Desitin (Topical application)

Zinc oxide topical cream is used to treat and prevent diaper rash. It also helps protect the skin from irritation and moisture caused by diaper use.

This medicine is available without a prescription (OTC).

If you or your child's symptoms do not get better in 7 days, or if they get worse, contact your doctor.

If you or your child accidentally swallow the medicine, call the Poison Control Center immediately.

In deciding to use a medicine, you need to consider the risks of taking it against the benefits it will provide. This is a decision you will make with your doctor. For this medicine, keep the following in mind:

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 if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Geriatric

There is no information available on how zinc oxide cream affects older patients.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others can be used together even if there may be an interaction. In these cases, your doctor might want to adjust the dose, or other precautions may be needed. Tell 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 used around the time of eating food or certain types of food because interactions may happen. Using alcohol or tobacco with specific medicines may also cause interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional how to use your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

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

• Infection of the skin at or near the application site or
• Large sores, broken skin, or severe skin injury at the application site—This medicine should not be used in patients with these conditions without your doctor's advice.

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 right away if any of these side effects occur:

Incidence not known

• hives
• itching
• skin rash

Some side effects may happen that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your health care professional may also have ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

• Worsening of diaper rash

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, talk to your healthcare professional.

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

In the U.S.

• Ammens Medicated
• Balmex
• Boudreaux's Butt Paste
• Critic-Aid Skin Care Pack
• Delazinc
• Desitin
• Hemorrodil
• Lassar's Paste
• Medi-Paste
• Periguard
• Perishield
• Prevacare Personal Protective

In Canada

• Dr. Scholl's Medicated Foot Powder
• Silon
• Zincofax Extra Strength
• Zincofax Fragrance-Free
• Zincofax Original
• Zinc Oxide

Available Dosage Forms:

• Ointment
• Cream
• Paste
• Spray
• Stick
• Lotion
• Powder
• Gel/Jelly

Therapeutic Class: Protectant, Dermatological

This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in the eyes.

To use:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• Clean the diaper area with mild soap and water. Allow it to dry.
• Apply the cream to the diaper area with each diaper change, at bedtime, or when prolonged exposure to wet diapers may occur.

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 form (cream):For prevention and treatment of diaper rash: Adults—Apply to the affected area of the skin as needed. Children—Apply to the affected area of the skin as needed.

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.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.