Calamine (topical)

Calamine is an anti-itch medicine that helps by creating a cooling feeling as it evaporates on your skin. Calamine also helps dry up oozing or weeping from minor skin irritation.

Calamine topical (for the skin) is used to treat itching and skin irritation caused by chickenpox, insect bites or stings, measles, eczema, sunburn, poison ivy, and other minor skin conditions.

Calamine topical may also be used for purposes not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Before you apply calamine topical, wash the skin with soap and water. Allow the skin to dry completely.

Shake the calamine lotion well just before each use.

Apply calamine topical directly to the skin and rub in gently, allowing it 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 lotion 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.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if your symptoms clear up and then come back.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze or refrigerate.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform all your healthcare providers about your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are taking.

You should not use calamine (topical) if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use calamine (topical) if you have other medical conditions, especially any allergies.

It is not known whether calamine (topical) will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether calamine (topical) passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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.

Calamine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• redness, rash, pus, or other signs of infection.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Since calamine is used as needed, you might not have a dosing schedule. If you do have a schedule, apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

An overdose of calamine is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if someone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Do not take by mouth. Calamine topical is only for use on the skin. If calamine gets in your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina, rinse with water.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with calamine unless your doctor tells you to.

It is unlikely that other medications you take by mouth or inject will affect calamine when it is applied to the skin. However, many medications can interact with each other. Inform all your health care providers about all the medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.