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Calamine

  • Calamine is used to relieve itching.
  • Shake the lotion well before applying it to the skin.

About calamine

Type of medicine Antipruritic
Used for Itching of the skin
Available as Water-based cream, water-based lotion, oil-based lotion

Calamine can be used to treat pruritis (itching of the skin). Itching can be caused by a number of conditions including eczema, psoriasis, nettle rash, jaundice or scabies.

Calamine relieves itching by producing what is called a counter-irritation. As calamine evaporates from the skin, it produces a cooling effect. This cooling effect helps to divert your body's attention away from the itching. Due to this cooling effect it is also effective for the relief of sunburn.

Before using calamine

Before using calamine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to use calamine

  • Before beginning treatment, read the instructions on the container.
  • If you are using calamine lotion, shake the bottle well before use as the lotion will separate on standing.
  • Dab the lotion or cream on to the affected area with cotton wool and reapply as required.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Calamine is suitable for use by adults, the elderly and children.
  • Avoid contact with the eyes. If any of this preparation gets into the eyes rinse it out with warm water.
  • Oil-based calamine lotion contains both peanut oil and lanolin (wool fat). If you are allergic to either of these ingredients you should use either the water-based calamine lotion or the cream instead. Ask your pharmacist to advise you.
  • Try to avoid the following as they can make your itching worse: extremes of temperature, wearing rough or irritating clothing (such as wool), and drinking alcohol.
  • Try to avoid getting this preparation onto clothing as it may stain.

Can calamine cause problems?

Calamine is unlikely to cause side effects unless you are allergic to one of the ingredients.

If your skin condition gets worse after using calamine, or if you develop a rash, stop using the preparation and speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store calamine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • If you suspect that you or someone else has swallowed some of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3669		 DocRef:
dils3466		 Last Updated:
10 Jul 2008		 Date of Next Review:
10 Jul 2010		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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