Ichthyol

Ichthyol is an organic compound derived from petroleum or natural gas condensates. It has a specific odor and has some medicinal properties. Ichthyol is usually used in medicine in the form of ichthyol ointment.

Ichthyol ointment is a popular medication in dermatology due to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and local anesthetic properties. It is often used to treat various skin conditions such as boils, eczema, psoriasis, burns and other inflammatory skin conditions.

In addition to medical purposes, ichthyol can also be used in the cosmetic industry and veterinary medicine.

Indications Ichthyol

1. Boils and carbuncles: Ichthyol ointment may help speed healing and reduce inflammation for boils (skin conditions caused by an infection of a hair follicle) and carbuncles (clusters of boils).
2. Eczema and psoriasis: The product can be used to soften the skin, reduce itching and inflammation in exacerbations of eczema and psoriasis.
3. Various skin infections: The drug helps to fight various skin infections such as pus rashes, acne, acne and other inflammatory processes.
4. Trophic Ulcers: Ointment can help speed the healing of trophic ulcers, which can occur with poor circulation or trauma.
5. Burns and Injuries: Ichthyol ointment has anti-inflammatory properties and can help relieve discomfort and speed healing for minor burns and skin injuries.
6. Itchingand irritation: The product may be used to relieve itching and irritation of the skin in various skin conditions or bruises.

Rectal application may be prescribed in the following cases:

1. Hemorrhoids: The drug can help relieve inflammation, itching, and pain of hemorrhoids.
2. Proctitis: This is an inflammation of the rectum, and ichthyol can be used to relieve symptoms such as pain and irritation.
3. Anal fissures: The drug may help speed the healing of fissures in the anus area.
4. Swellingand inflammation: In some cases, ichthyol suppositories can be used to relieve swelling and inflammation in the rectal area.

Rectal application of ichthyol usually takes the form of inserting a suppository into the rectum one or more times a day, as recommended by your doctor.

Release form

1. Ointment: The most common form of release of ichthyol is an ointment. Ichthyol ointment is a viscous liquid that has a characteristic odor. This ointment is usually packaged in tubes or jars of different volumes.
2. Gel: Sometimes ichthyol may also be available as a gel. The gel may have a lighter texture and absorb better into the skin than an ointment.
3. Alcohol solution: The drug can also be presented as an alcohol solution. This solution can be used to wash wounds and burns.
4. Ichthyol can be used not only as an ointment for external application, but also in other forms, including rectal suppositories or suppositories.

Pharmacodynamics

1. Antiseptic action: The drug exhibits antiseptic action due to its ability to inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms. It can be effective against various pathogenic bacteria, fungi and viruses.
2. Anti-inflammatory action: Ichthyol is able to reduce inflammation by reducing the migration of leukocytes to the area of inflammation and inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, which play a key role in the inflammatory process.
3. Wound-healing action: The drug helps to accelerate the process of tissue regeneration, improving blood circulation in the wound area, stimulating the growth of new cells and providing optimal conditions for healing.
4. Antiprotozoal action: Ichthyol may be effective against some protozoan organisms such as algae and some species of parasitic protozoa.

Pharmacokinetics

1. Absorption: When applied to the skin, it may be absorbed into the epidermis and further into the bloodstream in small amounts. However, systemic absorption is generally low when applied externally.
2. Distribution: Ichthyol, once in the bloodstream, can be distributed throughout the body. It may also remain in the epidermis and act locally on the skin.
3. Metabolism: It is not normally metabolized in the body. It may undergo metabolic processes in the skin, but detailed information on its metabolism is limited.
4. Excretion: Excess ichthyol that is not absorbed may be excreted from the body through the skin or by systemic excretion mechanisms such as the kidneys or liver.
5. Concentration: Since systemic absorption is low when applied externally, blood concentrations remain low.
6. Pharmacodynamics: The drug has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and wound healing properties that help reduce inflammation, itching and skin irritation and promote healing of wounds and ulcers.
7. Duration of action: The effect of Ichthyol on the skin usually lasts several hours after each application. For best results, it is often recommended to use the product several times a day.

Dosing and administration

1. Cleanse the skin: Make sure the skin is clean and dry before applying Ichthyol. Wash your skin with mild soap and warm water, then pat dry.
2. Applying the ointment or gel: Apply a thin layer of ichthyol ointment or gel to the affected area of the skin. If necessary, a sterile applicator or cotton swab may be used for application.
3. Repeating the procedure: The procedure of applying the ointment or gel can be repeated 1-2 times a day depending on individual needs and doctor's recommendations.
4. Wound treatment: If you are using ichthyol to treat wounds or burns, make sure they have been cleaned and washed with an antiseptic before applying the ointment.
5. Follow your doctor's advice: Always follow your doctor's instructions regarding the method of application and dosage of Ichthyol. Do not exceed the recommended doses and do not apply it to large areas of skin without consulting your doctor.

Use Ichthyol during pregnancy

The drug is applied topically and generally does not affect the systemic system. However, it is important to remember that medical studies on the safety of ichthyol during pregnancy are limited.

A doctor or pharmacist should be consulted before using the medicine during pregnancy. The doctor can assess the potential risks and benefits of ichthyol and make recommendations for its use based on the individual patient's situation.

Contraindications

1. Hypersensitivity: People with known hypersensitivity to ichthyol or other components of the product should avoid using it to prevent allergic reactions.
2. Severe renal and hepatic dysfunction: Administration of the drug may be contraindicated in patients with severe renal or hepatic dysfunction due to the risk of worsening of the condition and possible accumulation of the drug in the body.
3. Open wounds or damaged skin: Use of the drug on open wounds or damaged skin may cause irritation and worsen the skin condition. Therefore, the drug should only be used on whole skin.
4. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Information on the safety of ichthyol use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is limited. Therefore, a doctor should be consulted before using the drug during these periods.
5. Children: The safety and efficacy of ichthyol in children has not been fully investigated, therefore its use in children requires special attention and medical advice.
6. Bleeding conditions: The drug may increase bleeding, therefore its use may be contraindicated in patients with blood coagulation disorders or in concomitant use of anticoagulants.
7. Other contraindications: Depending on the individual characteristics of the patient and his health condition, there may be other contraindications to the use of the drug, which should be taken into account when deciding on treatment.

Side effects Ichthyol

1. Skin reactions: Some people may experience a skin reaction such as redness, burning, irritation, dryness, or itching at the site of ointment application.
2. Allergic reactions: In rare cases, allergic reactions to the components of the ointment may develop, manifested as hives, edema or skin rashes.
3. Increased sensitivity to sunlight: Occasionally, in some patients, the use of ichthyol ointment may increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight, which may result in sunburn or irritation.
4. Unusual odor: The ointment has a specific odor that may cause discomfort to some people.
5. Temporary skin discoloration: Some patients may experience temporary skin discoloration at the site of ointment application.

Overdose

Some side effects may occur if large amounts of ichthyol are swallowed accidentally or intentionally. Possible effects of an overdose may include:

1. Vomiting and nausea: Ichthyol overdose may cause gastrointestinal irritation, which may lead to vomiting and nausea.
2. Gastric pain and diarrhea: Increased amounts of the drug may cause painful abdominal symptoms and possible stool disturbances such as diarrhea.
3. Allergic reactions: In rare cases, people may experience allergic reactions to the drug, such as itching, rashes, swelling, or even anaphylactic shock.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Drugs to treat skin infections: Using the drug in combination with other medicines to treat skin infections, such as antimicrobials or antifungals, may increase the effectiveness of treatment and speed healing.
2. Corticosteroids: It is possible that co-administration of ichthyol with corticosteroids may enhance the anti-inflammatory effect and accelerate the relief of symptoms of skin diseases.
3. Local anesthetics: The drug may be used in combination with local anesthetics to relieve pain and itching in a variety of skin problems.
4. Treatment of wounds and ulcers: Ichthyol ointment may be used in combination with wound and ulcer medications, such as antiseptics or antimicrobials, to promote healing and prevent infection.