Salicylic Acid Foam

Dosage form: aerosol, foam
Drug classes:Topical acne agents, Topical keratolytics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 23, 2021.

Disclaimer: This drug has not been found by FDA to be safe and effective, and this labeling has not been approved by FDA. For further information about unapproved drugs, click here.

(salicylic acid in a water and lipid based foam, 6%)

Rx Only

Salicylic Acid Foam Description

Salicylic Acid 6% Foam is applied topically and used in the removal of excessive keratin in hyperkeratotic skin disorders. Each gram of Salicylic Acid 6% Foam contains salicylic acid 6% as the active ingredient, and the following inactive ingredients: dimethicone, ethylparaben, glycerin, methylcellulose, methylparaben, phenoxyethanol, polyoxyl 40 stearate, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80, povidone, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, sodium citrate, sodium hydroxide, stearic acid and trolamine and in propellants butane and propane.

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

Salicylic acid is a 2-hydroxy derivative of benzoic acid having the following chemical structure:

Salicylic Acid Foam - Clinical Pharmacology

Salicylic acid has been shown to produce desquamation of the horny layer of skin while not affecting qualitative or quantitative changes in structure of the viable epidermis. The mechanism of action has been attributed to dissolution of intercellular cement substance. In a study of the percutaneous absorption of salicylic acid from Salicylic Acid 6% Foam in four patients with extensive active psoriasis, Taylor and Halprin showed that peak serum levels never exceeded 5 mg/100 mL even though more than 60% of the applied salicylic acid was absorbed. Systemic toxic reactions are usually associated with much higher serum levels (30 to 40 mg/100mL). Peak serum levels occurred within 5 hours of the topical application under occlusion. The sites were occluded for 10 hours over the entire body surface below the neck. Since salicylates are distributed in the extracellular space, patients with a c...