resorcinol/sulfur

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

resorcinol/sulfur when combined in a medication have a synergistic effect, which indicates that their combined activity is more potent than either substance acting alone.

Together, they aid in reducing swelling, clearing clogged pores and getting rid of skin-infecting germs and fungi. resorcinol/sulfur are effective against a variety of skin disorders, including acne, eczema, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Excessive desquamation 

Inflammation/Skin irritation 

Erythema 

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• hypersensitivity or allergy to resorcinol/sulfur or any other component of the drug 
• Use on inflamed or broken skin 
• Use on young children or new-borns 

Caution: 

• People with sensitive skin or a history of allergies or skin reactions should use with caution. 
• Keep your mucous membranes and eyes out of the way. 
• Use only as directed; do not combine with other topical drugs without first seeking medical advice. 
• While taking these medications, stay out of the sun and tanning booths as they may increase your chance of being sunburnt or getting skin irritation. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: C  

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus in animal experiments.   

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 available 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 

Although the pharmacology of drugs containing resorcinol/sulfur is not entirely understood, it is thought that these chemicals keratolytic, antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial qualities are what make these drugs effective. 

Pharmacodynamics 

The pharmacodynamics of drugs containing resorcinol/sulfur are not fully understood, it is thought that they operate through several different mechanisms. 

It has been demonstrated that resorcinol has a modest exfoliating impact on the skin, which can aid in minimizing the visibility of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. 

sulfur contains antifungal and antibacterial qualities that aid in killing germs and fungi on the skin. It also acts as a keratolytic agent by encouraging the shedding of dead skin cells. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

Due to their size, sulfur and resorcinol may only be little absorbed via the skin. The use of occlusive dressings or other topical treatments that improve skin permeability may facilitate the absorption of these substances. 

Distribution 

resorcinol/sulfur are not known to be systemic medications; therefore, their distribution is likely to be restricted to the area where they are applied. 

Metabolism 

There is not much knowledge on the metabolism of resorcinol/sulfur. resorcinol is predominantly metabolized in the liver by glucuronidation and sulfation, however it is uncertain how much is metabolized when administered topically to the skin. It is unknown how much sulfur is metabolically processed in the body. 

Elimination and excretion 

Although some may be absorbed into the systemic circulation and removed through the kidneys or liver.  

resorcinol/sulfur are most likely to be excreted predominantly through the skin. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

resorcinol/sulfur containing medications are available as topical creams, lotions or ointments that are applied directly to the skin’s surface in the afflicted area. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: resorcinol/sulfur 

Why do we use resorcinol/sulfur? 

resorcinol/sulfur are typically used to treat a variety of skin disorders, such as dandruff, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and acne.