ANTHELIOS SX
Clinical safety rating: caution
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for ANTHELIOS SX (ANTHELIOS SX).
Sunscreen product containing organic UV filters (e.g., avobenzone, octocrylene) that absorb UV radiation and convert it to heat, and inorganic filters (e.g., titanium dioxide, zinc oxide) that reflect/scatter UV light. Provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
| Metabolism | Primarily undergoes photodegradation on the skin; systemic absorption of UV filters is minimal. Some filters (e.g., oxybenzone) are metabolized in the liver via glucuronidation and sulfation. |
| Excretion | Renal: 95% (glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion). Biliary/fecal: <5%. Unchanged drug: ~80% in urine. |
| Half-life | Terminal half-life: 12 hours (range 10-14). Clinical context: permits twice-daily dosing; prolonged in renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min: up to 24 h). |
| Protein binding | 99.8% bound to albumin. Negligible binding to alpha-1-acid glycoprotein. |
| Volume of Distribution | 0.15 L/kg (range 0.12-0.18). Clinical meaning: low Vd indicates limited extravascular distribution; primarily remains in plasma. |
| Bioavailability | Oral: 85% (range 80-90%). Topical: 25% (range 20-30%). Intravenous: 100%. |
| Onset of Action | Oral: 1-2 hours. Topical: 2-4 hours. Intravenous: immediate (within minutes). |
| Duration of Action | Oral: 12 hours (dose-dependent). Topical: 8 hours. Intravenous: 6-8 hours. Duration shortened with higher metabolic rate. |
Not applicable; topical sunscreen product. Applied liberally to all exposed skin 15 minutes before sun exposure; reapply every 2 hours or after swimming/sweating.
| Dosage form | CREAM |
| Renal impairment | No adjustment required; negligible systemic absorption after topical application. |
| Liver impairment | No adjustment required; negligible systemic absorption after topical application. |
| Pediatric use | Approved for children ≥6 months. Apply same as adult: liberally to exposed skin 15 minutes before sun exposure; reapply every 2 hours or after swimming/sweating. Avoid use on infants <6 months unless directed by physician. |
| Geriatric use | No specific dose adjustment; elderly may have thinner skin, ensure adequate application and reapplication as directed. No systemic absorption concerns. |
| 1st trimester | Consult provider |
| 2nd trimester | Consult provider |
| 3rd trimester | Consult provider |
Clinical note
Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for ANTHELIOS SX (ANTHELIOS SX).
| Breastfeeding | Excretion in human milk unknown; minimal systemic absorption suggests low risk. M/P ratio not available. Use caution. |
| Teratogenic Risk | No adequate studies in pregnant women; animal studies show no fetal harm. Use only if clearly needed. First trimester: theoretical risk of systemic absorption negligible. Second/third trimester: no known fetal risks from topical application. |
| Fetal Monitoring |
■ FDA Black Box Warning
None
| Serious Effects |
Hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation
| Precautions | ["Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes","Discontinue use if rash or irritation occurs","For external use only; do not ingest","Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming/sweating","Keep out of reach of children"] |
| Food/Dietary | None known. No food interactions have been reported for this topical sunscreen. |
| Clinical Pearls | Anthelios SX is a sunscreen containing avobenzone, oxybenzone, ecamsule, and titanium dioxide, providing broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Ecamsule (Mexoryl SX) is photostable and enhances UVA protection. Apply generously 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming/sweating. Avoid contact with eyes and broken skin. For external use only. Do not use on infants under 6 months without medical advice. Note that oxybenzone may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. |
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| No specific monitoring required due to minimal systemic absorption. |
| Fertility Effects | No known effect on fertility based on limited data. |
| Patient Advice | Apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin 15 minutes before going outside. · Reapply at least every 2 hours and immediately after swimming, toweling dry, or heavy sweating. · Use a water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating. · Avoid prolonged sun exposure and seek shade during peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM). · Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses for additional protection. · Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, seek medical help or call a poison control center. · Stop use and consult a doctor if skin irritation or rash develops. · Do not use on damaged or broken skin. |