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Salicylic Acid topical gel, cream, lotion, solution

Salicylic acid is a medicated topical gel, cream, lotion or solution. It treats and prevents acne along with other skin conditions, like warts, psoriasis, calluses and corns. Salicylic acid works by breaking down layers of thick skin.

What is this medication?

SALICYCLIC ACID (SAL i SIL ik AS id) breaks down layers of thick skin. It treats common and plantar warts, psoriasis, calluses, and corns. It also treats or prevents acne.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Akurza, Clear Away Liquid, Clearasil Total Control, Clearasil Ultra Scrub, Compound W, Corn/Callus Remover, DermacinRx Atrix, Dermarest Psoriasis Moisturizer, Dermarest Psoriasis Overnight Treatment, Dermarest Psoriasis Scalp Treatment, Dermarest Psoriasis Skin Treatment, Dr.Scholl's Dual Action FREEZE AWAY, DuoFilm Wart Remover, Freezone, Gold Bond Psoriasis Relief, Gordofilm, Hydrisalic, Keralyt, Keralyt 5, MOSCO Callus & Corn Remover, Neutrogena Acne Wash, Occlusal-HP, RE SA, SalAC, Salactic Film, Salacyn, Salex, Salimez, Salimez Forte, Salisol, Salisol Forte, Salitech, Salitech Forte, Salitop, Scalpicin 2 in 1 Anti-Dandruff, UltraSal-ER, VIRASAL, Wart-Off, XALIX

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What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•child with chickenpox, the flu, or other viral infection

•kidney disease

•liver disease

•an unusual or allergic reaction to salicylic acid, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for external use only. Follow the directions on the label. Do not apply to raw or irritated skin. Avoid getting medicine in your eyes, lips, nose, mouth, or other sensitive areas. Use this medicine at regular intervals. Do not use more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This medicine is not approved for use in children under 2 years old.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

•medicines that change urine pH like ammonium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and others

•medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin

•methotrexate

•pyrazinamide

•some medicines for diabetes

•some medicines for gout

•steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your doctor is your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Use of this medicine in children under 12 years or in patients with kidney or liver disease may increase the risk of serious side effects. These patients should not use this medicine over large areas of skin. If you notice symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of hearing, ringing in the ears, unusual weakness or tiredness, fast or labored breathing, diarrhea, or confusion, stop using this medicine and contact your doctor or health care professional.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•skin irritation

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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