Resorcinol is a 1,3-isomer (or meta-isomer) of benzenediol with the formula C6H4(OH)2. It is used as an antiseptic and disinfectant in topical pharmaceutical products in the treatment of skin disorders and infections such as acne, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, corns, calluses, and warts. It exerts a keratolytic activity. Resorcinol works by helping to remove hard, scaly, or roughened skin. Although it is primarily indicated for use as a topical application, resorcinol also possesses a well-documented anti-thyroidal activity that is generally not relied upon for any kind of formal therapeutic indication.
Synonyms
Resorzin
Resorcinol
1,3-Dihydroxybenzene
1,3-Dihydroxybenzol
m-hydroxyphenol
m-Hydroquinone
1,3-Benzenediol
Brand Names
Utiliderm Acne Control
VAGISIL Anti-Itch Medicated Creme Maximum Strength
Anti-Itch Regular Strength
Hemo-pic
Rexall Feminine Maximum Strength Anti-itch
Quality Choice Vaginal Anti-Itch Maximum Strength
Acnotex acne Treatment
Maximum Strength Feminine Anti-Itch Family Wellness
Contemporary therapeutic uses for resorcinol primarily revolve around the use of the phenol derivative as an active ingredient in topical antiseptics [L2745, L2744, L40069, F61] or as topical antibacterial skin treatment products for conditions like acne, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and others [L2746, L2745, L2744, L40069, F61].
Drug Info/Drug Targets: DrugBank 3.0: a comprehensive resource for 'omics' research on drugs. Knox C, Law V, Jewison
T, Liu P, Ly S, Frolkis A, Pon A, Banco K, Mak C, Neveu V, Djoumbou Y, Eisner R, Guo AC, Wishart DS.
Nucleic Acids Res. 2011 Jan; 39 (Database issue):D1035-41. | PMID:21059682