- What is calamine lotion-topical, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What brand names are available for calamine lotion-topical?
- Is calamine lotion-topical available as a generic drug?
- Do I need a prescription for calamine lotion-topical?
- What are the side effects of calamine lotion-topical?
- What is the dosage for calamine lotion-topical?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with calamine lotion-topical?
- Is calamine lotion-topical safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about calamine lotion-topical?
What is calamine lotion-topical, 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 are the side effects of calamine lotion-topical?
Side effects of calamine and zinc oxide are itching, redness, and irritation.
Quick GuideRingworm: Treatment, Pictures, Causes, and Symptoms
What is the dosage for calamine lotion-topical?
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 calamine lotion-topical?
No drug interactions have been established with calamine and zinc oxide lotion.
Is calamine lotion-topical 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 calamine lotion-topical?
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).
REFERENCE: NIH.gov. CALAMINE AND ZINC OXIDE.
Quick GuideRingworm: Treatment, Pictures, Causes, and Symptoms
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. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, and storage should be reviewed prior to using this medication.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
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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...
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Picture of Acute Sunburn
Sunburn is an acute, delayed, and transient inflammatory response of normal skin after exposure to UVR from sunlight or...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Rash
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Top calamine lotion-topical Related Articles
Complete ListAnal 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 medicine including:
- Local anesthetics, for example, lidocaine (Xylocaine), pramoxine (Fleet Pain-Relief), and benzocaine (Lanacane Maximum Strength)
- Vasoconstrictors, for example, phenylephrine 0.25% (Medicone Suppository, Preparation H, Rectocaine)
- Protectants, for example, glycerin, kaolin, lanolin, mineral oil (Balneol)
- Astringents, for example, witch hazel and calamine
- Antiseptics, for example, boric acid and phenol
- Keratolytics, for example, resorcinol
- Analgesics, for example, camphor and juniper tar
- Corticosteroids
If anal itching persists, a doctor examination may be needed to identify an underlying cause.
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.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.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.
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 are:
- Itching
- Hives
- Rash with bumps
- Red spots with a halo
- Swelling around the flea bite
Treatment for flea bites includes over-the-counter medicine and natural and home remedies to relieve and soothe itching and inflammation.
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.Itch
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.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.Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac
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.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.Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
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.Sunburn Picture
Sunburn is an inflammation of the skin that develops in response to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or from tanning beds and booths that emit UV radiation. See a picture of Sunburn and learn more about the health topic.
