- What is topical calamine lotion, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What are the side effects of topical calamine lotion?
- What is the dosage for topical calamine lotion?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with topical calamine lotion?
- Is topical calamine lotion safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about topical calamine lotion?
What is topical calamine lotion, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Calamine is a mixture of zinc oxide and other components. Calamine and zinc oxide are topical anti-itch lotions. Although the exact mechanism of how calamine and zinc oxide work is not known, they have skin protecting and astringent properties that relieve itching. They also seem to slow down bacterial growth, preventing infections from worsening.
What brand names are available for calamine lotion-topical?
Calamine Lotion
Is calamine lotion-topical available as a generic drug?
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
Do I need a prescription for calamine lotion-topical?
No
What is the dosage for topical calamine lotion?
The recommended dose for calamine and zinc oxide is: Apply to affected areas every 6 to 8 hours as needed.
Which drugs or supplements interact with topical calamine lotion?
No drug interactions have been established with calamine and zinc oxide lotion.
SLIDESHOW
Rosacea, Acne, Shingles: Common Adult Skin Diseases See SlideshowIs topical calamine lotion safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies done on calamine and zinc oxide to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women.
It is not known whether calamine and zinc oxide enters breast milk.
What else should I know about topical calamine lotion?
What preparations of calamine lotion-topical are available?
- Calamine and zinc oxide lotion is available in topical, liquid form.
- Calamine and zinc oxide is pink-colored suspension, supplied in 4 fluid ounces (118 ml) plastic bottles.
How should I keep calamine lotion-topical stored?
Store calamine and zinc oxide lotion between temperatures 15 C and 30 C (59 F and 86 F).
Latest Skin News
Daily Health News
More Health News »Trending on MedicineNet
Summary
Calamine and zinc oxide (Calamine Lotion) is a mixture of components used to relieve the itching and pain from poison oak, poison ivy, poison sumac, sunburns, and insect and bug bites. Review side effects, drug interactions, dosage, and storage prior to using this medication.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
Picture of Sunburn
Sunburn is an inflammation of the skin that develops in response to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or from...
-
Picture of Acute Sunburn
Sunburn is an acute, delayed, and transient inflammatory response of normal skin after exposure to UVR from sunlight or...
-
Picture of Rash from Poisonous Plants
Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are plants that contain an irritating, oily sap called urushiol. See a picture of Rash...
-
Picture of Sunburn (First-Degree Burns)
A sunburn is skin damage from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. See a picture of Sunburn (First-Degree Burns) and learn more about...
-
Picture of Sunburn (Second-Degree)
Your skin type affects how easily you become sunburned. See a picture of Sunburn (Second-Degree) and learn more about the health...
-
Picture of Poison Ivy
Poison ivy has characteristic shiny, red, three-leaf configuration. See a picture of Poison Ivy and learn more about the health...
Related Disease Conditions
-
Skin Rash
The word "rash" means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. The way people use this term, "a rash" can refer to many different skin conditions. The most common of these are scaly patches of skin and red, itchy bumps or patches all over the place.
-
How to Stop Anal Itching
Anal itching is the irritation of the skin at the exit of the rectum, known as the anus, accompanied by the desire to scratch. Causes include everything from irritating foods we eat, to certain diseases, and infections. Treatment options include over-the-counter medications, using moist pads, and gentle cleaning and drying of the anus.
-
Flea Bites (In Humans)
Flea bites are caused by the parasitic insect, the flea. The most common species of flea in the US is the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis. Signs and symptoms of flea bites in humans include itching, hives, a rash with bumps, red spots with a "halo," and swelling around the bite. Treatment for flea bites includes over-the-counter medicine and natural and home remedies to relieve and soothe itching and inflammation. The redness of a flea bite can last from a few hours to a several days.
-
Shingles
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a painful rash caused by the varicella zoster virus. Other shingles symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, and body aches. Treatment focuses on pain management and shortening the duration of the illness with antiviral medications.
-
Chiggers (Bites)
Chiggers are a mite belonging to the Trombiculidae family. Chiggers are most commonly found in grassy fields, gardens, parks, forests, and moist areas around lakes or rivers. Contrary to popular belief, chiggers do not burrow into the skin. Chiggers insert a feeding structure into the skin and inject enzymes that destroy host tissue. The chiggers then feed on this dead tissue. The most common symptom of a chigger bite is itching. Treatment generally includes antihistamines and calamine lotion.
-
Itch (Itching or Pruritus)
Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch.
-
Poison Ivy
Poison ivy, oak, and sumac contain a substance called urushiol, which causes a rash on people who come in contact with them. Symptoms and signs include a red, swollen, itchy, blistering, bumpy rash. Treatment involves rinsing the exposed area with water, taking antihistamines and over-the-counter pain medications, using topical treatments such as calamine lotion, and applying cool compresses.
-
Pityriasis Rosea
Pityriasis rosea is a rash that begins with a large pink patch with well-defined scaly borders on the back, chest, or neck. In one to two weeks, the person will develop many smaller pink patches on his or her trunk, arms, and legs. Symptoms include mild itching and possible sore throat, fatigue, nausea, aching, and decreased appetite. Pityriasis rosea typically resolves on its own and symptoms and signs may be treated with topical steroid creams and oral antihistamines.
-
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Chickenpox (chicken pox) is a contagious childhood disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Symptoms have an incubation period of 14 to 16 days and include a couple days of mild fever, weakness, and red, raised rash that progresses to blisters that eventually burst and crust over. Complications include bacterial infection of the open sores, scarring, encephalitis, nerve palsies, and Reye's syndrome.
-
Insect Sting Allergies
The majority of stinging insects in the United States are from bees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps, and fire ants. Severity of reactions to stings varies greatly. Avoidance and prompt treatment are essential. In selected cases, allergy injection therapy is highly effective.
-
Bug Bites and Stings
Bug bites and stings have been known to transmit insect-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Lyme disease. Though most reactions to insect bites and stings are mild, some reactions may be life-threatening. Preventing bug bites and stings with insect repellant, wearing the proper protective attire, and not wearing heavily scented perfumes when in grassy, wooded, and brushy areas is key.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
IMAGES
Eczema Browse our medical image collection of allergic skin disorders such as psoriasis and dermatitis and more caused by allergies See ImagesHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.