Crotamiton

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on April 19, 2020.

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Pronunciation

(kroe TAM i tonn)

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product

Cream, External:

Eurax: 10% (60 g [DSC])

Lotion, External:

Crotan: 10% (60 g, 227 g, 454 g) [contains benzyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol]

Eurax: 10% (60 g [DSC], 454 g [DSC])

Brand Names: U.S.

• Crotan
• Eurax [DSC]

Pharmacologic Category

• Scabicidal Agent

Pharmacology

Crotamiton has scabicidal activity against Sarcoptes scabiei; mechanism of action unknown. Antipruritic effects mediated by inhibition of histamine, serotonin, and PAR-2 (Sekine 2012).

Absorption

Amount of systemic absorption following topical use has not been determined

Use: Labeled Indications

Treatment of scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei) and symptomatic treatment of pruritus

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to crotamiton or any component of the formulation; patients who manifest a primary irritation response to topical medications

Dosing: Adult

Pruritus: Topical: Massage into affected areas until medication is completely absorbed; repeat as necessary

Scabies: Topical: Apply a thin layer and massage drug onto skin of the entire body from the neck to the toes (with special attention to skin folds, creases, and interdigital spaces). Repeat application in 24 hours. May re-treat if new lesions appear or itching persists more than 2 to 4 weeks after initial treatment (CDC 2010).

Dosing: Geriatric

Refer to adult dosing.

Dosing: Pediatric

Scabies: Limited data available: Infants, Children, and Adolescents: Topical: Apply a thin layer onto skin of entire body from neck to toes; apply once daily for 3 days followed by a cleansing bath 48 hours after the last application; treatment may be repeated after 7 days if mites appear; not typically first-line therapy as other agents have shown greater efficacy (Hay 2012; Kliegman 2016; Red Book [AAP 2015] ); longer duration of treatment (5 days) has also been reported and was well tolerated (Cubela 1978; Glodust 2014; Konstantinov 1979).

Administration

Topical: For external use only; avoid eyes and mucous membranes. Shake lotion well before using. Take a bath or shower prior to application. Apply from neck down to toes. Trim fingernails and apply under nails (can use toothbrush, which should be disposed of after use). Take a cleansing bath 48 hours after the final application. Contaminated clothing and bed linens should be washed on hot cycle or dry-cleaned and all clothing and bedding should be changed the day after application.

Storage

Store at room temperature.

Drug Interactions

There are no known significant interactions.

Adverse Reactions

The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified. Frequency not defined.

Central nervous system: Localized warm feeling

Dermatologic: Contact dermatitis, pruritus, skin rash

Hypersensitivity: Local hypersensitivity reaction

Local: Local irritation

Warnings/Precautions

Other warnings/precautions:

• Appropriate use: For external use only; avoid contact with face, eyes, mucous membranes, and urethral meatus. Do not apply to acutely inflamed, raw, or weeping skin. Discontinue use if severe irritation or sensitization occurs.

Pregnancy Risk Factor

C

Pregnancy Considerations

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted; use during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Patient Education

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to treat scabies.

• It is used to treat itching.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Severe skin irritation

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a limited summary of general information about the medicine's uses from the patient education leaflet and is not intended to be comprehensive. This limited summary does NOT include all information available about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. For a more detailed summary of information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine, please speak with your healthcare provider and review the entire patient education leaflet.

Further information

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

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