benzoic acid/salicylic acid/ichthammol/ triamcinolone acetonide

Action and Spectrum

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.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Allergic reaction 

Difficulty breathing 

Irritant reactions 

Irritation 

Dryness 

Folliculitis 

Hives 

Burning 

Dermatitis 

Hypertrichosis 

Itching 

Hypersensitivity 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Individuals with known allergies or hypersensitivity to benzoic acid/salicylic acid/ichthammol/triamcinolone acetonide should avoid products containing this compound. 

Caution: 

• benzoic acid should use with caution on sensitive skin, as it may cause irritation or redness.  
• Avoid applying ichthammol to mucous membranes. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

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

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. 

Adminstartion

Administration 

Exsora (benzoic acid/salicylic acid/ichthammol/ triamcinolone acetonide) is combination drug applied topically in form of ointment.

Patient Information Leaflet

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.