the skin when applied topically.
Distribution
benzoic acid/salicylic acid/ichthammol/ triamcinolone acetonide is distributed throughout the body’s fluids and tissues.
Metabolism
benzoic acid/salicylic acid/ichthammol/ triamcinolone acetonide undergoes hepatic metabolism to form various metabolites.
Elimination and excretion
benzoic acid/salicylic acid/ichthammol/ triamcinolone acetonide are primarily excreted in the urine.
Administration
Exsora (benzoic acid/salicylic acid/ichthammol/ triamcinolone acetonide) is combination drug applied topically in form of ointment.
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name:
benzoic acid/salicylic acid/ichthammol/ triamcinolone acetonide
Why do we use benzoic acid/salicylic acid/ichthammol/triamcinolone acetonide?
Exsora (benzoic acid/salicylic acid/ichthammol/ triamcinolone acetonide) is combination drug is used in various skin conditions including psoriasis, seborrhea and ichthyosis.
benzoic acid and ichthammol are used as antiseptic drugs. While salicylic acid is a keratolytic medicine which breaks down keratin clumps, removes dead skin cells and softens the skin.
triamcinolone acetonide it blocks the production of prostaglandins that make the skin red, swollen, and itchy.