Drug reference

resorcinol

Topical keratolytic / antiseptic (dihydroxybenzene) · Keratolytic, Antiseptic, Antifungal

START

Topical 2–10% in combined acne preparation 1–3 times daily

TYPICAL MAX

Limit total area / concentration to avoid systemic absorption

STOP IF

Methaemoglobinaemia, severe contact dermatitis, or hypothyroid signs

WATCH

Skin reaction, treatment area extent (avoid large/inflamed surfaces)

CDSCO approvedATC D10AX02

Dose laddermg/d

Renal dose adjustmenteGFR mL/min/1.73m²

KDIGO 2024 + manufacturer label

Pharmacokineticsplasma · t hours

ONSET: 1h · local effect
PEAK: 4h · local peak
t½: 1h · if absorbed
DURATION: 12h · re-apply

EXCRETION

Renal — conjugates if absorbed

route + CYP

INTERACTIONS

—

none in our sources

PREGNANCY

Avoid extensive use; small localised acne use likely acceptable.

FDA category + note

Mechanism

Topical keratolytic (softens cornified epidermis) with mild antiseptic and anti-itch effects; small-molecule phenol derivative that disrupts microbial proteins at higher concentrations.

Indications

Acne (topical, combined formulations)Seborrhoeic dermatitis (scalp)Mild psoriasis (older use)Tinea / mild fungal skin infection (adjunct, historical)

Dosing

Adult: Topical 2–10% in combined acne preparations applied 1–3 times daily; scalp 2–3% in shampoos.
Pediatric: Avoid <12 years on large areas.
Renal adjustment: No adjustment (topical).
Hepatic adjustment: No adjustment (topical).
Geriatric: Standard topical use.
Max dose: Limit total area / concentration to avoid systemic absorption

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Local keratolytic effect over days

Peak effect

Local; sustained while applied

Duration

Re-apply 1–3 times daily

Half-life

Not applicable (topical; rapid hepatic conjugation if absorbed)

Bioavailability

Low percutaneous; increases with broken skin

Protein binding

Low

Metabolism

Hepatic glucuronidation/sulphation if absorbed

Excretion

Renal (conjugates)

Contraindications

Application to large/inflamed/broken skin (systemic absorption — methaemoglobinaemia)
Infants / young children (myxoedema risk)
Hypersensitivity

Side effects

Common

Local irritation/erythemaDrynessBrown discolouration of skin/hairItching

Serious

Methaemoglobinaemia (extensive absorption)
Antithyroid effect / myxoedema (chronic large-area use)
Severe contact dermatitis

Pregnancy & lactation

Pregnancy

Avoid extensive use; small localised acne use likely acceptable.

Lactation

Avoid on chest/breast; small localised use otherwise.

Drug interactions

Other Keratolytics

Moderate

Database

Additive irritation

Use one keratolytic at a time

Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla

Topical Retinoids

Moderate

Database

Additive irritation

Alternate days or separate timing

Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla

Tretinoin

Moderate

Database

Concurrent use of topical tretinoin and resorcinol can lead to increased skin irritation, dryness, and redness.

Use with caution. If both are necessary, consider alternating application times or reducing the frequency of one or both agents. Monitor for excessive irritation and adjust accordingly.

Source: DDInter

Drugs Causing Methaemoglobinaemia

Mild

Database

Theoretical with extensive absorption

Avoid extensive co-use

Source: Kimi deep-research + Cla

Other Antiseptics

Mild

Database

Possible additive effect/irritation

Avoid stacking