Crotamiton

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 21, 2019.

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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

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

• Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)

• Have patient report immediately to prescriber severe skin irritation (HCAHPS).

• Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.

Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for health care professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience, and judgment in diagnosing, treating, and advising patients.

Further information

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

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