Dersol 18 % Ointment

Composition of Dersol 18 % Ointment

Dersol 18 % Ointment contains Salicylic acid. It belongs to the Retinoid / keratolytic class of medicines.

Uses of Dersol 18 % Ointment

• This medicine is used in the treatment of acne
• blackheads and whiteheads
• pigmentation and rough skin.

Key benefits

• Clears and prevents acne
• Improves skin texture and marks over time

How Dersol 18 % Ointment works

Salicylic Acid unblocks the pores and speeds up the turnover of skin cells, so fewer spots form.

How to take Dersol 18 % Ointment

Clean and dry the affected area, then apply a thin layer and rub it in gently. Wash your hands before and after use, unless your hands are the area being treated. This is for use on the skin only — do not swallow it. Follow the dose and the duration written on your prescription.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

Apply it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next application, skip the missed one — applying extra does not make up for it.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause severe irritation when far too much cream is applied; an oral retinoid taken in excess can cause headache, vomiting and liver injury. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Dersol 18 % Ointment

Most side effects of Dersol are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Dryness
• Peeling
• Redness
• Burning or stinging
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Dersol 18 % Ointment

Warnings and precautions

Acne often looks worse for the first two to four weeks before it improves. This is expected — do not stop. Use sunscreen every day. These medicines make the skin burn much more easily. Oral isotretinoin must never be taken in pregnancy — it causes severe birth defects. Reliable contraception and the pregnancy tests your dermatologist requires are essential before, during and after the course. Start with alternate nights and build up, and do not use more than a pea-sized amount for the whole face. Do not combine several strong acne actives at once without advice — the irritation compounds.

Do not take Dersol if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Oral retinoids are absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy and in anyone who might become pregnant without a pregnancy prevention programme. Topical retinoids are avoided in pregnancy.

Interactions with other medicines

Do not combine with other peeling agents or with waxing and harsh scrubs. Oral retinoids must not be combined with tetracycline antibiotics.

How to store Dersol 18 % Ointment

Store below 30°C, away from direct sunlight. Close the cap tightly after each use. Keep out of the reach of children.

Expert advice for Dersol 18 % Ointment

Apply retinoids at night to clean, dry skin, and moisturise afterwards. Give it at least eight to twelve weeks before judging whether it works. Do not pick or squeeze spots — that is what leaves scars.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

EAST WEST PHARMA

Therapeutic class:

Anti-acne agent

Drug class:

Retinoid / keratolytic