Ichthyol ointment

Antiseptic and disinfecting external agent - ichthyol ointment - is used mainly for skin disinfection. The drug is often indispensable in the treatment of urological, gynecological, dermatological problems, as well as other microbial diseases.

Indications Ichthyol ointment

Indication can be:

• dermatological pathologies (eczema, trichophytosis, streptoderma, erysipelas, microsporia, hydradenitis);
• skin damage (burns, superficial injuries);
• inflammation of the joints, nerves;
• furuncles;
• hemorrhoids, anal fissures;
• gynecological problems (salpingoophoritis, parametritis, erosion, etc.).

[1]

Release form

Ichthyol ointment 10% is represented by such ingredients as Vaseline and Ichthyol. Ointment 10% is packed in glass containers for 25 or 30 g.

[2]

Pharmacodynamics

For ichthyol ointment, an anti-inflammatory and external disinfection effect is characteristic, as well as an antipruritic and keratostatic effect.

The disinfecting effect of the drug negatively affects the development and vital functions of certain species of pathogenic bacteria - staphylococci, streptococci, and yeast fungi. The preparation does not work on gram (-) bacteria.

Treatment with ointment helps to remove itching, improve the quality of skin, stimulate skin renewal. Regular use of ichthyol allows you to get rid of excessive peeling, while improving local metabolic processes in the superficial skin layers.

[3], [4]

Pharmacokinetics

Ichthyol ointment shows its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect during the first few hours after the application of the drug to the affected areas of the body.

Ointment does not have a systemic effect due to negligible penetration of active components into the systemic circulation.

[5], [6], [7]

Dosing and administration

Ichthyol ointment is distributed over the affected area of the skin, gradually rubbed until a warming sensation appears.

If the ointment is applied as a remedy for eczema, inflammation of the joints or nerves, with a superficial burn, the area with the applied ointment is covered with a gauze cut and bandage. This dressing changes daily, until the condition is relieved.

To treat streptodermia, ichthyol ointment is applied applicatively.

With hemorrhoids and fissures of the anus, ointment is applied directly to the nodes, 1-2 times a day.

When gynecological problems often use tampons with ichthyol ointment - this procedure is done solely under the supervision of a doctor, so as not to damage the mucous tissues.

The duration of treatment with ichthyol ointment is determined by the doctor, taking into account the characteristics of the disease.

[11], [12]

Use Ichthyol ointment during pregnancy

Ichthyol ointment can be prescribed by a doctor for the treatment of pregnant and lactating patients.

When using, make sure that ichthyol does not get on the mucous membranes, the eyes and the nipple area.

Contraindications

It is necessary to avoid the use of ichthyol ointment:

• with a high probability of allergy to ichthyol;
• under the age of 12 years.

[8], [9]

Side effects Ichthyol ointment

In most patients ichthyol ointment does not cause any negative side effects.

Occasionally, there is a development of allergic processes in the form of rashes on the skin, itching, swelling, redness.

If such symptoms are noted, it is better to cancel the drug, replacing it with another, more suitable means.

[10]

Overdose

Since ichthyol ointment, when applied externally, does not enter the systemic circulation, the risk of overdose is almost zero.

In case of accidental ingestion of the drug, it is recommended to wash the stomach and take a sorbent preparation (for example, activated carbon in the amount of 0.5 g for every 5 kg of the patient's weight).

[13]

Interactions with other drugs

In order to avoid undesirable pharmaceutical interactions, it is not recommended to use several external agents in the same area of skin at the same time.

Especially undesirable is the simultaneous combination of ichthyol ointment with such external preparations that contain iodine, ethanol, glycerol, zinc, dimethylsulfoxide and heavy metal compounds in its composition.

[14], [15], [16]

Storage conditions

Ichthyol ointment can be stored in temperature conditions from +15 to + 25 ° C, in a dry and ventilated room, in places with restricted access to children.

[17], [18]

Shelf life

Stored up to 5 years.

[19], [20]