Pramoxine topical

Generic name: pramoxine topical [ pra-MOX-een-TOP-i-kal ]
Brand names: Blistex Pro Relief, CeraVe Itch Relief, Eczemin, Itch-X, Prax, ... show all 26 brands Proctofoam NS, Sarna Sensitive, Summers Eve Anti-Itch, Vagisil Anti-Itch Medicated Wipes, Callergy Clear, Tronothane, Phicon, Epipram, Proctofoam, Hemorr-oxine, Tronolane, Anest Hemor, Fleet Pain Relief Pad, Soothe-It Plus Hemmorhoidal Pad, Proctozone-P, Sarna Ultra, Pramox, Curasore, Sarna Sensitive Eczema Itch Relief, Prax Wipe, Peviderm
Dosage forms: rectal foam (1%), topical cream (1%), topical gel (1%), topical lotion (1%), topical pad (1%), ... show all 7 dosage forms topical spray (1%), topical stick (1%)
Drug class: Topical anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 5, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is pramoxine topical?

Pramoxine is an anesthetic, or numbing medicine.

Pramoxine topical (for the skin) is used to treat pain or itching caused by insect bites, minor burns or scrapes, hemorrhoids, vaginal irritation, and minor skin rash, dryness, or itching. Pramoxine topical is also used to treat chapped lips, and pain or skin irritation caused by coming into contact with poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac.

Pramoxine topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Pramoxine topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

pramoxine topical may cause serious side effects. Stop using pramoxine topical and call your doctor at once if you have:

• any new redness or swelling where the medicine was applied; or

• severe pain, burning, or stinging where the medicine was applied.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to pramoxine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take pramoxine topical if you are allergic to any drugs or any other numbing medicines.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I use pramoxine topical?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.

Wash your hands before and after applying pramoxine topical. Wash the affected skin area with warm water and a mild soap. Rinse and dry the area thoroughly.

To use pramoxine on the skin, (spray, lotion, gel, or stick), apply just enough of the medication to cover the area to be treated.

Do not use pramoxine topical on deep skin wounds, blistered skin, severe burns, or large skin areas. Seek medical attention for more severe skin irritation or injury.

Pramoxine hemorrhoid cream, lotion, foam, or medicated wipe may be used on the rectum after each bowel movement to treat hemorrhoid pain and itching.

Shake the pramoxine rectal foam before each use. Squirt only a small amount of the medicine onto a clean tissue and apply it to your rectum.

To use the pramoxine medicated wipe to treat the rectal or vaginal area, gently pat or wipe onto the area. Avoid harsh rubbing. Each pramoxine medicated wipe is for one use only. Throw the wipe away after using.

Do not insert this medicine or the medicated wipe into your rectum or vagina. Use pramoxine topical only on the outside of the area.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if your condition clears up and then comes back.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Store pramoxine foam in an upright position. Do not refrigerate.

Pramoxine topical dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Pain:

Itching and pain associated with rashes due to poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac, insect bites, and minor skin irritations or minor cuts:
Gel, spray, cream, or lotion:
Apply topically to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily

Usual Adult Dose for Pruritus:

Itching and pain associated with rashes due to poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac, insect bites, and minor skin irritations or minor cuts:
Gel, spray, cream, or lotion:
Apply topically to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily

Usual Adult Dose for Hemorrhoids:

Pads or foam:
Apply topically up to 5 times daily or after each bowel movement

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pain:

Itching and pain associated with rashes due to poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac, insect bites, and minor skin irritations or minor cuts:
Gel, spray, cream, or lotion:
2 years or older:
Apply topically to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pruritus:

Itching and pain associated with rashes due to poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac, insect bites, and minor skin irritations or minor cuts:
Gel, spray, cream, or lotion:
2 years or older:
Apply topically to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hemorrhoids:

Pads or foam:
12 years or older:
Apply topically up to 5 times daily or after each bowel movement

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since pramoxine topical is used on an as needed basis, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of pramoxine topical is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using pramoxine topical?

Avoid getting pramoxine topical in your eyes or mouth. If contact does occur, rinse with water.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with pramoxine topical, unless your doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect pramoxine topical?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2025 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.02.