Professional Information
Alcohol and Acetone (Topical)
VA CLASSIFICATION
Primary: DE752{08}
Commonly used brand name(s): Seba-Nil Liquid Cleanser; Tyrosum Liquid; Tyrosum Packets.
Note: For a listing of dosage forms and brand names by country availability, see Dosage Forms section(s).
†Not commercially available in Canada.
Category:
Antiacne agent (topical)—
cleansing agent (astringent; defatting)—
Indications
Accepted
Acne vulgaris (treatment) or
Oily skin (treatment)—Alcohol and acetone combination is indicated as an aid in the treatment of mild acne vulgaris and oily skin. {01} {06} {07} {16}
Pharmacology/Pharmacokinetics
Physicochemical characteristics:
Molecular weight—
Alcohol: 46.07 {11} {12}
Acetone: 58.08 {12}
Mechanism of action/Effect:
Alcohol and acetone aid in the removal of sebum (oil) from the surface of the skin. {01} {16}
Precautions to Consider
Pregnancy/Reproduction
Problems in humans have not been documented.
Breast-feeding
Problems in humans have not been documented.
Pediatrics
Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of alcohol and acetone have not been performed in the pediatric population. However, it is recommended that alcohol and acetone combination not be used on children up to 8 years of age. {16} Pediatrics-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of this medication in older children are not expected.
Geriatrics
Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of alcohol and acetone have not been performed in the geriatric population. However, geriatrics-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of this medication in the elderly are not expected.
Drug interactions and/or related problems
The following drug interactions and/or related problems have been selected on the basis of their potential clinical significance (possible mechanism in parentheses where appropriate)—not necessarily inclusive (» = major clinical significance):
Note: Combinations containing any of the following medications, depending on the amount present, may also interact with this medication. {13} {16}
Abrasive or medicated soaps or cleansers or
Acne preparations or preparations containing a peeling agent, such as:
Benzoyl peroxide
Resorcinol
Salicylic acid
Sulfur
Tretinoin or
Acne preparations, topical, other or
Alcohol-containing preparations, topical, such as
After-shave lotions
Astringents
Perfumed toiletries
Shaving creams or lotions or
Cosmetics or soaps with a strong drying effect or
Isotretinoin or
Medicated cosmetics or ``cover-ups'' (concurrent use with alcohol and acetone combination may cause a cumulative irritant or drying effect, especially with the application of peeling, desquamating, or abrasive agents, resulting in excessive irritation of the skin)
Medical considerations/Contraindications
The medical considerations/contraindications included have been selected on the basis of their potential clinical significance (reasons given in parentheses where appropriate)— not necessarily inclusive (» = major clinical significance).
This medication should not be used when the following medical problems exist:
» Burns or wounds (use may cause severe irritation {01})
Risk-benefit should be considered when the following medical problem exists
Sensitivity to this medication (may cause allergic contact dermatitis, contact urticaria syndrome, sensitive skin [i.e., easily irritated], or subjective irritation [i.e., burning, stinging, and itching without objective signs] {23})
Side/Adverse Effects
The following side/adverse effects have been selected on the basis of their potential clinical significance (possible signs and symptoms in parentheses where appropriate)—not necessarily inclusive:
Those indicating need for medical attention
Hypersensitivity {01}{16}(irritation, pain, redness, or swelling of skin)
skin infection{16}
Those indicating need for medical attention only if they continue or are bothersome
Burning or stinging of skin{16}
Patient Consultation
As an aid to patient consultation, refer to Advice for the Patient, Alcohol and Acetone (Topical).
In providing consultation, consider emphasizing the following selected information (» = major clinical significance):
Before using this medication
» Conditions affecting use, especially:
Sensitivity to alcohol or acetone
Use in children—Not using on children up to 8 years of age
Other medical problems, especially burns or wounds
Proper use of this medication
» Avoiding contact with the eyes, nostrils, and lips
Medication is flammable; not using near heat or open flame or while smoking
Proper administrationApplying the lotion by putting a small amount on a gauze pad or cotton ball and wiping or rubbing over face and other affected areas
Using the pledget by wiping or rubbing over face and other affected areas
Not rinsing after application
» Proper dosing
Missed dose: If on scheduled dosing regimen—Applying as soon as possible
» Proper storage
Precautions while using this medication
» Avoiding simultaneous use with other topical acne preparations or preparations containing peeling agents, other alcohol-containing preparations, abrasive soaps or cleansers, cosmetics or soaps with drying effect, medicated cosmetics, or other topical skin medications, unless otherwise directed by physician
Side/adverse effects
Signs of potential side effects, especially hypersensitivity or skin infection
Topical Dosage Forms
ALCOHOL AND ACETONE DETERGENT LOTION
Usual adult and adolescent dose
Acne vulgaris (treatment) or
Oily skin (treatment)
Topical, to the skin, two to four times a day as needed. {01} {07}
Usual pediatric dose
Acne vulgaris (treatment) or
Oily skin (treatment)
Children up to 8 years of age: Use is not recommended. {16}
Children 8 years of age and older: See Usual adult and adolescent dose.
Strength(s) usually available
U.S.—
Alcohol 49.7% and acetone 18% (OTC) [Seba-Nil Liquid Cleanser{07}{10}{22}{24}]
Alcohol 50% and acetone 10% (OTC) [Tyrosum Liquid{01}{10}{24}]
Canada—
Not commercially available. {10} {21} {22}
Packaging and storage:
Store below 40 °C (104 °F), preferably between 15 and 30 °C (59 and 86 °F), in a tight container, unless otherwise specified by manufacturer.
Auxiliary labeling:
• For external use only.
• Keep container tightly closed.
• Flammable. {01} {09}
Additional information:
The lotion should be applied using a gauze pad or cotton ball. {01}
ALCOHOL AND ACETONE PLEDGETS
Usual adult and adolescent dose
See Alcohol and Acetone Detergent Lotion.{01}
Usual pediatric dose
See Alcohol and Acetone Detergent Lotion.
Strength(s) usually available
U.S.—
Alcohol 50% and acetone 10% (OTC) [Tyrosum Packets{01}{10}{24}]
Canada—
Not commercially available. {10} {21}
Packaging and storage:
Store below 40 °C (104 °F), preferably between 15 and 30 °C (59 and 86 °F), in a well-closed container, unless otherwise specified by manufacturer.
Auxiliary labeling:
• For external use only.
• Flammable. {01} {09}
Revised: 01/15/1992
References
- PI (US)- Tyrosum, liquid (lotion) and packets (pledgets), Summers: No issue date, Rec 3/86, 6/86, 4/87
- Seba-Nil Cleansing Mask, Owen (US), Rec 6/86.
- Sebasum, Summers(US), No issue date, Rec 11/81.
- Seba-Lo, Whorton.
- Seba-Nil Towelettes, Owen: Received 11/81.
- Acne Therapy; Bureau of Pharmaceutical Services, August 1981.
- PI (US)- Seba-Nil Skin Cleanser (detergent lotion), Owen, Rec 11/81. .
- Writer's Notes.
- Comment from reviewer on 8/87.
- Brand name search of the literature 2/89.
- Per USP XXII 1990: 1807.
- USAN 1990: 19, 26.
- Writer's Notes.
- Writer's Notes.
- Per Panel comments of 4/84.
- Writer's notes.
- Writer's notes.
- Writer's notes.
- Facts and Comparison, revised 8/87.
- For Tyrosum products:
- For Seba-Nil:
- Reviewer comment, 3/8/91.
- Writer's notes.
| Link to this page | ![]() |
Printable Version | ![]() |
Email Page |






