CLASSES

Keratolytic Agents
Other Topical Agents for Acne
Topical Antipsoriasis Agents
Topical Scalp Antipsoriasis and Seborrheic Dermatitis Agents, including Keratolytics

DEA CLASS

OTC, Rx

DESCRIPTION

Topical keratolytic agent
Used for hyperkeratotic skin disorders such as common and plantar warts, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, calluses, and corns; also used for acne
Prolonged or repeated daily use over large areas may cause salicylism, especially in children and patients with renal or hepatic impairment

COMMON BRAND NAMES

Akurza, Aliclen, Bensal HP, Clear Away, Clear Away Liquid, Clear Away One Step, Clear Away Plantar, Clearasil 3-in-1, Clearasil Blackhead Clearing Scrub, Clearasil Oil Control, Clearasil Rapid Rescue Deep Treatment, Clearasil Total Control, Clearasil Ultra Astringent, Clearasil Ultra Scrub, Compound W, Compound W Total Care Wart & Skin, Corn/Callus Remover, Curad Mediplast, DermacinRx Atrix, Dermarest Psoriasis Scalp Treatment, Dermarest Psoriasis Shampoo plus Conditioner, Dermarest Psoriasis Skin Treatment, Dr. Scholl's Callus Removers, Dr. Scholl's Corn Removers, Dr. Scholl's Extra Thick Callus Remover, Dr. Scholl's One Step Callus Remover, Dr. Scholl's One Step Corn Removers, Dr. Scholl's Ultra, Dr.Scholl's Dual Action FREEZE AWAY, Dr.Scholl's Duragel, DuoFilm Wart Remover, Freezone, Gold Bond Psoriasis Relief, Gordofilm, Hydrisalic, Ionil, Keralyt, Keralyt 5, Keralyt Scalp Complete, MOSCO Callus & Corn Remover, MOSCO One Step Corn Remover, Neutrogena Acne Wash, Neutrogena T/Sal Scalp, Occlusal-HP, P&S, RE SA, SalAC, Salactic Film, Salacyn, Salex, Salimez, Salisol, Salisol Forte, Salitech, Salitech Forte, Salitop, Salvax, Scalpicin 2 in 1 Anti-Dandruff, Selsun Blue, Thera-Sal, UltraSal-ER, VIRASAL, Wart-Off, XALIX

HOW SUPPLIED

Akurza/Clearasil Total Control/Clearasil Ultra Scrub/DermacinRx Atrix/Gold Bond Psoriasis Relief/Neutrogena Acne Wash/RE SA/Salacyn/Salex/Salicylic Acid/Salimez/Salitop Topical Cream: 2%, 3%, 6%
Akurza/RE SA/Salacyn/Salex/Salicylic Acid/Salitech/Salitech Forte/Salitop Topical Lotion: 5%, 6%
Aliclen/Dermarest Psoriasis Shampoo plus Conditioner/Ionil/Keralyt/Keralyt 5/Keralyt Scalp Complete/Neutrogena T/Sal Scalp/P&S/Salex/Salicylic Acid/Selsun Blue/Thera-Sal Topical Shampoo: 2%, 3%, 5%, 6%
Bensal HP/Salicylic Acid Topical Ointment: 3%
Clear Away Liquid/Compound W/Corn/Callus Remover/DermacinRx Atrix/Dermarest Psoriasis Scalp Treatment/Dr.Scholl's Dual Action FREEZE AWAY/DuoFilm Wart Remover/Freezone/Gordofilm/MOSCO Callus & Corn Remover/Occlusal-HP/Salactic Film/Salicylic Acid/Salisol/Salisol Forte/UltraSal-ER/VIRASAL/Wart-Off/XALIX Topical Sol: 2%, 3%, 17%, 17.6%, 23%, 26%, 27.5%, 28%, 28.5%
Clear Away/Clear Away One Step/Clear Away Plantar/Compound W/Curad Mediplast/Dr. Scholl's Callus Removers/Dr. Scholl's Corn Removers/Dr. Scholl's Extra Thick Callus Remover/Dr. Scholl's One Step Callus Remover/Dr. Scholl's One Step Corn Removers/Dr. Scholl's Ultra/Dr.Scholl's Duragel/MOSCO One Step Corn Remover/Salicylic Acid Topical Disc: 40%
Clearasil 3-in-1/Clearasil Blackhead Clearing Scrub/Clearasil Oil Control/Clearasil Ultra Astringent/DermacinRx Atrix/Neutrogena Acne Wash Topical Susp: 2%
Clearasil Rapid Rescue Deep Treatment Topical Swab: 2%
Compound W/Compound W Total Care Wart & Skin/Dermarest Psoriasis Skin Treatment/Keralyt/Keralyt 5/Keralyt Scalp Complete/Salicylic Acid Topical Gel: 3%, 5%, 6%, 17%
Salicylic Acid/Salvax Topical Foam: 6%

DOSAGE & INDICATIONS

MAXIMUM DOSAGE

No maximum dosage information is available.

No maximum dosage information is available.

No maximum dosage information is available.

No maximum dosage information is available.

Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Safety and efficacy have not been established.

DOSING CONSIDERATIONS

No dosage adjustments are needed.

No dosage adjustments are needed.

STORAGE

Generic:
- Avoid excessive heat (above 104 degrees F)
- Brief exposure up to 104 degrees F does not adversely affect product
- Protect from freezing
- Store between 68 to 77 degrees F, excursions permitted 59 to 86 degrees F
Akurza :
- Flammable, keep away from heat and flame
- Protect from freezing
- Store at 77 degrees F; excursions permitted to 59-86 degrees F
Aliclen:
- Protect from freezing
- Store at controlled room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F)
Bensal HP:
- Store at 77 degrees F; brief exposure up to 104 degrees F does not adversely affect product
- Store between 68 to 77 degrees F, excursions permitted 59 to 86 degrees F
Clear Away:
- Store at room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F)
Clear Away Liquid:
- Flammable, keep away from heat and flame
- Store at room temperature
- Store between 68 to 86 degrees F
Clear Away One Step:
- Store at room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F)
Clear Away Plantar:
- Store at room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F)
Clearasil 3-in-1:
- Storage information not provided in labeling
Clearasil Blackhead Clearing Scrub:
- Storage information not provided in labeling
Clearasil Oil Control:
- Storage information not provided in labeling
Clearasil Rapid Rescue Deep Treatment:
- Do not freeze
- Flammable, keep away from heat and flame
- Store in a cool, dry place
Clearasil Total Control:
- Storage information not available
Clearasil Ultra Astringent:
- Storage information not provided in labeling
Clearasil Ultra Scrub:
- Storage information not available
Compound W:
- Store at room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F)
Compound W Total Care Wart & Skin:
- Avoid excessive heat (above 104 degrees F)
- Store at room temperature
Corn/Callus Remover:
- Flammable, keep away from heat and flame
- Store at room temperature
- Store between 68 to 86 degrees F
Curad Mediplast:
- Store at room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F)
DermacinRx Atrix:
- Avoid excessive heat (above 104 degrees F)
- Protect from freezing
- Store at room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F)
Dermarest Psoriasis Moisturizer:
- Store between 59 to 77 degrees F
Dermarest Psoriasis Overnight Treatment:
- Storage information not listed
Dermarest Psoriasis Scalp Treatment:
- Avoid excessive humidity
- Flammable, keep away from heat and flame
- Store between 68 to 77 degrees F
Dermarest Psoriasis Shampoo plus Conditioner:
- Store at room temperature
Dermarest Psoriasis Skin Treatment:
- Storage information not listed
Dr. Scholl's Callus Removers:
- Store at room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F)
Dr. Scholl's Corn Removers:
- Store at room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F)
Dr. Scholl's Extra Thick Callus Remover:
- Store at room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F)
Dr. Scholl's One Step Callus Remover:
- Store at room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F)
Dr. Scholl's One Step Corn Removers:
- Store at room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F)
Dr. Scholl's Ultra:
- Store at room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F)
Dr.Scholl's Dual Action FREEZE AWAY:
- Storage information not provided in labeling
Dr.Scholl's Duragel:
- Store at room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F)
DuoFilm Wart Remover:
- Flammable, keep away from heat and flame
- Store at room temperature
- Store between 68 to 86 degrees F
Freezone:
- Flammable, keep away from heat and flame
- Store at room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F)
Gold Bond Psoriasis Relief:
- Storage information not listed
Gordofilm :
- Flammable, keep away from heat and flame
- Store at room temperature
- Store between 68 to 86 degrees F
Hydrisalic:
- Flammable, keep away from heat and flame
- Store at room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F)
Ionil:
- Store at room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F)
Ionil Plus:
- Store at room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F)
Keralyt:
- Store at room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F)
Keralyt 5:
- Flammable, keep away from heat and flame
- Store at room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F)
Keralyt Scalp Complete:
- Store at room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F)
MOSCO Callus & Corn Remover:
- Avoid excessive heat (above 104 degrees F)
- Store at room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F)
MOSCO One Step Corn Remover:
- Store at room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F)
Neutrogena Acne Wash:
- Storage information not provided in labeling
Neutrogena T/Sal Scalp:
- Store at room temperature
Occlusal-HP:
- Flammable, keep away from heat and flame
- Store at room temperature
- Store between 68 to 86 degrees F
P&S:
- Storage information not listed
RE SA :
- Flammable, keep away from heat and flame
- Protect from freezing
- Store at 77 degrees F; excursions permitted to 59-86 degrees F
SalAC:
- Flammable, keep away from heat and flame
Salactic Film :
- Flammable, keep away from heat and flame
- Store at room temperature
- Store between 68 to 86 degrees F
Salacyn:
- Flammable, keep away from heat and flame
- Protect from freezing
- Store at 77 degrees F; excursions permitted to 59-86 degrees F
Salex:
- Flammable, keep away from heat and flame
- Protect from freezing
- Store at 77 degrees F; excursions permitted to 59-86 degrees F
Salimez:
- Flammable, keep away from heat and flame
- Protect from freezing
- Store at 77 degrees F; excursions permitted to 59-86 degrees F
Salimez Forte:
- Flammable, keep away from heat and flame
- Protect from freezing
- Store at 77 degrees F; excursions permitted to 59-86 degrees F
Salisol :
- Protect from freezing
- Store at 77 degrees F; excursions permitted to 59-86 degrees F
Salisol Forte :
- Avoid excessive heat (above 104 degrees F)
- Protect from freezing
- Store between 68 to 77 degrees F, excursions permitted 59 to 86 degrees F
Salitech:
- Do not freeze
- Store at 77 degrees F; excursions permitted to 59-86 degrees F
Salitech Forte:
- Protect from freezing
- Store at 77 degrees F; excursions permitted to 59-86 degrees F
Salitop :
- Flammable, keep away from heat and flame
- Protect from freezing
- Store at 77 degrees F; excursions permitted to 59-86 degrees F
Salkera:
- Avoid exposure to heat
- Protect from freezing
- Store between 59 to 77 degrees F
- Store upright
Salvax:
- Avoid excessive heat (above 104 degrees F)
- Do Not Store at Temperatures Above 120 degrees F (49 degrees C)
- Protect from freezing
- Store between 68 to 77 degrees F, excursions permitted 59 to 86 degrees F
- Store upright
Scalpicin 2 in 1 Anti-Dandruff:
- Avoid excessive humidity
- Flammable, keep away from heat and flame
- Store between 68 to 77 degrees F
Selsun Blue:
- Storage information not listed
Thera-Sal :
- Store at room temperature
Trans-Ver-Sal:
- Store below 86 degrees F
UltraSal-ER:
- Flammable, keep away from heat and flame
- Store at room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F)
VIRASAL:
- Avoid excessive heat (above 104 degrees F)
- Protect from freezing
- Store between 68 to 77 degrees F, excursions permitted 59 to 86 degrees F
Wart-Off:
- Flammable, keep away from heat and flame
- Store at room temperature
- Store between 68 to 86 degrees F
XALIX:
- Avoid excessive heat (above 104 degrees F)
- Brief exposure up to 104 degrees F does not adversely affect product
- Flammable, keep away from heat and flame
- Protect from freezing
- Store between 68 to 77 degrees F, excursions permitted 59 to 86 degrees F

CONTRAINDICATIONS / PRECAUTIONS

Salicylic acid preparations are contraindicated in patients who have previously exhibited salicylate hypersensitivity.

Topical salicylic acid preparations in concentrations greater than 6% are contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus and other conditions of poor blood circulation such as peripheral vascular disease. Do not use these preparations on moles, birthmarks, warts with hair growing from them, genital warts, or warts on the face or mucous membranes.

Prolonged use of salicylic acid over large areas, especially in children and patients with renal impairment or hepatic disease may increase the risk for development of salicylism. In such patients, limit the treated area and closely monitor the patient for signs of salicylate toxicity such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of hearing, tinnitus, lethargy, hyperpnoea, diarrhea, and psychic disturbances. When the potential for toxicity is present, advise patients not to apply occlusive dressings, clothing or other occlusive topical products such as petrolatum-based ointments to prevent excessive systemic exposure to salicylic acid. Concomitant use of other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Discontinue use of salicylic acid if salicylic acid toxicity occurs and treat appropriately.

The potential for Reye's syndrome should be considered with administration of salicylic acid products in children and adolescents with varicella or influenza.

Avoid accidental exposure of salicylic acid products to the eyes, lips, mucus membranes and inflamed or broken skin as increased absorption may occur. If unintended mucus membrane or ocular exposure occurs, thoroughly rinse affected areas with water.

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Salicylic acid products should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.

It is not known whether topically applied salicylic acid is excreted into breast milk. According to the manufacturer, salicylic acid should not be used during breast-feeding. However, if the drug is used by nursing mothers, care should be taken to avoid application to the skin of the breast during lactation; oral ingestion by the infant could be harmful. Consider the benefits of breast-feeding, the risk of potential infant drug exposure, and the risk of an untreated or inadequately treated condition. If a breast-feeding infant experiences an adverse effect related to a maternally administered drug, healthcare providers are encouraged to report the adverse effect to the FDA.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

erythema / Early / Incidence not known

anaphylactoid reactions / Rapid / 0-1.0
skin irritation / Early / Incidence not known
pruritus / Rapid / Incidence not known

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Acetaminophen; Aspirin, ASA; Caffeine: (Moderate) Concomitant use of salicylic acid with other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin or other oral salicylates and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Concurrent use may result in excessive exposure to salicylic acid. Consider replacing aspirin therapy with an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based where appropriate.
Acetaminophen; Aspirin: (Moderate) Concomitant use of salicylic acid with other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin or other oral salicylates and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Concurrent use may result in excessive exposure to salicylic acid. Consider replacing aspirin therapy with an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based where appropriate.
Acetaminophen; Aspirin; Diphenhydramine: (Moderate) Concomitant use of salicylic acid with other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin or other oral salicylates and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Concurrent use may result in excessive exposure to salicylic acid. Consider replacing aspirin therapy with an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based where appropriate.
Adapalene: (Moderate) Concomitant use of other potentially irritating topical products with adapalene should be done cautiously because of additive local irritation. Particular caution should be exercised in using adapalene in combination with preparations containing salicylic acid. If these preparations have been used, it is advisable not to start therapy with adapalene until the effects of such preparations in the skin have subsided.
Adapalene; Benzoyl Peroxide: (Moderate) Concomitant use of other potentially irritating topical products with adapalene should be done cautiously because of additive local irritation. Particular caution should be exercised in using adapalene in combination with preparations containing salicylic acid. If these preparations have been used, it is advisable not to start therapy with adapalene until the effects of such preparations in the skin have subsided. (Moderate) Concurrent use of benzoyl peroxide and topical products containing salicylic acid on the same area of skin will cause additive irritant and drying effects. Reduction in the dose or temporary discontinuation of the benzoyl peroxide product may be needed until skin irritation resolves.
Aminosalicylate sodium, Aminosalicylic acid: (Moderate) Concomitant use of salicylic acid with other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin or other oral salicylates and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Concurrent use may result in excessive exposure to salicylic acid. Consider replacing aspirin therapy with an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based where appropriate.
Aspirin, ASA: (Moderate) Concomitant use of salicylic acid with other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin or other oral salicylates and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Concurrent use may result in excessive exposure to salicylic acid. Consider replacing aspirin therapy with an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based where appropriate.
Aspirin, ASA; Butalbital; Caffeine: (Moderate) Concomitant use of salicylic acid with other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin or other oral salicylates and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Concurrent use may result in excessive exposure to salicylic acid. Consider replacing aspirin therapy with an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based where appropriate.
Aspirin, ASA; Caffeine: (Moderate) Concomitant use of salicylic acid with other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin or other oral salicylates and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Concurrent use may result in excessive exposure to salicylic acid. Consider replacing aspirin therapy with an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based where appropriate.
Aspirin, ASA; Caffeine; Orphenadrine: (Moderate) Concomitant use of salicylic acid with other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin or other oral salicylates and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Concurrent use may result in excessive exposure to salicylic acid. Consider replacing aspirin therapy with an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based where appropriate.
Aspirin, ASA; Carisoprodol: (Moderate) Concomitant use of salicylic acid with other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin or other oral salicylates and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Concurrent use may result in excessive exposure to salicylic acid. Consider replacing aspirin therapy with an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based where appropriate.
Aspirin, ASA; Carisoprodol; Codeine: (Moderate) Concomitant use of salicylic acid with other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin or other oral salicylates and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Concurrent use may result in excessive exposure to salicylic acid. Consider replacing aspirin therapy with an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based where appropriate.
Aspirin, ASA; Citric Acid; Sodium Bicarbonate: (Moderate) Concomitant use of salicylic acid with other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin or other oral salicylates and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Concurrent use may result in excessive exposure to salicylic acid. Consider replacing aspirin therapy with an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based where appropriate.
Aspirin, ASA; Dipyridamole: (Moderate) Concomitant use of salicylic acid with other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin or other oral salicylates and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Concurrent use may result in excessive exposure to salicylic acid. Consider replacing aspirin therapy with an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based where appropriate.
Aspirin, ASA; Omeprazole: (Moderate) Concomitant use of salicylic acid with other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin or other oral salicylates and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Concurrent use may result in excessive exposure to salicylic acid. Consider replacing aspirin therapy with an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based where appropriate.
Aspirin, ASA; Oxycodone: (Moderate) Concomitant use of salicylic acid with other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin or other oral salicylates and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Concurrent use may result in excessive exposure to salicylic acid. Consider replacing aspirin therapy with an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based where appropriate.
Aspirin, ASA; Pravastatin: (Moderate) Concomitant use of salicylic acid with other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin or other oral salicylates and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Concurrent use may result in excessive exposure to salicylic acid. Consider replacing aspirin therapy with an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based where appropriate.
Atropine; Benzoic Acid; Hyoscyamine; Methenamine; Methylene Blue; Phenyl Salicylate: (Moderate) Concomitant use of salicylic acid with other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin or other oral salicylates and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Concurrent use may result in excessive exposure to salicylic acid. Consider replacing aspirin therapy with an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based where appropriate.
Benzoic Acid; Hyoscyamine; Methenamine; Methylene Blue; Phenyl Salicylate: (Moderate) Concomitant use of salicylic acid with other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin or other oral salicylates and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Concurrent use may result in excessive exposure to salicylic acid. Consider replacing aspirin therapy with an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based where appropriate.
Benzoyl Peroxide: (Moderate) Concurrent use of benzoyl peroxide and topical products containing salicylic acid on the same area of skin will cause additive irritant and drying effects. Reduction in the dose or temporary discontinuation of the benzoyl peroxide product may be needed until skin irritation resolves.
Benzoyl Peroxide; Clindamycin: (Moderate) Concurrent use of benzoyl peroxide and topical products containing salicylic acid on the same area of skin will cause additive irritant and drying effects. Reduction in the dose or temporary discontinuation of the benzoyl peroxide product may be needed until skin irritation resolves. (Moderate) When concomitantly prescribed for acne therapy, apply salicylic acid and clindamycin topical solutions separately, at different times of the day to minimize skin irritation, unless directed otherwise by the prescriber. If skin irritation occurs, a decrease in dose or frequency of one or both agents may be necessary.
Benzoyl Peroxide; Erythromycin: (Moderate) Concurrent use of benzoyl peroxide and topical products containing salicylic acid on the same area of skin will cause additive irritant and drying effects. Reduction in the dose or temporary discontinuation of the benzoyl peroxide product may be needed until skin irritation resolves.
Benzoyl Peroxide; Sulfur: (Moderate) Concurrent use of benzoyl peroxide and topical products containing salicylic acid on the same area of skin will cause additive irritant and drying effects. Reduction in the dose or temporary discontinuation of the benzoyl peroxide product may be needed until skin irritation resolves.
Bismuth Subsalicylate: (Moderate) Concomitant use of salicylic acid with other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin or other oral salicylates and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Concurrent use may result in excessive exposure to salicylic acid. Consider replacing aspirin therapy with an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based where appropriate.
Bismuth Subsalicylate; Metronidazole; Tetracycline: (Moderate) Concomitant use of salicylic acid with other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin or other oral salicylates and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Concurrent use may result in excessive exposure to salicylic acid. Consider replacing aspirin therapy with an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based where appropriate.
Butalbital; Aspirin; Caffeine; Codeine: (Moderate) Concomitant use of salicylic acid with other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin or other oral salicylates and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Concurrent use may result in excessive exposure to salicylic acid. Consider replacing aspirin therapy with an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based where appropriate.
Choline Salicylate; Magnesium Salicylate: (Moderate) Concomitant use of salicylic acid with other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin or other oral salicylates and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Concurrent use may result in excessive exposure to salicylic acid. Consider replacing aspirin therapy with an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based where appropriate.
Clindamycin: (Moderate) When concomitantly prescribed for acne therapy, apply salicylic acid and clindamycin topical solutions separately, at different times of the day to minimize skin irritation, unless directed otherwise by the prescriber. If skin irritation occurs, a decrease in dose or frequency of one or both agents may be necessary.
Clindamycin; Tretinoin: (Moderate) When concomitantly prescribed for acne therapy, apply salicylic acid and clindamycin topical solutions separately, at different times of the day to minimize skin irritation, unless directed otherwise by the prescriber. If skin irritation occurs, a decrease in dose or frequency of one or both agents may be necessary.
Hyoscyamine; Methenamine; Methylene Blue; Phenyl Salicylate; Sodium Biphosphate: (Moderate) Concomitant use of salicylic acid with other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin or other oral salicylates and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Concurrent use may result in excessive exposure to salicylic acid. Consider replacing aspirin therapy with an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based where appropriate.
Magnesium Salicylate: (Moderate) Concomitant use of salicylic acid with other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin or other oral salicylates and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Concurrent use may result in excessive exposure to salicylic acid. Consider replacing aspirin therapy with an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based where appropriate.
Mequinol; Tretinoin: (Moderate) Mequinol; tretinoin (Solage) solution contains a high concentration of ethanol which may be very drying to the skin. The concomitant use of other medications or skin-care items with drying effects can be additive or cause irritation, including astringents, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, medicated soaps/shampoos, or hair waxes.
Methenamine; Sodium Salicylate: (Moderate) Concomitant use of salicylic acid with other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin or other oral salicylates and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Concurrent use may result in excessive exposure to salicylic acid. Consider replacing aspirin therapy with an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based where appropriate.
Retinoids: (Moderate) Dryness of the skin and mucus membranes are common side effects of retinoid therapy. Simultaneous use of retinoids and topical drying agents, such as salicylic acid, can potentiate the drying effects of retinoids on the skin. Be alert for signs of skin irritation, the offending topical agents may need to be used less often or discontinued during retinoid therapy.
Salicylates: (Moderate) Concomitant use of salicylic acid with other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin or other oral salicylates and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Concurrent use may result in excessive exposure to salicylic acid. Consider replacing aspirin therapy with an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based where appropriate.
Salsalate: (Moderate) Concomitant use of salicylic acid with other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels (e.g., oral aspirin or other oral salicylates and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams) should be avoided. Concurrent use may result in excessive exposure to salicylic acid. Consider replacing aspirin therapy with an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based where appropriate.
Tretinoin; Benzoyl Peroxide: (Moderate) Concurrent use of benzoyl peroxide and topical products containing salicylic acid on the same area of skin will cause additive irritant and drying effects. Reduction in the dose or temporary discontinuation of the benzoyl peroxide product may be needed until skin irritation resolves.
Trifarotene: (Moderate) Avoid concurrent use of trifarotene with other topical products that may dry or irritate the skin, such as salicylic acid.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Salicylic acid products should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.

It is not known whether topically applied salicylic acid is excreted into breast milk. According to the manufacturer, salicylic acid should not be used during breast-feeding. However, if the drug is used by nursing mothers, care should be taken to avoid application to the skin of the breast during lactation; oral ingestion by the infant could be harmful. Consider the benefits of breast-feeding, the risk of potential infant drug exposure, and the risk of an untreated or inadequately treated condition. If a breast-feeding infant experiences an adverse effect related to a maternally administered drug, healthcare providers are encouraged to report the adverse effect to the FDA.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Salicylic acid exhibits keratolytic action by dissolution of intercellular cement substance causing desquamation of the horny layer of skin.

PHARMACOKINETICS

Salicylic acid is administered topically.