Sulphur

South African indications:

• Scabies

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or to any of its excipients

Cautions

• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Renal impairment
• Hepatic impairment
• Exposure to eyes and mucous membranes

Forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: oin

Scabies

• Topical (oin): 5-10% oin. Apply to entire trunk and extremities, 24hrly for 2-3 days

Application to include soles of feet

Thoroughly wash off before reapplication 24hrs later

Treatment may be repeated after one week if necessary

Wash hands immediately after use

See adult dosage

Pregnancy

• FDA Pregnancy Category Not Rated (NR)

Breastfeeding

• Caution; no information available

Renal Impairment

• Caution; no information available

Hepatic Impairment

• Caution; no information available

Elderly

• No dose adjustment recommended

Porphyria Information

• Not yet classified (NC)

Respiratory Disorders

• Irritation of the respiratory tract

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders

• Burning
• Pruritus
• Irritation
• Allergic contact dermatitis

Immune, Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders

• Sulphaemogloblinaemia
• Metabolic acidosis

• Topical mercurial compounds
• Sulphur preparations

None routine

Sulphur is keratolytic, mild antiseptic, mild antifungal, and a parasiticide.  The keratolytic action of sulphur makes it useful for acne and seborrheic dermatitis. The antifungal activity of sulphur may be due to its conversion to pentatonic acid by cutaneous bacteria and keratinocytes. The antibacterial activity of sulphur is primarily against gram-positive organisms. The precise mechanism is unknown but may be due to reaction of sulphur with free cysteine in the bacteria.

Ointment

• Sulphur ointment 5% (BP)
• Sulphur ointment 10% (BP)