Actikerall

Actikerall is a topical solution developed by Almirall for the field-directed treatment of grade I/II actinic keratosis (slightly palpable and/or moderately thick hyperkeratotic lesions) on the face, forehead, and balding scalp in immunocompetent adult patients. It is a combination therapy containing 0.5% 5-fluorouracil and 10% salicylic acid. 5-fluorouracil is a cytostatic antimetabolite that inhibits thymidylate synthase, thereby interfering with DNA and RNA synthesis and preventing the proliferation of precancerous cells. Salicylic acid acts as a keratolytic agent that softens hyperkeratotic skin and enhances the penetration of 5-fluorouracil into the epidermis. The solution is applied once daily and forms a white film upon drying to facilitate drug delivery. It was introduced to the European market in 2011 and has since been approved in Canada.

Brand names

Actikerall

Other names

5-fluorouracil + salicylic acidfluorouracil + salicylic acid