Dermol 200 Shower Emollient

1. Name Of The Medicinal Product

DERMOL™ 200 SHOWER EMOLLIENT

2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition

Liquid Paraffin 2.5% w/w; Isopropyl Myristate 2.5% w/w; Benzalkonium Chloride 0.1% w/w; Chlorhexidine Dihydrochloride 0.1% w/w.

3. Pharmaceutical Form

White, non-greasy cutaneous emulsion.

4. Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

An antimicrobial shower emollient for the management of dry and pruritic skin conditions, especially eczema and dermatitis. Dermol 200 Shower Emollient is for direct application onto the skin and is suitable for use as a soap substitute.

4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration

For adults, children and the elderly: For application to the skin (eg after showering): Apply to the affected areas as required. Massage into the skin, until absorbed. For use as a soap substitute in the shower: As required, use the shower emollient instead of an ordinary shower gel or soap. Pat dry.

4.3 Contraindications

Do not use in cases of known sensitivity to any of the ingredients.

4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use

Avoid contact with the eyes, especially when used on the face. Take care to avoid slipping in the shower or bath. The excipient cetostearyl alcohol may on rare occasions give rise to local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis) in sensitive people.

4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction

None known.

4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation

No special precautions.

4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines

None known.

4.8 Undesirable Effects

Although the shower emollient has been specially formulated for use on dry or problem skin, in the unlikely event of a reaction, discontinue treatment. These reactions are very rare (<1/10,000, based on spontaneous reporting) and may be irritant or allergic in nature. Reactions have been observed occasionally when used excessively as a leave-on application in areas of folded skin such as the anogenital area.

4.9 Overdose

Not applicable.

5. Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Bacteria (especially Staphylococcus aureus) are implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory dry skin conditions such as atopic eczema and dermatitis.

Dermol 200 Shower Emollient contains 5% of emollient oils in a non-greasy aqueous system which also contains the well-known and effective antiseptics benzalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine dihydrochloride. Its antimicrobial properties assist in overcoming infection, whether from Staph aureus, the pathogen which often complicates eczema and associated pruritus, or secondary infection caused by scratching.

The emollients, liquid paraffin and isopropyl myristate, permit rehydration of dry skin by forming an occlusive barrier within the skin surface, thus reducing drying from evaporation of water that diffuses from the underlying layers.

Patients with dry skin conditions have a deficiency of the natural oils which assist in the retention of moisture.

A non-ionic emollient soap substitute such as Dermol 200 Shower Emollient, will cleanse the skin, helping to remove surface debris without removing the skin's natural oils.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

The active ingredients are presented in an aqueous emulsion system and so are readily absorbed into the stratum corneum when the product is gently massaged over the areas of dry skin. The antiseptic ingredients are in intimate contact with the skin, and as they are in solution, their availability is optimal.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

No special information.

6. Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List Of Excipients

Cetostearyl Alcohol; Cetomacrogol 1000; Phenoxyethanol; Purified Water.

6.2 Incompatibilities

None known.

6.3 Shelf Life

30 months.

6.4 Special Precautions For Storage

Do not store above 25°C.

6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container

Plastic 200 ml bottle with a hooked overcap. This is supplied as an original pack (OP).

6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling

Not applicable.

7. Marketing Authorisation Holder

Dermal Laboratories

Tatmore Place, Gosmore

Hitchin, Herts SG4 7QR, UK.

8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)

00173/0156.

9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation

20 February 2009.

10. Date Of Revision Of The Text

February 2009.