Brand Names

Category

• Scabicide

Description

Crotamiton (kroe-TAM-i-tonn) 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, in the following dosage forms:

Topical
• Cream (U.S. and Canada)
• Lotion (U.S.)

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For crotamiton, the following should be considered:

Allergies--Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to crotamiton. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives or dyes.

Pregnancy--Studies on effects in pregnancy have not been done in either humans or animals.

Breast-feeding--Topical crotamiton has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Children--Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of this medicine in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults--Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of crotamiton in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Other medicines--Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are using any other topical prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine that is to be applied to the same area of the skin.

Other medical problems--The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of crotamiton. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Severely inflamed skin or raw oozing areas of the skin--Use of crotamiton on these areas may make the condition worse

Proper Use of This Medicine

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 crotamiton 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 crotamiton. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

• 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--To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Keep the medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

If your condition does not improve or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor .

For patients using this medicine for scabies :

• To prevent reinfection or spreading of the infection to other people, good health habits are also required. These include machine washing all underwear, pajamas, sheets, pillowcases, towels, and washcloths in very hot water and drying them using the hot cycle of a dryer. Clothing or bedding that cannot be washed in this way should be dry cleaned.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

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

Rare

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Revised: 04/22/94

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