Monograph: |
Resorcinol
Colourless, white, practically white, or slightly pinkish-grey,
acicular crystals or crystalline powder with a characteristic
odour. M.p. 109Β° to 112Β°. It may become red on exposure to
air and light.
Soluble I in I of water, I in I of alcohol; freely soluble in
ether, and glycerol: slightly soluble in chloroform. A 5% so-
lution in water is neutral or acid to litmus.
Incompatible with ferric salts. Protect from light.
Adverse Effects, Treatment, and Precautions
Resorcinol is a mild irritant and may result in skin sensitisa-
tion. It should not be applied to large areas of the body, for
prolonged periods, or in high concentrations, especially in
children, as it is absorbed through intact skin as well as bro-
ken skin and may interfere with thyroid function or produce
methaemoglobinaemia. Resorcinol may produce hyperpig-
mentation in patients with dark skins and may darken light-
coloured hair. Systemic toxic effects of resorcinol are similar
to those of phenol and are treated similarly but
convulsions may occur more frequently.
Resorcinol could cause green discoloration of the urine.
Uses and Administration
Resorcinol has keratolytic properties and has been used in
topical preparations for the treatment of acne and
seborrhoeic skin conditions usually in combination
with sulphur, although other treatments are generally pre-
ferred.
Resorcinol has also been used in preparations for the treat-
ment of anorectal disorders often complexed with bismuth
compounds .
Resorcinol monoacetate has been used similarly but may pro-
vide a mild action with a longer duration.
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