Periguard (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 and your doctor need to consider the risks and benefits. Here are some important points to think about for this medicine:

Allergies

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

Geriatric

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

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together, while others can be used together despite possible interactions. If interactions may occur, your doctor might adjust the dose or take other precautions. Let your healthcare professional know if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be used around meal times or with certain foods due to possible interactions. Drinking alcohol or using tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical issues may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, 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 these situations without your doctor's advice.

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

Check with your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

• hives
• itching
• skin rash

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

Incidence not known

• Worsening of diaper rash

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.

• 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.