Description:

Ichthammol Ointment BPC 10% (by Dannex Ayrton Starwin PLC) is a traditional topical preparation containing ichthammol (ammonium bituminosulfonate), a dark, tar-like substance derived from shale oil. It is used as a soothing, drawing, and mildly antiseptic agent for skin conditions. It helps reduce inflammation, relieve pain and itching, promote localized blood flow, and assist in “drawing out” infections or splinters. Common uses include boils, abscesses, carbuncles, insect bites/stings, eczema, psoriasis, chilblains, and minor skin infections. The 10% strength is standard for most dermatological applications. In Ghana (Accra), it is a very common, inexpensive OTC topical ointment available in pharmacies (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy, Beybee Pharmacy) for skin inflammation and infection support.

Prescription:

Over-the-counter (OTC) in Ghana for short-term topical use. No prescription required; freely available in pharmacies and retail outlets. Consult a pharmacist or doctor for prolonged use, large areas, face/genital application, or if infection signs (pus, fever, spreading redness) are present.

Therapeutic Category:

Topical Counter-Irritant / Anti-inflammatory / Mild Antiseptic (Traditional drawing ointment; BPC = British Pharmacopoeia standard).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Ichthammol BP – 10% w/w (ammonium bituminosulfonate; dark brown-black viscous substance with characteristic tar-like odor). Other ingredients (base): Wool fat (lanolin), yellow soft paraffin/petrolatum, hard paraffin, and other ointment bases to make a smooth, semi-solid preparation. The ointment is dark brown-black, thick, and has a strong sulfurous/coal-tar odor.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None (trace sulfur compounds from ichthammol, but not therapeutic minerals).

Variant:

• Ichthammol Ointment BPC 10% (standard 10% strength; common tube/jar sizes 20g, 30g, 50g, 100g). Related variants: Ichthammol 20% ointment (stronger for severe boils/abscesses), Ichthammol Zinc Ointment (with zinc oxide for added soothing), or combination products (e.g., with salicylic acid). The 10% is the most common and widely used strength.

Consume Type:

Topical – Ointment (applied externally to skin; not for oral, ophthalmic, or internal use; rub gently or apply under dressing).

Directions/Usage: Clean and dry affected area. Apply a thin layer of ointment directly to the skin or lesion 1–3 times daily (or as directed).

• For boils/abscesses: Apply thickly, cover with sterile dressing/gauze, and change daily (helps “draw” infection).
• For eczema/psoriasis: Apply thinly and rub in gently.
• Duration: Short-term (e.g., 5–10 days); do not use longer without medical advice.
• Wash hands after application. Avoid eyes, mouth, broken skin (unless advised), or large areas.

Common Side Effects: Common (mild/local):

• Skin irritation (redness, burning, stinging at application site).
• Strong tar-like odor (can be unpleasant).
• Staining of clothing/bedding (dark color). Rare: Allergic contact dermatitis (rash, itching, swelling—discontinue). Systemic absorption minimal.

Package Type:

Aluminium or laminated plastic tube (commonly 20g, 30g, 50g, or 100g) with screw cap (often in simple carton or no carton; tube labeled with strength, BPC standard, and instructions). Some sold in jars.

Storage Advice:

Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep tightly closed. Do not freeze. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• For external use only; avoid eyes, mouth, mucous membranes, or open wounds (unless specifically advised).
• Contraindicated if allergic to ichthammol, coal tar derivatives, or ingredients.
• Caution in pregnancy/breastfeeding (limited data; use sparingly), children (consult doctor), or large areas/long-term use (risk of skin sensitization).
• Do not use on infected skin without medical advice (may delay proper treatment).
• If severe irritation, rash, swelling, or infection signs (pus, fever, spreading redness) occur, stop use and seek medical care.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Product Substitutes: Similar ichthammol ointments in Ghana include:

• Generic Ichthammol Ointment BPC 10% (various importers).
• Dannex Ayrton Starwin Ichthammol Ointment 10% (same manufacturer variants).
• Other brands like Ichthopaste (zinc/ichthammol bandage) or plain ichthammol 10%/20%.
• Alternatives: Magnesium sulphate paste (for boils), antiseptic creams (e.g., mupirocin for bacterial infection), or hydrocortisone cream for inflammation. Consult pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy) for availability.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Dannex Ayrton Starwin PLC (Ghana-based pharmaceutical company; produces Ichthammol Ointment BPC as part of its dermatological/topical range). Marketed/distributed locally in Ghana by Dannex Ayrton Starwin (headquartered in Tema/Accra).

Country of Origin:

Ghana (manufactured locally by Dannex Ayrton Starwin PLC; widely stocked in Accra pharmacies as a local product).