What is calamine?
Calamine is used to treat itching and skin irritation caused by chicken pox, insect bites or stings, measles, eczema, sunburn, poison ivy, and other minor skin conditions. This medication may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
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What are the possible side effects of calamine?
Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face,
lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have redness, rash, pus, or other signs of infection.
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How should I use calamine?
Use calamine exactly as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not use more of the medication than recommended. Do not use calamine for longer than recommended. Before you apply this medication, wash the skin area with soap and water and then dry it thoroughly. Shake the calamine lotion well just before each use. Apply calamine directly to the skin and rub in gently, allowing the medicine to dry on your skin. You may also use a cotton ball to smooth the medicine onto your skin. Wash your hands with soap and water after applying the medicine.
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What is the most important information I should know about calamine?
Calamine is an anti-itch medication that works by causing a cooling sensation as it evaporates on your skin. Calamine also dries oozing or weeping from minor skin irritation. Before you apply this medication, wash the skin area with soap and water and then dry it thoroughly. Apply calamine directly to the skin and rub in gently, allowing the medicine to dry on your skin. You may also use a cotton ball to smooth the medicine onto your skin. Calamine may leave a thin film on the skin as it dries. You may cover the treated area with loose clothing, but calamine can stain fabrics it comes in contact with.
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What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
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What other drugs will affect calamine?
There may be other drugs that can affect calamine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?
It is not known if using calamine while you are pregnant will be harmful to the
unborn baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known if calamine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.
Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
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What does my medication look like?
Calamine is available over-the-counter (without a prescription) under many difference brand and generic names, including Calamine, Caladryl, and Nucare. Other brand or generic forms may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
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What happens if I overdose?
This medicine is not usually absorbed through the skin in amounts large enough to cause an overdose. Call your doctor if you think you have used too much of this medication. Calamine can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea if it is swallowed. Call your doctor or a poison control center right away if anyone accidentally swallows this medicine.
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What should I discuss with my health care provider before using calamine?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have any allergies. Do not use calamine if the product contains any ingredient you may be allergic to. Call your doctor if your skin condition does not get better after using calamine regularly for 1 week. Contact your doctor at any time if your symptoms get worse. It is not known if using calamine while you are pregnant will be harmful to the unborn baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known if calamine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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