Uses
This medication is used to treat scabies. Scabies is a skin infection caused by mites that burrow into the skin. Irritation from the mites leads to severe itching and small bumps/blisters filled with fluid/pus. Crotamiton works by killing the mites that cause scabies. It also helps relieve itching related to scabies and other skin conditions. Crotamiton belongs to two classes of drugs: scabicides and antipruritics.
How to use Crotamiton Lotion
This medication is for use on the skin only. Do not take this medication by mouth. Avoid applying crotamiton on the face, eyes, mouth, vagina, and any skin that is inflamed, raw, or oozing fluid.
If you are using the lotion, shake the bottle thoroughly before use.
To treat scabies, take a bath or shower before using this medication. Remove scaly or crusted skin by rubbing gently. Then dry with a towel. Massage a thin layer of the cream or lotion into all skin from the chin down to the toes, including skin folds/creases, between the fingers and toes, and on the soles of the feet. Trim fingernails short and apply the medication under the nails since the mites often live there. You may use a toothbrush to apply the medication under the fingernails. Immediately after use, wrap the toothbrush in paper and throw it away. Do not use the same toothbrush in the mouth because it may lead to poisoning.
Apply the medication again after 24 hours. Change clothing, towels, and bed sheets the next morning after each application. Wash all clothing, towels, and bedding that have been used in the 3 days before treatment and after each application in hot water and dry in a hot dryer (or dry-clean) to kill all the mites and prevent them from returning. Items that cannot be washed or dry-cleaned should be removed from contact with the body for at least 72 hours.
Take a bath 48 hours after the last application to remove the medication from your skin.
To treat other itching skin conditions besides scabies, massage a thin layer gently into the affected areas until the medication is completely absorbed. Repeat as needed, as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 3 times a day.
After treating scabies, you may still have itching for several weeks. Ask your doctor about other medications that may help to soothe the itching. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
Side Effects
Worsening skin irritation (such as itching, redness) may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, stop using this medication and tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using crotamiton, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Overdose
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. If this product is swallowed, symptoms of overdose may include: irritation/burning feeling in the mouth/throat, nausea, vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you are being treated for scabies, ask your doctor if people you spent much time with during the previous month (such as household members, sexual partners) should also be checked and treated for scabies.
This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your doctor tells you to.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.