• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?
SALICYCLIC ACID (SAL i SIL ik AS id) breaks down layers of thick skin. It is used to treat common and plantar warts, psoriasis, calluses, and corns. It is also used to treat or to prevent acne.

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

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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. This pricing information was updated 09/2009. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit www.drugstore.com. Actual costs to patients will vary depending on the use of specific retail or mail-order locations and health insurance copays.

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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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.

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How should I use this medicine?
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.

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What may interact with this medicine?

• 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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Who should NOT use this medication?

• Known sensitivity to salicylic acid or any other ingredient in the formulation.
• 6% salicylic acid cream, lotion, and gel: Children <2 years of age.

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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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.

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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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Where can I get more information?
More Information

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