CALAMINE (Topical)

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Calamox

In Canada—

• Diaper Rash Ointment
• Onguent de Calamine

Generic name product may be available in the U.S. and Canada.

Category

• Antipruritic, topical
• Skin protectant

Description

Calamine (KAL-a-meen) is used to relieve the itching, pain, and discomfort of minor skin irritations, such as those caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. This medicine also dries oozing and weeping caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.

Calamine is available without prescription in the following dosage forms:

• Topical
• Lotion (U.S. and Canada)
• Ointment (U.S. and Canada)

Before Using This Medicine

If you are using this medicine without a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label. For calamine, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to calamine. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Calamine has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in humans.

Breast-feeding—Calamine has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Children—Although there is no specific information comparing use of calamine in children with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of calamine in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are using any other topical prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine that is to be applied to the same area of the skin.

Proper Use of This Medicine

Calamine is for external use only. Do not swallow it and do not use it on the eyes or mucous membranes such as the inside of the mouth, nose, genital (sex organs), or anal areas.

To use calamine lotion :

• Shake the lotion well before using.
• Moisten a pledget of cotton with the lotion.
• Use the moistened pledget to apply the lotion to the affected skin area(s).
• Allow the medicine to dry on the skin.

To use calamine ointment :

• Apply enough medicine to cover affected skin area(s) and rub in gently.

Dosing—Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average dose of calamine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• For minor skin irritations:
  • For topical dosage forms (lotion, ointment):
    • Adults and children—Apply to the affected area(s) of skin as often as needed.

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

If your condition gets worse or if it does not improve within 7 days, or if rash or irritation develops, stop using calamine and check with your doctor.

Developed: 05/26/1995

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