Crotamiton (Topical)

Crotamiton is used to treat scabies infection. It is also used to relieve the itching of certain skin conditions.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

If your condition does not improve or if it gets worse, contact your doctor.

For patients using this medicine for scabies:

• To prevent getting reinfected or spreading the infection to others, good health habits are necessary. This includes washing all underwear, pajamas, sheets, pillowcases, towels, and washcloths in very hot water and drying them on the hot cycle of a dryer. Clothing or bedding that cannot be washed this way should be dry cleaned.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor will need to think about the risks of taking the medicine compared to the benefits it may provide. For this medicine, consider the following:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, tell your healthcare professional about any other allergies you have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Research on this medicine has only been conducted with adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing its use in children to its use in other age groups.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older adults. Therefore, it may not be clear if they work the same way as they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or issues in older adults. There is no specific information comparing the use of crotamiton in elderly patients to its use in other age groups.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risks to infants when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the possible benefits against the possible risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if there is a potential interaction. In such cases, your doctor may want to adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken at or around mealtime or with certain types of food due to potential interactions. Drinking alcohol or using tobacco with some medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical issues may affect how you can use this medicine. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Severely inflamed skin or raw, oozing areas of the skin—Using crotamiton on these areas may worsen the condition.

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they may require medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

• Skin irritation or rash not present before using this medicine

Other side effects not listed may also happen in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Eurax

Available Dosage Forms:

• Lotion
• Cream

Therapeutic Class: Scabicide

Keep crotamiton away from the mouth. It may be harmful if swallowed.

Use this medicine only as directed. Do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

Keep crotamiton away from the eyes and other mucous membranes, such as the inside of the nose. It may cause irritation. If you should accidentally get some in your eyes, flush them thoroughly with water at once.

This medicine usually comes with patient directions. Read them carefully before using.

If you take a bath or shower before using this medicine, dry the skin well before applying crotamiton.

For patients using this medicine for scabies:

• Apply enough medicine to cover the entire skin surface from the chin down, and rub in well. This applies especially to folds and creases in the skin and to the hands, feet (including the soles), between fingers and toes, and moist areas (such as underarms and groin).
• Do not wash off the first coat of this medicine.
• Apply a second coat of this medicine 24 hours after the first one.
• The next day, put on freshly washed or dry-cleaned clothing and change bedding in order to prevent reinfection.
• Then, 48 hours after the second application of this medicine, take a cleansing bath to remove the medicine.
• Your sexual partners, especially, and all members of your household may need to be treated also, since the infection may spread to persons in close contact. If these persons are not being treated or if you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Dosing

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

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For topical dosage forms (cream and lotion): For scabies: Adults—Use two times. Apply one time the first day, and one time the second day. For severe cases, treatment may be repeated one time after one week. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. For pruritus: Adults—Use when necessary according to the directions on the label or your doctor's instructions. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.