Locations:

Salicylic Acid topical plaster

What is this medication?

SALICYCLIC ACID (SAL i SIL ik AS id) breaks down layers of thick skin. It treats common and plantar warts, psoriasis, calluses, and corns.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Clear Away, Clear Away One Step, Clear Away Plantar, Compound W, Curad Mediplast, Dr. Scholl's Callus Removers, Dr. Scholl's Corn Removers, Dr. Scholl's Extra Thick Callus Remover, Dr. Scholl's One Step Callus Remover, Dr. Scholl's One Step Corn Removers, Dr. Scholl's Ultra, Dr.Scholl's Duragel, MOSCO One Step Corn Remover, Trans-Ver-Sal

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Diabetes (high blood sugar)
  • Infection especially a viral infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes
  • Kidney disease
  • Large areas of burned or damaged skin
  • Liver disease
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to salicylic acid, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for external use only. Follow the directions on the label. Do not apply to raw or irritated skin. Avoid getting it in your eyes, lips, nose, mouth, or other sensitive areas. Use this medication at regular intervals. Do not use more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Advertisement

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

  • medicines that change urine pH like sodium bicarbonate, ammonium chloride and others
  • medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
  • methotrexate
  • pyrazinamide
  • some medicines for diabetes
  • some medicines for gout
  • steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Use of this medicine in children under 12 years or in patients with kidney or liver disease may increase the risk of serious side effects. These patients should not use this medicine over large areas of skin. If you notice symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of hearing, ringing in the ears, unusual weakness or tiredness, fast or labored breathing, diarrhea, or confusion, stop using this medicine and contact your doctor or health care professional.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • skin irritation

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Advertisement

Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Terms of use.

Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

Ad
Call Appointment Center 866.320.4573
Questions 216.444.2200