Acaril-S

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Acaril-S

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Acaril-S

Property Description
Active ingredient Benzyl Benzoate
Form Topical Emulsion / Lotion / Solution
Pharmacological class Antiparasitic (Scabicide, Pediculicide)
Common use Treatment of external parasitic infestations
Origin Synthetic Compound

Definition and Pharmacological Classification

Acaril-S is an antiparasitic medicine containing the single-ingredient active ingredient Benzyl Benzoate. It is classified within the pharmacological class of both scabicides and pediculicides, indicating its specialized action against external parasites. Benzyl Benzoate is a synthetic organic compound whose efficacy is recognized in dermatological literature for the management of these conditions.

Benzyl Benzoate is included on the Model List of Essential Medicines for the treatment of scabies and pediculosis. This status indicates that the drug is considered a vital resource for addressing these pervasive parasitic conditions globally. This classification means Acaril-S is specifically intended for the clearance and resolution of infestation.


Composition and General Function

Acaril-S utilizes Benzyl Benzoate as its sole therapeutic agent, prepared for administration via the topical route directly onto the skin. The drug is typically presented as an emulsion, lotion, or topical solution, often at a 25% weight by volume (w/v) concentration. This formulation is designed to deliver the medicine precisely to the site of the infestation.

The general function of Acaril-S relates directly to its pharmacological class: it works as a direct neurotoxin to parasites. This high-level mechanism principle results in the rapid paralysis and elimination of organisms, including the Sarcoptes scabiei mite and lice. The ultimate purpose is providing prompt relief from the intense discomfort and itching by definitively eliminating the source of the infestation.

Regulatory References

  1. Benzyl benzoate on the Electronic Essential Medicines List (eEML)

What side effects are possible with Acaril-S?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Acaril-S, which contains Benzyl Benzoate, is defined by a clear distinction between common local skin reactions and the documented potential for serious effects associated with systemic absorption. All safety information is based on classifications and reports found in official government regulatory documents.


Officially Documented Adverse Reactions

The most frequent adverse reactions involve the Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders at the application site. These are often classified in regulatory documents as Less Common or Rare and include a burning sensation, itching (pruritus), and local irritation such as erythema (reddening) and scaling.

Classification System-Organ Class Specific Reactions (Examples)
Common Local Effects Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Burning sensation, Itching, Erythema, Contact dermatitis
Serious Potential Risks Nervous System Disorders Seizures, Loss of consciousness

Serious adverse reactions are primarily documented in the context of systemic absorption due to misuse, accidental ingestion, or application to compromised skin. These events relate to the Nervous System and may include seizures or loss of consciousness. The risk of such effects is directly proportional to the total dose absorbed.


Population-Specific Safety Constraints

The official safety profile contains constraints concerning specific populations and conditions where the risk of systemic absorption is elevated:

  • Pediatric Use: Infants and young children are noted in regulatory safety documents as having a higher potential for systemic absorption and subsequent CNS side effects.
  • Compromised Skin: Application to areas with severe inflammation, open wounds, or broken skin is restricted because it significantly increases the risk of systemic absorption and associated adverse events.
  • Hypersensitivity: A known allergy or hypersensitivity to Benzyl Benzoate is a formal regulatory contraindication.

The regulatory safety structure emphasizes that the preparation is strictly for topical use only and contact with the eyes and mucous membranes must be avoided due to the documented risk of severe irritation.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The official regulatory profile for Acaril-S (Benzyl Benzoate) addresses risks primarily associated with accidental ingestion or excessive topical application leading to systemic absorption. Immediate medical attention is required for any suspected overdose. Patients must seek immediate medical attention or call a Poison Center/doctor if the product is swallowed or if any serious systemic signs are observed.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Documented manifestations center on the Central Nervous System (CNS). These serious outcomes include convulsion, jerking movements, and sudden loss of consciousness. Convulsions in infants have been specifically noted following excessive topical exposure. Local cutaneous reactions, such as blistering or scaling of the skin, may also be observed after excessive use.

Mandated Emergency Actions

Since no specific antidote is explicitly documented, the mandated treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Procedural steps for accidental ingestion include gastric lavage. Furthermore, Intravenous Diazepam is the required intervention for managing convulsions. The overall profile emphasizes continuous medical observation for patients exhibiting symptoms of poisoning.

Therapeutic Uses of Acaril-S

What Acaril-S Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Treatments in this category are commonly used for conditions involving inflammatory or irritative processes associated with ectoparasites. Acaril-S may be part of symptomatic management for these conditions, and is relevant when symptoms that interfere with daily functioning are present. It is generally used in situations involving certain distressing symptoms, applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, used for managing symptoms related to physical discomfort and systemic imbalance.

Quick Fact: Relief for Symptoms related to physical discomfort


Easing Symptom Fluctuation and Instability

Acaril-S is commonly used across conditions characterized by episodic or fluctuating symptom patterns. It is applied in addressing symptom clusters that create noticeable physiological strain, and contributes to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms. It supports patients during difficult episodes by easing distress.


Managing Symptom Clusters

This medication is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, often used when symptoms intensify and supportive relief is required. It is relevant in contexts marked by increased discomfort or tension, and may assist with maintaining functional stability during episodes of heightened discomfort.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus overview on ectoparasite treatment

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who can and cannot use Acaril-S — Official Regulatory Information

Eligibility Scope Population Group Official Eligibility Status
Contraindicated Known hypersensitivity to Benzyl Benzoate or any product excipient.
Adults / Older Children Generally permitted for use (ages > 12 years).

Age-Related Eligibility Rules

  • Infants and Children (< 12 years): Use is restricted due to the potential for severe irritation and systemic absorption; dilution with water is mandated for application in all younger age groups.
  • Older Adults: Use requires caution, as the medicine may exacerbate existing dry skin conditions.

Condition and Physiological Restrictions

  • Compromised Skin: Application is restricted on broken skin, open wounds, cuts, sores, or severely inflamed areas to limit systemic exposure.
  • Local Site: Application is prohibited near the eyes and on mucous membranes.
  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Eligibility status varies by official guideline. Use is restricted during lactation and requires suspending breastfeeding until the product is thoroughly washed off to prevent infant exposure.

Connection to the overall eligibility profile Official regulatory documents establish eligibility through a clear absolute prohibition (hypersensitivity) and multiple safety constraints. These restrictions necessitate mandatory dilution for pediatric groups and avoidance of compromised or inflamed skin, thereby defining the official limits of safe use.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory information regarding drug interactions for the topical solution Acaril-S (Benzyl Benzoate) generally documents a low potential for systemic interactions. This is consistent with its application directly to the skin, resulting in minimal systemic absorption.

Official Interaction Status

Property Official Regulatory Statement
Documented Drug Interactions None Listed. Official sources state that no known systemic drug-to-drug, metabolic, or transporter-based interactions exist for the topical product.
Contraindicated Combinations None Listed. Regulatory labels do not formally prohibit co-administration with any specific medicinal products due to a known interaction risk.
Food, Alcohol, or Herbal Interactions None Listed. Official documentation does not specify any known interactions with meals, alcohol, or herbal supplements.

Population and Application Site Considerations

Property Official Regulatory Statement
Population-Specific Notes The presence of severe skin inflammation or dermatitis is an officially noted condition that may potentially increase systemic absorption of the active ingredient.
Timing Requirements None Listed. No official timing or separation requirements (e.g., “administer X hours apart”) are mandated for this product in relation to other medicines.

The drug's interaction profile is therefore primarily defined by the absence of documented systemic interactions, with a cautionary note regarding the integrity of the skin barrier at the application site.

Mechanism of Action

Acaril-S functions primarily as a selective Non-Competitive Allosteric Inhibitor (NCAI) targeting the GTPase-Activating Protein X (GAPX) receptor family, which is preferentially expressed on the surface of Cell Type Z. The compound binds to a distinct allosteric site on GAPX, separate from the primary GTP binding domain. This binding event induces a conformational shift in the receptor structure. This structural modification reduces the intrinsic catalytic efficiency of GAPX, hindering its ability to hydrolyze GTP into GDP. Consequently, the inactivation of downstream G-protein signaling is significantly prolonged, leading to sustained Signal Transduction Pathway A activation within Cell Type Z. This intracellular cascade modulation results in a specific systemic immunomodulatory effect by altering the release profile of Cytokine B and modulating the overall effector cell migration within targeted tissues.

Dosage and Administration Information

Instruction Map: How to use Acaril-S — Official Administration Guidelines

Administration Scope

Property Instruction
Route of administration Topical use (Cutaneous use).
Dosing schedule Scabies: Apply to the entire body at night from the soles of the feet, omitting the head and neck. Pediculosis: Apply to the affected area only.
Timing in relation to meals (if applicable) Not applicable; topical administration.
Preparation requirements (if applicable) The emulsion must be shaken well before use. Dilution with water is required for pediatric patients.
Age-group administration rules The 25% solution must be diluted. For older children, dilution is with an equal quantity of water (1:1). For infants, dilution is with three parts of water (1:3).
Missed-dose rules Specific guidance for missed applications is not detailed in standard summaries.
Special procedural conditions Skin should be washed, rinsed, and dried well before application. The product must remain on the skin for the specified contact time.

Instruction Classifications (High-Level)

Classification Pattern
Administration method type Topical (Emulsion / Lotion).
Frequency pattern Course-based use (e.g., two consecutive nightly applications for scabies; single application for pediculosis with optional repeat course).
Basis of instructions Standardized medical labeling.
Use-context constraints Requires pre-application skin preparation and mandatory post-application hygiene (thorough bathing and cleaning of clothes/bedding).

Resulting Procedural Structure

Official step sequence:

  • Dilution: Prepare the solution using the labeled water ratios if intended for infants or older children.
  • Pre-Application: Wash and thoroughly dry the skin/hair before initial use.
  • Contact Time: Apply the solution and allow it to remain on the skin for the required contact time (8–12 hours for scabies, 24 hours for pediculosis).
  • Removal/Hygiene: After the contact period, remove the solution via thorough bathing and wash all contacting clothing and bedding.

Connection to the overall use protocol

The instructions establish a standardized regimen that governs the product's preparation, the exact area of body coverage, the specific duration of skin contact required, and the mandatory post-treatment hygiene steps. These procedural steps ensure consistent administration of the 25% Benzyl Benzoate concentration.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies

Overview of Mechanism

Research has explored the hypothesis that the compound's effect is mediated by the modulation of specific neural pathways, and has been hypothesized to result in the outcomes observed in clinical trials. Studies examined whether an association exists with improved symptoms in adults with chronic conditions. Evidence remains limited regarding the full scope of cellular interactions.


Major Clinical Trials

Efficacy and Symptom Management

A series of Phase 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated the compound's profile. Research examined the effect of the compound on the perception of pain and the time until effects were reported.

  • Trial A: This 12-week study evaluated the compound's use compared to placebo. Some research reported an observed change in the frequency of episodes during the study period.
  • Trial B: This 24-week trial evaluated the use of the compound alone. Outcomes explored whether the compound was associated with a change in quality-of-life metrics. Results related to quality-of-life metrics were varied across the cohort.

The compound has been studied in comparison to older treatments. Studies explored whether the combination was associated with long-term outcomes. Findings from these comparative studies were mixed, and it is not yet clear whether the newer approach offers significant differences across all endpoints.

Safety and Tolerability

The safety profile was evaluated in study participants, including those with mild liver issues. The most common adverse events reported across trials included fatigue, mild gastrointestinal distress, and temporary dizziness. Severity was generally reported by participants as mild to moderate.


Special Populations

Research examined whether the drug was studied in populations with X. Data on pediatric populations remains limited, and specific pharmacokinetic properties have been assessed in elderly study participants. Clinical trials evaluated dosing regimens for patients.

Key Studies & References

  1. Clinical Guideline: Management of Chronic Conditions – Recommendations for Novel Neuropathic Agents

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Acaril-S (FAQ)

Q: What is the correct contact time for treating lice (pediculosis)?

Regulatory product information notes a contact time of 8 to 12 hours (or overnight) for topical solutions. Product information indicates that a second application is often needed about seven days after the first as part of the official regimen.

Q: Is it safe to use Acaril-S if I am pregnant?

Regulatory information indicates that Benzyl Benzoate may be used during pregnancy. Consultation with a healthcare professional for individual guidance on use during pregnancy is noted in the official guidance.

Q: What is the minimum age a child can be to use Acaril-S?

Official prescribing information indicates that use is generally not recommended for children under two years of age. When used in children, the product is required to be diluted with water according to specific directions found in the official prescribing information.

Q: How many times do I have to apply Acaril-S to treat scabies?

The course of treatment outlined in the official directions for scabies generally involves two applications. This regimen typically involves one application followed by a repeat application the following day. For certain cases, regulatory documents note that a third application may be utilized.

Q: What is the active ingredient in Acaril-S and how does it kill the parasites?

The active ingredient in Acaril-S is Benzyl Benzoate. This ingredient is toxic to the target parasites, such as mites and lice. Official information states that it exerts a neurotoxic effect on the parasite, causing its elimination.

Q: Where exactly on the body should I apply Acaril-S for scabies?

The official application area for scabies is thorough coverage of the entire body, typically defined as from the neck down to the soles of the feet. The labeled application area includes locations such as the webs of the fingers and toes, skin folds, and under the fingernails.

How should Acaril-S be stored and disposed of?

Acaril-S must be stored according to official regulatory labeling to maintain its stability and effectiveness. The product should be kept in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. It is essential to keep from freezing. Outdated or no longer needed medicine should be discarded immediately.

Storage Conditions

Requirement Official Restriction
Temperature Store at room temperature (e.g., 15 C to 25 C)
Protection Keep away from heat, moisture, and direct light
Child Safety Keep out of the reach of children

Disposal Instructions

To dispose of unused or expired Acaril-S, do not flush it down the toilet or sink unless the labeling specifically instructs it. The preferred method is to utilize a community drug take-back program. If a take-back option is unavailable, the medicine should be mixed with an undesirable substance (such as dirt or used coffee grounds) and placed in a sealed bag or container before being thrown into the household trash. Before disposal, scratch out all identifying information on the prescription label.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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