What is zinc oxide (topical)?
Zinc oxide is a mineral.
Zinc oxide topical (applied to the skin) is used to treat diaper rash, minor burns, severely
chapped skin, or other minor skin irritations.
Zinc oxide rectal suppositories are used to treat itching, burning, irritation, and other rectal
discomfort caused by hemorrhoids or painful bowel movements.
Zinc oxide topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking zinc oxide (topical)?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to zinc, dimethicone, lanolin, cod liver oil,
petroleum jelly, parabens, mineral oil, or wax.
Zinc oxide topical will not treat a bacterial or fungal infection. Call your doctor if you have any
signs of infection such as redness and warmth or oozing skin lesions.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your
doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while you are using this medication.
It is not known whether zinc oxide topical 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 take zinc oxide (topical)?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not
use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Apply enough of this medication to cover the entire area to be treated. Zinc oxide often leaves
a thin white residue that may not be entirely rubbed in.
To treat chapped skin, minor burn wounds, or other skin irritations, use the medication as often
as needed. Apply a thin layer to the affected area and rub in gently.
To treat diaper rash, use this medication each time the diaper is changed. It is especially
important to apply the medication at bedtime or whenever there will be a long period of time between
diaper changes.
Keep the diaper area clean and dry to prevent worsening of skin rash. Change wet diapers as
soon as possible. Allow the skin to dry thoroughly before putting on a fresh diaper.
When using the powder form of this medicine, pour the powder slowly to avoid a large puff
into the air. Do not allow a baby to handle a powder bottle during use. Always close the lid after using
the powder.
Zinc oxide rectal suppositories come with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow
these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Wash your hands before and after inserting a rectal suppository.
Try to empty your bowel and bladder just before using the suppository. Cleanse and dry your
rectal area thoroughly.
Remove the outer wrapper from the suppository before inserting it. Avoid handling the
suppository too long or it will melt in your hands.
For best results from the suppository, lie down after inserting it and hold in the suppository.
The suppository will melt quickly once inserted and you should feel little or no discomfort while holding
it in.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor if your condition does not improve within 7 days
of treatment.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the lid or
cap tightly closed.
You may store zinc oxide rectal suppositories in a refrigerator to prevent melting.
What happens if I miss a dose of zinc oxide (topical)?
Since zinc oxide topical is used as needed, it is not likely that you will be on a dosing schedule.
Using extra zinc oxide to make up a missed dose will not make the medication more effective.
Where can I get more information about zinc oxide (topical)?
Your pharmacist has information about zinc oxide (topical) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of zinc oxide (topical)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using zinc oxide rectal suppositories if you have rectal bleeding or continued pain.
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.
What is the most important information I should know about zinc oxide (topical)?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to zinc, dimethicone, lanolin, cod liver oil,
petroleum jelly, parabens, mineral oil, or wax.
Zinc oxide topical will not treat a bacterial or fungal infection. Call your doctor if you have any
signs of infection such as redness and warmth or oozing skin lesions.
Keep the diaper area clean and dry to prevent worsening of skin rash. Change wet diapers as
soon as possible. Allow the skin to dry thoroughly before putting on a fresh diaper.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor if your condition does not improve within 7 days
of treatment.
Avoid getting this medication in your mouth or eyes. If it does get into any of these areas,
rinse with water right away. Do not use zinc oxide topical on deep skin wounds or severe burns. Get
medical attention for more severe skin irritation or injury.
Avoid applying other skin medications on the same treatment area with zinc oxide, unless your
doctor has told you to.
What should I avoid while taking zinc oxide (topical)?
Avoid getting this medication in your mouth or eyes. If it does get into any of these areas,
rinse with water right away. Do not use zinc oxide topical on deep skin wounds or severe burns. Get
medical attention for more severe skin irritation or injury.
What other drugs will affect zinc oxide (topical)?
Avoid applying other skin medications on the same treatment area with zinc oxide, unless your
doctor has told you to.
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have any effect on topically applied
zinc oxide. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription
and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other
doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of zinc oxide (topical)?
