Topical / paste Pregnancy: No significant problems have been reported either with pregnant women or with nursing mothers who are breast feeding; however, as with many other medicines, its use especially in the first 3 months of pregnancy, is recommended only when the benefits outweigh any risks.

Ichthammol

Ichthammol (ammonium bituminosulfonate) is a sulphonated shale-oil derivative used topically, often impregnated in bandages, for chronic eczema, particularly lichenified or excoriated lesions.

Adult dose

Dose: Chronic eczema: apply topically 1-3 times daily (Ichthammol Glycerin BPC, ichthammol 10% w/w)

Route: Topical

Frequency: 1-3 times daily

Source: UK SPC for Ichthammol Glycerin B.P.C (each §2: ichthammol BPC 1973 10.0% w/w), §4.1 'For the treatment of chronic eczema', §4.2 'Adults, the elderly and children under 12 years: to be applied topically 1-3 times daily'. The SPC gives no quantity or duration. Do not apply to broken skin; for external use only; keep out of the reach of children; store at a temperature not exceeding 25°C in well closed containers (§4.4). SCOPE: this SPC is an ichthammol glycerin 10% w/w preparation — ichthammol pastes, ointments or paste bandages (the page category is 'Topical / paste') are not covered by this source and no paste-bandage regimen is written here.

Paediatric dose

Dose: As for adults: apply topically 1-3 times daily (the SPC heading is 'Adults, the elderly and children under 12 years')

Route: Topical

Frequency: 1-3 times daily

THIS IS THE LABEL'S OWN STATEMENT, not a scaled dose. The SPC states one regimen for adults, the elderly and children under 12 years and says nothing separate for ages 12 to 17 or for neonates — do not extend beyond the stated age group; verify against a children's formulary.

Dose adjustments

Renal

No renal dose adjustment is stated in the SPC.

Hepatic

No hepatic dose adjustment is stated in the SPC.

Dose independently re-sourced from UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) via MHRA Products — clinician-reviewed. Always confirm against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients

Side effects

Skin irritation has been reported

Interactions

No significant interactions have been reported (SPC §4.5)

Clinical monograph

How it works

It has mild antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties and is mildly keratoplastic, soothing inflamed skin and reducing itch.

Prescribing in practice

Avoid use on acutely inflamed, weeping or broken skin, where it may cause irritation; it is intended for chronic, lichenified eczema.
Commonly applied under occlusive or impregnated bandages (e.g. with zinc paste) for lichenified eczema of the limbs.
It stains skin, hair and clothing brown and has a characteristic strong odour that patients should be warned about.

Monitoring

Monitor the treated skin for irritation or sensitisation and review response to treatment clinically.

Counselling the patient

Expect a strong tar-like smell and brown staining of skin and clothing.
Stop and seek advice if the skin becomes more red, sore or itchy.
Use as directed under any bandaging provided by your clinician.

Evidence & guidelines

Ichthammol is a long-established traditional topical for chronic eczema; use is supported by clinical experience rather than large trials, and clinicians should follow the SPC and current prescribing references.

Reference: Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. The structured dose values shown have been reviewed by a clinician. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Pathways