Keralyt Shampoo

Generic name:salicylic acid
Dosage form: shampoo
Drug classes:Topical acne agents, Topical keratolytics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 1, 2021.

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

DESCRIPTION: KERALYT® shampoo contains 6% w/w salicylic acid USP in a vehicle composed of purified water, ammonium lauryl sulfosuccinate, cocamidopropyl betaine, hexylene glycol, linoleamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate, polyquaternium-22, propylene glycol, sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, sodium citrate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, tetrasodium EDTA, tocopherol acetate and fragrance.

Salicylic acid is the 2 hydroxy derivative of benzoic acid

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. ¹, ² The mechanism of action has been attributed to a dissolution of intercellular cement substance. ³ In a study of the percutaneous absorption of salicylic acid in four patients with extensive active psoriasis, Taylor and Halprin ⁴ showed that peak serum salicylate 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/100 ml). 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 contracted extracellular space due to dehydration or diuretics have higher salicylate levels than those with a normal extracellular space. ⁵ (See PRECAUTIONS).

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