Drug Notebook

Drug Info Tools
Pill Finder
Search by color, shape and markings. click here
Drug Interaction Checker
Check any 2 drugs for interactions. click here
Drug Compare
Compare any two drugs side by side. click here
Healthline Part D Plan Selector Medicare Part D
Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.
Advertisement
Marketplace
Licensed from
salicylic acid topical
(SAL i SIL ik AS id TOP ik al)

What is salicylic acid topical?
Salicylic acid is a keratolytic (peeling agent). Salicylic acid causes shedding of the outer layer of skin. Salicylic acid topical is used in the treatment of acne, dandruff, corns, and warts. Salicylic acid topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

Back to Top

What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit drugstore.com.

Bensal HP 3-6% Ointment 7 OAKS PHARMACEUTICAL CORP15/$150.69 or 45/$420.18
Bensal HP 3-6% Ointment 7 OAKS PHARMACEUTICAL CORP30/$259.59 or 90/$721.57
Compound W 17% Liquid MEDTECH9/$11.99 or 18/$15.9
Keralyt 3% Gel SUMMERS LABS28/$11.35 or 85/$34.05
Keralyt 6% Gel SUMMERS LABS40/$42.99 or 120/$122.34
Occlusal-HP 17% Liquid MEDICIS10/$15.99 or 30/$45.97
RE SA 6% Cream RIVER'S EDGE PHARMACEUTICALS400/$90 or 1200/$258
Salex 6% Lotion) Kit (CORIA LABORATORIES597/$98.68 or 1791/$272.95
Salex 6% Cream) Kit (CORIA LABORATORIES1/$175.34 or 3/$503.99
Salex 6% LOTN HEALTHPOINT MEDICAL414/$102.55 or 1242/$292.86
Salex 6% SHAM CORIA LABORATORIES177/$84.7 or 531/$245.32
Sebutone 0.5% SHAM B-M SQUIBB U.S. (PRIMARY CARE)200/$11.98 or 600/$34.98

Back to Top

What are the possible side effects of salicylic acid topical?

Serious side effects are not likely to occur with the use of salicylic acid topical. If you do experience any of the following rare serious side effects, stop using salicylic acid topical and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor:

  • an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives); or

  • severe skin irritation.

Other, less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue to use salicylic acid topical and talk to your doctor if you experience skin burning; stinging; itching; dryness; redness; peeling; or irritation.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Back to Top

How should I use salicylic acid topical?
Use salicylic acid topical exactly as directed by your healthcare provider or as directed on the package. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Gently clean and dry the affected area. For the treatment of warts and calluses, gentle removal of loose skin with a soft brush, wash cloth, or emery board may be recommended before application of the medication. Shake the lotion gently before application. Apply a thin film of the medication to the affected area(s) as directed.

Back to Top

What is the most important information I should know about salicylic acid topical?
Avoid the eyes, mouth, lips, inside the nose, genitals, and anal areas when applying salicylic acid topical. Do not use the wart remover on moles or birthmarks, or warts with hair growing from them, red edges, or unusual color. Also, do not use salicylic acid topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin; or on open wounds. If medication is applied to any of these areas, wash with water.

Back to Top

What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not apply a double dose of the medication.

Back to Top

What other drugs will affect salicylic acid topical?
Do not use other topical preparations on the treated area unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider. They may interfere with treatment or increase skin irritation. Avoid the use of abrasive, harsh, or drying soaps and cleansers such as alcoholic cleansers, tinctures, astringents, abrasives, or other peeling agents while using salicylic acid topical. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with salicylic acid topical. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Back to Top

Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?

It is not known whether salicylic acid topical will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use salicylic acid topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

Salicylic acid topical may pass into breast milk and affect a nursing baby. Do not use salicylic acid topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Back to Top

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.

Back to Top

What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of salicylic acid topical is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, or if the medication has been ingested, call a poison control center or emergency room for advice.

Back to Top

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using salicylic acid topical?
Avoid the eyes, mouth, lips, inside the nose, genitals, and anal areas when applying salicylic acid topical. Do not use the wart remover on moles or birthmarks, or warts with hair growing from them, red edges, or unusual color. Also, do not use salicylic acid topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin; or on open wounds. If medication is applied to any of these areas, wash with water. Before using salicylic topical, talk to your doctor if you have kidney disease;

Back to Top

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.

Back to Top

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.

Back to Top

Where can I get more information?
More Information

Back to Top

Back to Top