🧴 Calamine Lotion (As per IP – Indian Pharmacopoeia)
🔹 1. Prescription / Indication:
Calamine Lotion is a topical skin protectant and antipruritic (anti-itch) agent used for the relief of mild skin irritations, including:
- Pruritus (itching)
- Sunburn
- Heat rash (prickly heat)
- Eczema (mild)
- Insect bites or stings
- Contact dermatitis (e.g., poison ivy)
- Chickenpox (to soothe itching)
🔹 2. Description:
- Form: Lotion (suspension)
- Color: Light pink, smooth suspension
- Odor: Mild medicinal/fragrance
- Route: Topical (external use only)
- Application: Shake well before use; apply gently to affected area 2–4 times daily
🔹 4. Advantages:
- Relieves itching, burning, and discomfort
- Soothing, cooling effect on inflamed skin
- Astringent properties help dry out oozing or weeping skin lesions
- Mild antiseptic effect from zinc oxide
- Safe for children and adults
🔹 5. Nature / Pharmacological Class:
- Class: Topical skin protectant & antipruritic
- Type: Inorganic compound-based suspension
- Mechanism:
- Calamine: Mild astringent, antipruritic, cooling effect
- Zinc oxide: Protectant, mild antiseptic, anti-inflammatory
- Glycerin: Humectant that prevents over-drying
🔹 6. Common Packaging:
- Glass or plastic bottles (amber or opaque)
- Sizes: 50 mL, 100 mL, 150 mL, 200 mL
- With screw-cap or flip-top lid
- Labeled “Shake well before use”
🔹 7. Storage:
- Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C
- Keep bottle tightly closed
- Do not refrigerate or freeze
- Protect from light and heat
- Keep out of reach of children
🔹 8. Patient Advice / Counseling:
- Shake well before each use to mix the suspension
- Apply gently with a clean cotton swab or fingers
- Use 2–3 times daily or as needed
- Do not apply to broken skin or deep wounds
- Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes
- If rash worsens or persists >7 days, consult a doctor
- Safe for infants, but avoid near eyes or genitals
🔹 9. Purpose / Clinical Use:
- Used for temporary relief of minor skin irritations
- Especially helpful in prickly heat, chickenpox itching, insect bites, sunburn, diaper rash
- Popular in tropical climates for cooling and soothing itchy rashes