calamine (topical) Health Article

Generic name(s):

calamine (topical)

Brand name(s):

calamine topical, Calamine Plain

What is the most important information I should know about calamine?

Calamine is an anti-itch medication that works by causing a cooling sensation as it evaporates on your skin. Calamine also dries oozing or weeping from minor skin irritation.

Before you apply this medication, wash the skin area with soap and water and then dry it thoroughly.

Apply calamine directly to the skin and rub in gently, allowing the medicine to dry on your skin. You may also use a cotton ball to smooth the medicine onto your skin. Calamine may leave a thin film on the skin as it dries. You may cover the treated area with loose clothing, but calamine can stain fabrics it comes in contact with.

This medication can be applied 3 to 4 times each day.

Call your doctor if your skin condition does not get better after using calamine regularly for 1 week. Contact your doctor at any time if your symptoms get worse.

Calamine can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea if it is swallowed. Call your doctor or a poison control center right away if anyone accidentally swallows this medicine.

What is calamine?

Calamine is used to treat itching and skin irritation caused by chicken pox, insect bites or stings, measles, eczema, sunburn, poison ivy, and other minor skin conditions.

This medication may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using calamine?

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have any allergies. Do not use calamine if the product contains any ingredient you may be allergic to.

Call your doctor if your skin condition does not get better after using calamine regularly for 1 week. Contact your doctor at any time if your symptoms get worse.

It is not known if using calamine while you are pregnant will be harmful to the unborn baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known if calamine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use calamine?

Use calamine exactly as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not use more of the medication than recommended. Do not use calamine for longer than recommended.

Before you apply this medication, wash the skin area with soap and water and then dry it thoroughly.

Shake the calamine lotion well just before each use.

Apply calamine directly to the skin and rub in gently, allowing the medicine to dry on your skin. You may also use a cotton ball to smooth the medicine onto your skin. Wash your hands with soap and water after applying the medicine.

Calamine may leave a thin film on the skin as it dries. You may cover the treated area with loose clothing, but calamine can stain fabrics it comes in contact with.

This medication can be applied 3 to 4 times each day.

If your skin condition does not improve after using calamine for 7 days, talk with your doctor about another treatment. Store calamine at room temperature away from hot or cold temperatures.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up the missed dose.