Lac-Hydrin

Generic Name: ammonium lactate topical
Other Brand Names: ammonium lactate topical, Amlactin

What is ammonium lactate topical?

Ammonium lactate is a combination of lactic acid and ammonium hydroxide. Ammonium lactate is a moisturizer.

Ammonium lactate is used for the treatment of dry, scaly skin and for the temporary relief of itching associated with these conditions. It is for external use only.

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

Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ammonium lactate topical?

Do not use ammonium lactate if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past.

Ammonium lactate is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether ammonium lactate will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether ammonium lactate passes into breast milk. Do not use ammonium lactate without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Ammonium lactate should not be used by children younger than 12 years of age.

How should I take ammonium lactate topical?

Use ammonium lactate exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medication, unless you are using it to treat a hand condition.

Shake the lotion well before applying.

Apply to the affected area(s) and rub in thoroughly.

Ammonium lactate is usually applied twice a day. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

Contact your doctor if your condition worsens with ammonium lactate topical therapy.

Use ammonium lactate cautiously, and only if directed, on the face. Irritation may occur.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth or on your lips or other mucous membranes. Also avoid using ammonium lactate on skin that is damaged or abraded (e.g., after shaving the legs). Ammonium lactate may cause stinging or burning when applied to damaged skin.

Store ammonium lactate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose of ammonium lactate topical?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the dose you missed and apply only the regular amount of ammonium lactate. Do not use a double dose unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Where can I get more information about ammonium lactate topical?
Your pharmacist has information about ammonium lactate topical written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of ammonium lactate topical?

Serious side effects from ammonium lactate use are not expected. Stop using ammonium lactate and see your doctor if you experience unusual or severe itching, burning, or stinging of the skin.

Mild burning, stinging, itching, redness, or irritation is likely to occur. If it seems excessive, contact your doctor.

Other, less serious side effects may, rarely, occur. Continue to use ammonium lactate and talk to your doctor if you experience

  • peeling,

  • darkening or lightening of skin,

  • eczema,

  • bruising,

  • swelling, or

  • dryness.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about ammonium lactate topical?

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth or on your lips or other mucous membranes. Also avoid using ammonium lactate on skin that is damaged or abraded (e.g., after shaving the legs). Ammonium lactate may cause stinging or burning when applied to damaged skin.

Avoid exposure to sunlight. Ammonium lactate may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

Use ammonium lactate cautiously, and only if directed, on the face. Irritation may occur.

Do not use this medication for any purpose other than the one indicated by your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking ammonium lactate topical?

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth or on your lips or other mucous membranes. Also avoid using ammonium lactate on skin that is damaged or abraded (e.g., after shaving the legs). Ammonium lactate may cause stinging or burning when applied to damaged skin.

Avoid exposure to sunlight. Ammonium lactate may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

Use ammonium lactate cautiously, and only if directed, on the face. Irritation may occur.

What other drugs will affect ammonium lactate topical?

Avoid the use of other topical medications at the same time as ammonium lactate unless your doctor approves. Other skin medications may affect the absorption or effectiveness of ammonium lactate.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with ammonium lactate. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

What happens if I have an overdose of ammonium lactate topical?

An overdose of ammonium lactate is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect that ammonium lactate has been ingested, contact an emergency room or a poison control center.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008