Eurax Cream Topical Drug Information

CROTAMITON (Topical)

Some frequently used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Eurax Cream
• Eurax Lotion

In Canada—

• Eurax Cream

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 (RX medicine), in the dosage form provided belows:

• 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 the decision you and your doctor are to make together. Concerning crotamiton, the following aspects should be taken into account:

Allergies—Inform your doctor if you have ever experienced 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 conducted in adult patients only, and there is no specific data on comparing the use of this medicine in children with the use in other age groups.

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

Other medicines—Although some medicines should not be used together at all, there are cases when 2 different medicines maybe used together even if an interaction might occur. In such cases, your doctor may advise you to change the dose, or other precautions may be required. 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 existence of other medical problems may influence the use of /crotamiton. You should tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, in particular::

• 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 vary for different patients. Adhere to the orders of your doctor or the instructions on the label . The information below includes only the average doses of crotamiton. If your dose differs, you should 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 properly, follow the instructions below:

• 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

Alongside with its expected effects, any medicine may be the cause of some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may happen, if they do happen they may require medical attention.

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

Rare

Other side effects not mentioned above may also happen in some patients. If you notice any other effects, tell your doctor about it.