octisalate

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

Actions: 

octisalate primarily absorbs and filters out UVB rays. 

Spectrum: 

• UVB Absorption: octisalate is primarily effective in absorbing UVB radiation, which is responsible for causing sunburn and plays a role in the development of skin cancer. By absorbing these rays, octisalate helps prevent damage to the skin’s outermost layers. 
• Sunburn Protection: octisalate’s primary purpose is to prevent sunburn by absorbing UVB rays and reducing their penetration into the skin.  
• Limited UVA Protection: While octisalate primarily absorbs UVB rays, it does offer some limited UVA protection. However, its effectiveness in filtering UVA rays is not as high as other sunscreen agents designed explicitly for UVA protection, such as avobenzone or zinc oxide. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Rash 

Skin sensitivity 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications: 

• Allergies 

Cautions: 

• Sensitivity 
• Health condition 
• Children 
• Pregnancy  
• Breastfeeding 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

The drug is contraindicated during pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

The drug is excreted in the breast milk.  

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: Well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the initial or later trimester. 

<b>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: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:  

octisalate, also known as ethylhexyl salicylate, is an organic compound commonly used in sunscreens and other cosmetic products as a chemical UV filter. It’s used to absorb and block ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, specifically UVB rays. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

octisalate’s target interaction involves interacting with UVB radiation rather than specific cellular receptors or enzymes. It does not undergo significant chemical changes within the skin but acts as a barrier against UVB exposure. 

Absorption 

octisalate is applied topically to the skin as part of sunscreen formulations. After application, the compound is primarily absorbed into the outermost layers of the skin, known as the stratum corneum. It does not typically penetrate deeply into the skin layers or get absorbed into the bloodstream significantly. 

Distribution 

Since octisalate is primarily absorbed into the outer layers of the skin, it doesn’t undergo significant distribution throughout the body. It remains localized at the application site, where it provides UVB protection by absorbing and converting UVB radiation. 

Metabolism 

octisalate is not significantly metabolized within the body. It acts as a physical barrier on the skin’s surface and does not undergo enzymatic transformations or biochemical reactions within the body’s metabolic pathways. 

Elimination and Excretion 

Since octisalate is not significantly absorbed into the bloodstream or distributed throughout the body, minimal excretion is involved. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

octisalate is incorporated into various sunscreen formulations, including lotions, creams, sprays, sticks, and gels. These formulations are designed for easy application on the skin to form a protective barrier against UVB rays. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: octisalate 

Pronounced as: oc-ti-sale-ate 

Why do we use octisalate? 

octisalate is a chemical UV filter that absorbs ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from the sun. It is favored in sunscreen formulations due to its relatively light and non-greasy texture.