Acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and polysorbate (Topical)

Uses for acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and polysorbate

Alcohol and acetone combination is used to clean oily or greasy skin associated with acne or other oily skin conditions.

Acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and polysorbate is available without a prescription.

Before using acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and polysorbate

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and polysorbate, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and polysorbate or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and polysorbate should not be used on children up to 8 years of age. In older children, although there is no specific information comparing use of alcohol and acetone with use in other age groups, acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and polysorbate is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older children than it does in adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been tested in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of alcohol and acetone in the elderly with use in other age groups, acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and polysorbate is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and polysorbate. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Burns or wounds—Alcohol and acetone combination may cause severe irritation if applied to burns or wounds.

Proper use of acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and polysorbate

Keep acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and polysorbate away from the eyes, the inside of the nose, and the lips .

Acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and polysorbate is flammable. Do not use near heat, near open flame, or while smoking.

To use the lotion form of acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and polysorbate:

• Put a small amount of acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and polysorbate on a gauze pad or cotton ball and apply by wiping or rubbing over the face and other affected areas to remove dirt and surface oil.

To use the pledget form of acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and polysorbate:

• Apply by wiping or rubbing over the face and other affected areas to remove dirt and surface oil.

After applying acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and polysorbate, do not rinse the affected areas with water, since this will remove the medicine.

Dosing

The dose of acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and polysorbate will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor''s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and polysorbate. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For topical dosage forms (detergent lotion or pledgets):
  • For acne or oily skin:
    • Adults and children 8 years of age and older—Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin two to four times a day as needed.
    • Children up to 8 years of age—Use is not recommended.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and polysorbate, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Precautions while using acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and polysorbate

When using alcohol and acetone combination, do not use any of the following preparations on the same affected area, unless otherwise directed by your doctor:

• Abrasive soaps or cleaners
• Any other topical acne preparation or preparation containing a peeling agent (for example, benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, sulfur, or tretinoin [vitamin A acid])
• Cosmetics or soaps that dry the skin
• Medicated cosmetics
• Other alcohol-containing preparations
• Other topical medicine for the skin

To use any of the above preparations on the same affected area as acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and polysorbate may cause severe irritation of the skin

Acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and polysorbate side effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Irritation, pain, redness, or swelling of skin
• skin infection

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

• Burning or stinging of skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer