What is calamine (topical)?
Calamine topical (for the skin) 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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking calamine (topical)?
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 take calamine (topical)?
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 of calamine (topical)?
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.
Where can I get more information about calamine (topical)?
Your pharmacist has information about calamine (topical) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of calamine (topical)?
Stop using this medication and 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.
Call your doctor at once if you have redness, rash, pus, or other signs of infection.
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 calamine (topical)?
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 should I avoid while taking calamine (topical)?
Calamine is for use only on your skin. Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes or inside your
mouth or nose. If the medicine does get into these areas, rinse thoroughly with water.
Avoid applying other creams, lotions, ointments, or other medicated skin products to the same
areas you treat with calamine.
What other drugs will affect calamine (topical)?
There may be other drugs that can affect calamine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription
and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs
prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of calamine (topical)?