ZINC OXIDE - TOPICAL
Common Brand Name(s): Desitin
Phonetic Pronunciation: (zink OX-ide)
Information last revised May 2010
What does ZINC OXIDE OINTMENT look like?
zinc oxide 20 % Ointment
zinc oxide Ointment
Diaper Rash Relief 10 % Ointment
Sayman Salve 87 %-8.8 % Ointment
Uses:
This medication is used to treat and prevent diaper rash and other minor skin irritations (e.g., burns, cuts, scrapes). It works by forming a barrier on the skin to protect it from irritants/moisture.
Missed Dose
Not applicable.
How To Use
Use this medication on the skin only. Follow all directions on the product package or use as directed by your doctor. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Avoid getting this medication in the eyes. If you do get the medication in the eyes, flush with plenty of water. This medication should start working within 12 hours. Tell your doctor if your condition worsens, does not improve, persists for more than 7 days, or occurs again after a few days.
Drug Interactions
If you are using this product under your doctor's direction, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you use any of the following products: other skin products applied to the affected area. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
Notes
Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments. To help prevent diaper rash, check your baby's diaper often, and change the diaper whenever it appears wet/dirty.
Overdose
This medication may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Precautions
Before using zinc oxide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. If you have the following health problem, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: skin infection in the affected area. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Storage
Refer to storage information printed on the package. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Keep all drug products away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Side Effects
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if this unlikely side effect occurs: skin irritation. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
The information contained in the First DataBank databases is intended to supplement the knowledge of physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals regarding drug therapy problems and patient counselling information. This information is advisory only and is not intended to replace sound clinical judgment in the delivery of healthcare services. First DataBank disclaims all warranties, whether expressed or implied, including any warranty as to the quality, accuracy, and suitability of this information for any purpose.
Copyright 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
