Indications
Crotamiton is a cream or lotion used on the skin to:
- Treat scabies (an itchy skin infestation caused by tiny mites)
- Relieve itching from other causes, such as insect bites, mild allergic rashes and itching that continues after scabies treatment
How It Works
Crotamiton kills scabies mites on the skin. It also has a mild cooling, soothing effect that reduces the urge to scratch.
Dosage and Administration
For external use only.
- Scabies (adults): after a bath, dry the skin and rub the cream or lotion gently over the whole body from the chin down, including skin folds, between fingers and toes, and under the nails. Apply again 24 hours later. Wash it off with a bath 48 hours after the last application. Put on clean clothes and wash bedding and used clothes in hot water.
- Itching: rub gently into the itchy area 2 to 3 times a day.
- Children: use only as advised by a doctor, especially for children under 3 years.
Close family members and other contacts should be treated at the same time, even if they have no itch.
Interactions
No important interactions with other medicines are known. Avoid putting other creams or ointments on the same area at the same time unless a doctor advises.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Crotamiton or any ingredient of the product
- Raw, weeping or broken skin, or very inflamed skin
- Use in or near the eyes, inside the mouth or on other moist linings
Side Effects
It is usually well tolerated. Some people get skin irritation, redness, a warm feeling or a rash where it is applied. Rarely an allergic skin reaction can occur; stop using it if this happens.
Get urgent medical help if there is swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, or a severe widespread rash. See a doctor if the skin becomes very irritated or if the itch is no better after the course.
Pregnancy and Lactation
There is little information on use in pregnancy, so use it only if a doctor advises, especially in the first 3 months. During breastfeeding it may be used if advised, but do not apply it to the breasts or nipples.
Precautions and Warnings
- Keep away from the eyes and mouth; if it gets in the eyes, rinse well with water.
- Itching from scabies can continue for 2 to 4 weeks after successful treatment; this does not always mean treatment failed.
- Do not use more often or for longer than advised.
Overdose
If swallowed by accident, it may cause burning in the mouth, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. In young children, swallowing it can be more serious. Seek medical help promptly and take the pack with you.
Therapeutic Class
Scabicide and antipruritic (anti-itch) skin preparation.
Storage
Store below 30°C, away from light. Do not freeze. Keep the container closed and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.