Therapeutic agents lactic acid

Jessner s Solution has been used for over 100 years as a therapeutic agent to treat hyperkera-totic epidermal lesions [1]. This superficial peeling agent constitutes a mixture of salicylic acid, resorcinol, and lactic acid in 95% ethanol. Jessner s solution causes loss of corneocyte cohesion and induces intercellular and intracellular edema. Jessner s typically induces wounding to the level of the papillary dermis. Historically, resorcinol (a key component of Jessner s peels) was used in concentrations of 10-50% in the early twentieth century. High concentrations of resorcinol were associated with side effects such as allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact... 

In a clinical study on cracked, chapped hands, which often occur in winter time and as a result of wet-work, the effect from a 10% urea cream (Calmurid ) was not superior to that of aqueous cream BP.10 Two preparations containing 10% urea were found to be helpful therapeutic agents in a doubleblind, bilateral study.31 Both investigators and patients expressed preference for the cream containing multisterols, phospholipids, and fatty diols (pH of about six) to the other cream (Calmuril ) containing betaine and lactic acid (pH about three). Some patients noted burning sensations after treatment with the latter cream (Calmuril ). 

Lactic acid is also used as a food preservative. Therapeutically, lactic acid is used in injections, in the form of lactate, as a source of bicarbonate for the treatment of metabolic acidosis as a spermicidal agent in pessaries for the treatment of leukorrhea in infant feeds and in topical formulations for the treatment of warts. 

The topical cream contains metronidazole USP at a concentration of 7.5 mg per gram (0.75%) in an emollient cream consisting of emulsifying wax, sorbitol solution, glycerin, isopropyl palmitate, benzyl alcohol, lactic acid or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH, and purified water. Metronidazole is a member of the imidazole class of antibacterial agents and is classified therapeutically as an antiprotozoal and antibacterial agent. Chemically, metronidazole... 

C20H23N7O7, Mr 473.45, pale yellow crystals +3 H2O, mp. 248 -250 °C (decomp.), [a]n +16.8° (aqueous hydrogen carbonate). F. occurs in various microorganisms in which it acts as a growth factor e. g., for the lactic acid bacterium Leuconostoc citrovorum, therefore, it is also known as citrovorum factor. F. functions as an active 1-C unit (cf. folic acid) and formyl group transfer agent in the metabolism of folic acid tetrahy-drofolic acid. F. is accessible by synthesis and its calcium salt is used therapeutically as an antidote for folic acid antagonists such as methotrexate. 

Sharquie KE, Al-Trkreety MM, Al-Mashhadani SA (2005) Lactic acid as a new therapeutic peeling agent in melasma. Dermatol Surg 31 149-154... 

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