pramoxine/calamine topical

Pramoxine/calamine topical is a combination medication used for the temporary relief of pain, itching, and discomfort from coming into contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac. Pramoxine is a local anesthetic that relieves pain and itching while calamine soothes and protects the skin. Pramoxine/calamine is available over the counter (OTC) in the form of creams and lotions.

Pramoxine relieves pain by locally inhibiting the conduction of pain signals by the sensory nerves in the skin. Pramoxine reduces the inflow of sodium ions into the nerve cells (neurons), blocking the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses. Calamine is an astringent that constricts the tissue and reduces oozing from the skin, and also reduces itching.

The uses of pramoxine/calamine include:

• Skin rashes, oozing and weeping due to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac
• Insect bites
• Minor skin irritation
• Minor cuts

Warnings

• Do not use pramoxine/calamine if you are hypersensitive to any component in the formulation.
• Do not use on blistered or broken skin.
• Do not use on children below 2 years of age unless prescribed and supervised by a physician.
• Some formulations may contain propylene glycol which may be toxic in large amounts.

Common side effects of pramoxine/calamine topical include:

• Burning or stinging
• Itching (pruritus)
• Irritation

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Topical Lotion

• 1%/8%

Topical Cream

• 1%/3%

Adult and Pediatric:

Topical Pain

• For the relief of itching, pain, and discomfort of ivy, oak, and sumac poisoning
• Children under 2 years: Safety and efficacy not established
• Adults and children over 2 years: Apply to the affected area every 6-8 hours as needed

Overdose

• Topical pramoxine/calamine is unlikely to result in an overdose.
• Oral ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which should resolve on their own. Exposure to the eye may cause irritation.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

• Pramoxine/calamine topical has no listed severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs.

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• There is no information on the safety of pramoxine/calamine use in pregnant women. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
• It is not known if pramoxine/calamine is present in breastmilk. Use with caution.
• Do not use any topical drug, including pramoxine/calamine, without checking with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Use pramoxine/calamine exactly as prescribed or as per label instructions.
• Pramoxine/calamine is for external use only.
• Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. In case of accidental contact with eyes, wash thoroughly with clean water.
• Stop use and contact your healthcare provider if:
  • Condition does not improve within a week and symptoms persist
  • Condition worsens
  • Symptoms clear up and reoccur after a few days
• Store safely out of reach of children.
• In case of ingestion or overdose, contact your physician or Poison Control if any symptoms persist.