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Calamine  (Topical)

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Brand Names

In the U.S.—

  • Calamox

In Canada—

  • Diaper Rash Ointment
  • Onguent de Calamine

Category


Description

Calamine (KAL-a-meen) is used to relieve the itching, pain, and discomfort of minor skin irritations, such as those caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. This medicine also dries oozing and weeping caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.

Calamine is available without prescription in the following dosage forms:



Before Using This Medicine

If you are using this medicine without a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label. For calamine, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to calamine. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Calamine has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in humans.

Breast-feeding—Calamine has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Children—Although there is no specific information comparing use of calamine in children with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of calamine in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are using any other topical prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine that is to be applied to the same area of the skin.



Proper Use of This Medicine

Calamine is for external use only. Do not swallow it and do not use it on the eyes or mucous membranes such as the inside of the mouth, nose, genital (sex organs), or anal areas.

To use calamine lotion:

To use calamine ointment:

Dosing—

Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average dose of calamine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Storage—

To store this medicine:


Precautions While Using This Medicine

If your condition gets worse or if it does not improve within 7 days, or if rash or irritation develops, stop using calamine and check with your doctor.


Side Effects of This Medicine



Developed: 05/26/1995

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