Ammonium bituminosulfonate or ammonium bituminosulphonate is a product of natural origin obtained in the first step by dry distillation of sulfur-rich oil shale. By sulfonation of the resulting oil, and subsequent neutralization with ammonia, Ichthammol results as a viscous, water-soluble substance with a characteristic bitumen-like odor. It is used in medicine as a treatment for different skin diseases, including eczema and psoriasis. Ointments containing 10% or 20% Ichthammol are most common. They are sometimes called "black ointments" or "drawing salves". Ichthammol's dermatological action was promoted by German physician Paul Gerson Unna.
Composition
From elemental analysis, the composition of Ichthammol was calculated to be C28H36S5O62. However, as a product of natural origin, it is a mixture of many different compounds. Chemically, it is a sulfonatedshale oil that is incompatible with acids, alkali carbonates or hydrates and alkaloidal salts. It is a thick reddish brown liquid, possessing a bituminous odor and taste. It is soluble in water and miscible with glycerin, but is nearly insoluble in strong alcohol or concentrated ether. It contains a large percentage of organically combined sulfur.
Differentiation from Chinese Materials
Materials made in China and offered outside China as Ichthammol or Ammonium Bituminosulfonate do not meet the requirements for this substance in the United States Pharmacopoeia or European Pharmacopoeia. Also, there is no conformity with the definition as connected to CAS# 8029-68-3. The Chinese material is derived from vegetable oils instead of bituminous schists as required. As a result, its chemical basis is totally different from the one of Ichthammol USP/Ph.Eur./CAS# 8029-68-3. The characteristic bitumen-like odor is missing with Chinese material and, thereby, the original qualities according to common standards cannot be identified without doubt. Noncomparable."
Usage
Human
Bituminosulfonates are classified as local therapeutic agents with very good tolerability. Pharmacologically, Ichthammol has anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, and fungicidal properties. It is used to treat a variety of skin disorders as e.g. eczema, psoriasis, Acne rosacea and acne, and it decreases microorganisms in the area surrounding a skin condition. It is commonly used in 10% or 20% concentrate ointment, applied topically. In otology, a mixture of glycerol and ichthammol is used for the topical treatment of ear infections. It is effective against Gram-positive organisms. The anti-inflammatory action is explained by its influence on the formation, secretion, and effect of inflammation mediators. Ichthammol is available in pharmacies for compounding medications. Different sources of information exist for exemplary formulations. According to the "list of preferred Specials" by the British Association of Dermatologists Ichthammol can be used in dermatology prescribing to treat acutely inflamed atopic eczema, among others. A corresponding recommendation exists for bituminosulfonates in Germany. According to “guideline atopic eczema” bituminosulfonates can be considered for treatment of atopic eczema based on general clinic experience. In the European Dermatology Forum guidelines for treament of atopic eczema Ichthammol is recommended as a useful addition to the basic treatment regimen, especially in mild disease or if TCS treatment is not possible from a patient’s perspective, e.g. corticophobia.
