ANTHELIOS 20
Clinical safety rating: caution
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for ANTHELIOS 20 (ANTHELIOS 20).
Anthelios 20 is a sunscreen containing octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate, oxybenzone, and avobenzone. It provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering ultraviolet radiation. The active ingredients, particularly avobenzone and oxybenzone, absorb UV radiation and dissipate it as heat, preventing direct DNA damage and reducing the risk of skin cancers and photoaging.
| Metabolism | Avobenzone and oxybenzone are metabolized via conjugation (e.g., glucuronidation and sulfation) in the liver and skin. Octocrylene, homosalate, and octisalate are minimally metabolized and primarily excreted unchanged in urine. Enzymes involved include UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) and sulfotransferases (SULTs). |
| Excretion | Primarily fecal excretion (90-95%) as unchanged drug, with less than 5% renal excretion of metabolites. |
| Half-life | Terminal half-life is approximately 20 hours for the active sunscreen agents, supporting once-daily application with sustained protection. |
| Protein binding | The active sunscreen ingredients are not significantly absorbed; negligible systemic protein binding. |
| Volume of Distribution | Not applicable for topical application; minimal systemic absorption precludes meaningful Vd calculation. |
| Bioavailability | Negligible systemic bioavailability (<1%) via dermal route; virtually all drug remains on the skin surface. |
| Onset of Action | Immediate upon topical application; photoprotective effect begins within 15-30 minutes as the film forms on the skin. |
| Duration of Action | Up to 2 hours of water-resistant protection per label; reapplication required after swimming, sweating, or prolonged exposure. |
Apply to all exposed skin 15 minutes before sun exposure; reapply every 2 hours or after swimming/sweating. Not for oral administration.
| Dosage form | CREAM |
| Renal impairment | No dose adjustment required as systemic absorption is negligible. |
| Liver impairment | No dose adjustment required as systemic absorption is negligible. |
| Pediatric use | Approved for children ≥6 months; apply to all exposed areas. Avoid use on damaged skin. For infants <6 months, consult physician. |
| Geriatric use | No specific adjustment needed; ensure application to all exposed skin due to age-related thinning of skin. |
| 1st trimester | Consult provider |
| 2nd trimester | Consult provider |
| 3rd trimester | Consult provider |
Clinical note
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for ANTHELIOS 20 (ANTHELIOS 20).
| Breastfeeding | Unknown if excreted in human milk; M/P ratio not established. Caution advised due to lack of data on infant exposure. |
| Teratogenic Risk | Insufficient data in pregnant women; animal studies show no teratogenic effects at clinically relevant doses. Avoid use in first trimester unless benefit outweighs risk. |
| Fetal Monitoring | No specific monitoring required; standard prenatal care as per gestational age. |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
None
| Serious Effects |
Hypersensitivity to any component of the product, including oxybenzone, avobenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, or octisalate.
| Precautions | Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. Discontinue use if signs of skin irritation or rash develop. Keep out of reach of children. Limit sun exposure during peak hours and wear protective clothing. Not intended for use on damaged or broken skin. Reapply at least every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or towel drying. |
| Food/Dietary | No known food interactions. However, avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice if also taking certain medications (e.g., some statins, calcium channel blockers) as they may affect sun sensitivity. Always consult a healthcare provider regarding specific dietary restrictions. |
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| Fertility Effects | No known effects on fertility based on animal studies; human data lacking. |
| Clinical Pearls | ANTHELIOS 20 is a sunscreen formulation containing avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene. Microfine zinc oxide may also be present for enhanced UVA protection. Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming/sweating. Avoid applying to broken skin. Use in combination with protective clothing for maximal sun protection. |
| Patient Advice | Apply generously 15 minutes before sun exposure. · Reapply at least every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or towel drying. · Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. · For external use only; do not ingest or apply to damaged skin. · Consult a healthcare provider if you develop a rash or allergic reaction. · May stain clothing; allow to dry before dressing. · Keep out of reach of children. |