Dear colleagues, this week we will examine together a formula included in the Austrian National Formulary, used as a wet dressing in acute dermatoses.
Dermatosis should be distinguished from dermatitis as any non-inflammatory disease or disorder of the skin, since these two terms, though related, are not the same. Dermatitis, on the other hand, is defined as superficial inflammation of the skin characterized by redness, edema, weeping, crusting, flaking, and sometimes vesicle formation, often accompanied by pruritus. The term eczema is also frequently used instead of dermatitis.
Formula;
Rp.
Aluminium acetate solution 5 ml
Purified water to 100 ml
Aluminum acetate, also known as Burow’s solution, is included in the Austrian National Formulary as follows;
Rp.
Aluminyum sulfate 22.5 g
Calcium carbonate 10 g
Tartaric acid 4.5 g
Acetic acid 33% w/w 25 ml
Purified water 75 ml
Substances in the formula;
Aluminum acetate – Aluminum acetate [INCI] – Aluminio, acetato de;
Aluminum acetate solutions are astringent. Ear drops containing aluminum acetate reduce edema and inflammation in the ear by creating an acidic environment hostile to pathogenic bacteria. Such drops also exhibit hygroscopic properties. In dermatology, aluminum acetate solutions are also incorporated into the composition of astringent lotions prepared to reduce skin irritation. Preparations containing aluminum acetate are known as Burow’s creams, emulsions, lotions, or solutions. Aluminum subacetate (basic aluminum acetate) is also an astringent used topically. Aluminum salts should not be used in cases of severe renal impairment due to the risk of aluminum toxicity. Aluminum is absorbed orally and can accumulate in the body. Preparations containing aluminum salts should not be used in patients with renal disease or insufficiency unless signs and symptoms of toxicity and serum levels are closely monitored.
Burow’s lotion should be freshly prepared and used within seven days. Care should be taken to limit the risk of microbial contamination.
When aluminum acetate lotion is referred to, aqueous aluminum acetate lotion should be prepared. It is used as a wet dressing in irritant contact dermatitis and acute dermatoses.
Wishing you a good week…
References;
1- Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary.
2- RxMediaPharma®2016 Interactive Drug Information Resource.
Exp. Pharm. Ahmet Nezihi Pekcan
Pekcan Pharmacy – Konya
[email protected]
Tel: (332) 3520657
