Salicylic Acid 6% Gel

INDICATIONS AND USAGE For Dermatologic Use: Salicylic Acid 6% Gel is a topical aid in the removal of excessive keratin in hyperkeratotic skin disorders including verrucae, and the various ichthyoses (vulgaris, sex-linked and lamellar), keratosis palmaris and plantaris, keratosis pilaris, pityriasis rubra pilaris, and psoriasis (including body, scalp, palms and soles). For Podiatric Use: Salicylic Acid 6% Gel is a topical aid in the removal of excessive keratin on dorsal and plantar hyperkeratotic lesions.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The preferable method of use is to apply Salicylic Acid 6% Gel thoroughly to the affected area and to cover the treated area at night after washing and before retiring. Preferably, the skin should be hydrated for at least five minutes prior to application. The medication is washed off in the morning, and if excessive drying and/or irritation is observed, a bland cream or lotion may be applied. Once clearing is apparent, the occasional use of Salicylic Acid 6% Gel will usually maintain the remission. In those areas where occlusion is difficult or impossible, application may be made more frequently, hydration by wet packs or baths prior to application apparently enhances the effect (See WARNINGS ). Unless hands are being treated, hands should be rinsed thoroughly after application. Excessive repeated application of Salicylic Acid 6% Gel will not necessarily increase its therapeutic benefit, but could result in increased local intolerance and systemic adverse effects such as salicylism.

WARNINGS Prolonged use over large areas, especially in children and those patients with significant renal or hepatic impairment, could result in salicylism. Concomitant use of other drugs which may contribute to elevated serum salicylate levels should be avoided where the potential for toxicity is present. In children under12 years of age and those patients with renal or hepatic impairment, the area to be treated should be limited and the patient monitored closely for signs of salicylate toxicity: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of hearing, tinnitus, lethargy, hyperpnea, diarrhea, and psychic disturbances. In the event of salicylic acid toxicity, the use of Salicylic Acid 6% Gel should be discontinued. Fluids should be administered to promote urinary excretion. Treatment with sodium bicarbonate (oral or intravenous) should be instituted as appropriate. Patients should be cautioned against the use of oral aspirin and other salicylate containing medications, such as sports injury creams, to avoid additional excessive exposure to salicylic acid. When needed, aspirin should be replaced by an alternative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent that is not salicylate based. Patients should be advised not to apply occlusive dressings, clothing or other occlusive topical products such as petrolatum-based ointments to prevent excessive systemic exposure to salicylic acid. Excessive application of the product other than what is needed to cover the affected area will not result in a more rapid therapeutic benefit. Due to potential risk of developing Reye's syndrome, salicylate products should not be used in children and teenagers with varicella or influenza, unless directed by a licensed health care practitioner.

CONTRAINDICATIONS Salicylic Acid 6% Gel should not be used in any patient known to be sensitive to salicylic acid or any other listed ingredients. Salicylic Acid 6% Gel should not be used in children under 2 years of age.

DRUG INTERACTIONS (The following interactions are from a published review and include reports concerning both oral and topical salicylate administration. The relationship of these interactions to the use of Salicylic Acid 6% Gel is not known). I. Due to the competition of salicylate with other drugs for binding to serum albumin the following drug interactions may occur: II. Drugs changing salicylate levels by altering renal tubular reabsorption: III. Drugs with complicated interactions with salicylates: The following alterations of laboratory tests have been reported during salicylate therapy: Pregnancy: (Category C) - Salicylic acid has been shown to be teratogenic in rats and monkeys. It is difficult to extrapolate from oral doses of acetylsalicylic acid used in these studies to topical administration as the oral dose to monkeys may represent 4 times the maximal daily human dose of salicylic acid when applied topically over a large body surface. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Salicylic Acid 6% Gel should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Nursing Mothers : Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from the mother's use of Salicylic Acid 6% Gel , a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. If used by nursing mothers, it should not be used on the chest area to avoid accidental contamination of the child. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility: No data is available concerning potential carcinogenic or reproductive effects of Salicylic Acid 6% Gel . It has been shown to lack mutagenic potential in the Ames Salmonella test. I. II III IV

ADVERSE REACTIONS Excessive erythema and scaling conceivably could result from use on open skin lesions. Call your licensed healthcare practitioner for medical advice about side effects.