Sulfur

Identification

Summary

Sulfur is an ingredient of various cosmetic preparations for its keratolytic, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.

Brand Names
Acnomel, Avar, Plexion, Rezamid, Sumadan Wash, Sumaxin
Generic Name
Octasulfur
Commonly known or available as Sulfur
DrugBank Accession Number
DB09353
Background

Sulfur is a chemical element that is present in all living tissues. The most commonly used form of pharmaceutical sulfur is Octasulfur (S8). After calcium and phosphorus, it is the third most abundant mineral in the human body. Sulfur is also found in garlic, onions and broccoli.

People take sulfur by mouth for shortness of breath, allergies, swelling in the back of the throat (pharyngitis), high cholesterol, clogged arteries, menopause, and upper respiratory tract infections like the common cold. Sulfur seems to have an antibacterial activity. It has been also used for acne.

Type
Small Molecule
Groups
Approved
Structure
Weight
Average: 256.52
Monoisotopic: 255.77656552
Chemical Formula
S8
Synonyms
  • Cyclooctasulfur

Pharmacology

Indication

Topically it is indicated for dandruff, acne, Hayfever, common cold, scaly and red skin patches (seborrheic dermatitis). Poison ivy, and sumac infections.

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Associated Conditions
Indication TypeIndicationCombined Product DetailsApproval LevelAge GroupPatient CharacteristicsDose Form
Used in combination to treatAcneCombination Product in combination with: Salicylic acid (DB00936)••• ••••••••
Treatment ofAcne••• •••
Used in combination to preventBlemishes caused by acneCombination Product in combination with: Salicylic acid (DB00936)••• ••••••••
Used in combination to treatBlemishes caused by acneCombination Product in combination with: Salicylic acid (DB00936)••• ••••••••
Contraindications & Blackbox Warnings
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Pharmacodynamics

Sulfur is converted to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) through reduction, partly by bacteria. H2S has a lethal action on bacteria (possibly including Propionibacterium acnes) which plays a role in acne, fungi, and parasites such as scabies mites.

Mechanism of action

Sulfur acts as a keratolytic agent and also it has antibacterial activity. It also kills fungi, scabies mites and other parasites. Precipitated sulfur and colloidal sulfur are used, in form of lotions, creams, powders, soaps, and bath additives, for the treatment of acne vulgaris, acne rosacea, and seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Absorption

Intended for local use only, no systemic absorption.

Volume of distribution

Intended for local use only, no systemic absorption.

Protein binding

Intended for local use only, no systemic absorption.

Metabolism

Intended for local use only, no systemic absorption.

Route of elimination

Intended for local use only, no systemic absorption.

Half-life

Intended for local use only, no systemic absorption.

Clearance

Intended for local use only, no systemic absorption.

Adverse Effects
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Toxicity

rat oral LD50 of greater than 5,000 mg/kg (3, 10); and greater than 8,437 mg/kg.

Pathways
Not Available
Pharmacogenomic Effects/ADRs
Not Available

Interactions

Drug Interactions
This information should not be interpreted without the help of a healthcare provider. If you believe you are experiencing an interaction, contact a healthcare provider immediately. The absence of an interaction does not necessarily mean no interactions exist.
Not Available
Food Interactions
No interactions found.

Products

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dosage, form, labeller, route of administration, and marketing period.
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Brand Name Prescription Products
NameDosageStrengthRouteLabellerMarketing StartMarketing EndRegionImage
Sodium Sulfacetamide and SulfurKit1250 mg/25gTopicalPerrigo New York Inc.2008-10-082012-02-01US flag
Over the Counter Products
NameDosageStrengthRouteLabellerMarketing StartMarketing EndRegionImage
111MedCo 6% Sulfur Skin Cleansing BarSoap60 mg/1gTopical111MedCo LLC2023-09-06Not applicableUS flag
5s Blemish TreatmentCream3 %TopicalShiseido Company Ltd.2000-09-152003-07-01Canada flag
Acne All-Star 3-in-1 Acne Cleanser, Mask and Spot TreatmentLiquid0.03 g/1gTopicalTula Life Llc2022-07-25Not applicableUS flag
Acne and Blemish Control MaskCream5 g/100mLTopicalUSRX LLC2020-04-28Not applicableUS flag
Acne Blemish Cream(sulfur Cream)Cream4 %TopicalBonne Bell Llc1987-12-311999-07-07Canada flag
Mixture Products
NameIngredientsDosageRouteLabellerMarketing StartMarketing EndRegionImage
Acne Aid GelOctasulfur (2.5 %) + Chloroxylenol (.375 %) + Resorcinol (1.25 %)GelTopicalStiefel Laboratories, Inc.1966-12-311998-07-09Canada flag
Acne Clearning Treatment FaceOctasulfur (.012 mg/.024mg) + Benzoyl peroxide (.006 mg/.024mg) + Salicylic acid (.0048 mg/.024mg)LiquidTopicalCare Pluss Pharma S.A. De C.V.2012-08-06Not applicableUS flag
Acne Drying TopicalOctasulfur (8 g/100mL) + Resorcinol (2 g/100mL)LotionTopicalOnly Yourx, Inc.2014-08-26Not applicableUS flag
Acne Treatment maximum strength CVSOctasulfur (8 g/100g) + Resorcinol (2 g/100g)CreamTopicalCVS Health2014-12-26Not applicableUS flag
Acne Vanishing Gel- 10% with SulfurOctasulfur (3 g/100mL) + Benzoyl peroxide (10 g/100mL)GelTopicalOnly Yourx, Inc.2014-03-28Not applicableUS flag
Unapproved/Other Products
NameIngredientsDosageRouteLabellerMarketing StartMarketing EndRegionImage
AvarOctasulfur (50 mg/1g) + Sulfacetamide sodium (95 mg/1g)Aerosol, foamTopicalMission Pharmacal Company2010-07-152019-05-31US flag
AvarOctasulfur (50 mg/1g) + Sulfacetamide sodium (100 mg/1g)EmulsionTopicalMission Pharmacal Company2011-09-15Not applicableUS flag
Avar Cleansing PadsOctasulfur (50 mg/1g) + Sulfacetamide sodium (95 mg/1g)ClothTopicalMission Pharmacal Company2011-09-152019-11-30US flag
Avar LsOctasulfur (20 mg/1g) + Sulfacetamide sodium (100 mg/1g)EmulsionTopicalMission Pharmacal Company2011-09-15Not applicableUS flag
Avar LSOctasulfur (20 mg/1g) + Sulfacetamide sodium (100 mg/1g)Aerosol, foamTopicalMission Pharmacal Company2010-07-152019-09-30US flag

Categories

Drug Categories
Chemical TaxonomyProvided by Classyfire
Description
This compound belongs to the class of inorganic compounds known as other non-metal sulfides. These are inorganic compounds containing a sulfur atom of an oxidation state of -2, in which the heaviest atom bonded to the oxygen belongs to the class of other non-metals.
Kingdom
Inorganic compounds
Super Class
Homogeneous non-metal compounds
Class
Other non-metal organides
Sub Class
Other non-metal sulfides
Direct Parent
Other non-metal sulfides
Alternative Parents
Inorganic sulfides
Substituents
Inorganic sulfide / Other non-metal sulfide
Molecular Framework
Not Available
External Descriptors
homomonocyclic compound, elemental sulfur (CHEBI:29385)
Affected organisms
  • Humans and other mammals

Chemical Identifiers

UNII
70FD1KFU70
CAS number
10544-50-0
InChI Key
JLQNHALFVCURHW-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/S8/c1-2-4-6-8-7-5-3-1
IUPAC Name
octathiocane
SMILES
S1SSSSSSS1

References

General References
  1. MSDS [Link]
PubChem Compound
66348
PubChem Substance
347827834
ChemSpider
59726
ChEBI
29385
PDBe Ligand
PS9
Wikipedia
Octasulfur
PDB Entries
3hyv / 3hyw / 3hyx / 5jr5

Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials
PhaseStatusPurposeConditionsCount
4Unknown StatusTreatmentTreatment of Acne Vulgaris Grade II in a Short Period of Time1
3CompletedTreatmentGastritis Associated With Helicobacter Pylori1
1CompletedTreatmentScabies1
Not AvailableCompletedDiagnosticPancreatic Adenocarcinoma1

Pharmacoeconomics

Manufacturers
Not Available
Packagers
Not Available
Dosage Forms
FormRouteStrength
SoapTopical60 mg/1g
CreamTopical4 %
CreamTopical35 mg/1g
CreamTopical4 g/100mL
LotionTopical30 mg/1mL
LiquidTopical3 g/100mL
OintmentTopical5 g/100g
CreamTopical35 mg/1mL
CreamTopical35 g/1g
Powder, for solutionTopical
CreamTopical10 g/100mL
CreamTopical5 %
CreamTopical5 g/100mL
SoapTopical1 g/100g
LiquidVaginal0.12 mg/3mL
PowderTopical30 mg/1g
CreamTopical30 mg/1mL
CreamTopical5 mL/100mL
CreamTopical10 mg/100mL
CreamTopical3 g/100mL
Aerosol, foamTopical
CreamTopical50 mg/1g
PasteTopical
SolutionTopical10 g/100mL
EmulsionTopical
LotionTopical10 %
CreamTopical0.28 g/2.8g
SuspensionTopical2.8 g/28g
LotionTopical100 mg/1mL
OintmentTopical1.4 g/14g
CreamTopical40 mg/1mL
CreamTopical0.56 g/14g
OintmentTopical2 % w/w
LotionTopical50 mg/1mL
PasteTopical100 mg/1g
CreamTopical0.10 g/1g
GelTopical5 mg/100mL
SoapTopical5 g/85g
CreamTopical6 mg/0.2g
CreamTopical0.48750 g/15mL
LotionTopical1.5 g/50mL
SoapTopical3 g/100g
CreamTopical5 g/100g
PowderTopical3 g/100g
Lotion, augmentedTopical.05 g/1g
Lotion, augmentedTopical.05 g/1mL
GelTopical0.033 g/1g
LiquidTopical10 g/100mL
GelTopical3 g/100mL
LotionTopical5 g/100mL
TabletOral
LotionTopical100 mg/1g
SoapTopical2 g/100g
CreamTopical100 mg/1mL
CreamTopical3.3 g/100mL
SuspensionTopical25 mg/1mL
CreamTopical64 mg/1g
SoapTopical3.0 g/100g
OintmentTopical1.5 g/15mL
GelTopical0.5 g/100g
ShampooTopical
LotionTopical6.3 1/95mL
LotionTopical6.6 mg/100mL
SoapTopical9 g/100g
LotionTopical1.4 g/14mL
CreamTopical1.12 g/28g
PasteTopical3 g
SoapTopical3 %
CreamTopical3 mg/100mL
PowderTopical3 1/100g
PatchTransdermal9 mg/9mg
LotionTopical100 mg/ml
LotionTopical0.9 g/30mL
Cream
PasteTopical120 mg/1mL
SuspensionTopical6.6 g/100g
LiquidTopical100 mg/1mL
CreamTopical3 %
LotionTopical2 %
SoapTopical30 mg/1mL
SoapTopical
SuspensionTopical
GelTopical6 mg/100mL
LotionTopical8 mg/100mL
CreamTopical0.06 g/1g
LotionTopical6 g/100g
CreamTopical6 g/100g
LotionTopical10 g/100mL
EmulsionTopical5 g/100mL
SuspensionTopical1.4 g/14g
LiquidTopical1.4 g/14g
CreamTopical3 mL/100mL
OintmentTopical
LotionTopical
Liquid; shampooTopical
GelTopical50 mg/1mL
CreamTopical3 g/100g
SwabTopical
RinseTopical
KitTopical1250 mg/25g
GelTopical
KitTopical
SolutionTopical
LiquidTopical10 g/100g
PowderTopical
PowderOral; Topical
ShampooTopical0.4 mL/100mL
CreamTopical0.1 g/100g
SoapTopical5 %
LiquidTopical
SoapTopical0.33 g/1
ClothTopical
CreamTopical
SoapTopical30 mg/1g
LiquidTopical8 g/100g
OintmentTopical10 g/100g
SoapCutaneous
SoapTopical10 g/100g
SoapTopical5 g/100g
OintmentTopical2 %
CreamTopical0.001 g/1g
CreamTopical10 g/100g
LiquidTopical0.03 g/1g
PasteTopical3.5 mg/1mL
GelTopical60 mg/1mL
PowderOral
SoapTopical5.0 g/100g
OintmentTopical10 %
OintmentTopical20 mg/1g
Cloth; kitTopical
PasteTopical100 mg/1mL
CreamTopical35 g/1000g
LiquidTopical.003 mg/.06mg
RinseTopical30 mg/1mL
PasteTopical30 mg/1mL
CreamTopical0.1 g/1mL
OintmentTopical10 g
CreamTopical8 %
OintmentTopical6 % w/w
LotionTopical6 g/100mL
CapsuleOral
PowderOral; Topical
Cream; kitTopical100 mg/1g
CreamTopical100 mg/1g
OintmentTopical10 %w/w
Ointment
PowderTopical
Prices
Not Available
Patents
Not Available

Properties

State
Not Available
Experimental Properties
Not Available
Predicted Properties
PropertyValueSource
logP4.76Chemaxon
Physiological Charge0Chemaxon
Hydrogen Acceptor Count0Chemaxon
Hydrogen Donor Count0Chemaxon
Polar Surface Area0 Å2Chemaxon
Rotatable Bond Count0Chemaxon
Refractivity46.05 m3·mol-1Chemaxon
Polarizability20.4 Å3Chemaxon
Number of Rings1Chemaxon
Bioavailability1Chemaxon
Rule of FiveYesChemaxon
Ghose FilterNoChemaxon
Veber's RuleYesChemaxon
MDDR-like RuleNoChemaxon
Predicted ADMET Features
Not Available

Spectra

Mass Spec (NIST)
Not Available
Spectra
SpectrumSpectrum TypeSplash Key
GC-MS Spectrum - EI-BGC-MSsplash10-08fr-8970000000-05d363b8af247651039a
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 10V, Positive (Annotated)Predicted LC-MS/MSsplash10-0a4i-0090000000-5e0dcebcbc1a6d88d761
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 20V, Positive (Annotated)Predicted LC-MS/MSsplash10-0a4i-0090000000-5e0dcebcbc1a6d88d761
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum - 40V, Positive (Annotated)Predicted LC-MS/MSsplash10-0a4i-0090000000-5e0dcebcbc1a6d88d761
Chromatographic Properties
Collision Cross Sections (CCS)
AdductCCS Value (Å2)Source typeSource
[M-H]-133.0338
predicted
DeepCCS 1.0 (2019)
[M+H]+135.08188
predicted
DeepCCS 1.0 (2019)
[M+Na]+143.22038
predicted
DeepCCS 1.0 (2019)

Drug created at November 30, 2015 19:10 / Updated at March 28, 2024 03:23