Soothing topical (mild astringent) Pregnancy: No information is available on use during pregnancy and lactation; however, it is unlikely that its use would cause any adverse effects (§4.6).

Calamine with zinc oxide

Brand names: various calamine lotion

Calamine with zinc oxide is a soothing topical preparation, commonly as a lotion or cream, used to relieve itching and mild irritation of the skin.

Auto-extracted from the source labelling — not yet independently clinician-verified. These values were distilled from the UK SPC (or the US label where noted) but have not had a clinician sign-off. Confirm against the current SmPC before prescribing.

Adult dose

Dose: Apply liberally to dry, clean skin as required

Route: Topical application (cutaneous) — for external use only

Frequency: As required

Source product: Aqueous Calamine Cream BP (UK SPC §4.2), which gives the same instruction for adults, elderly and children: 'apply liberally to dry, clean skin as required'. No numeric dose, quantity or maximum frequency is stated in the UK SPC. The bundle did not include the product composition section — the clinician should confirm that this SPC corresponds to the intended calamine + zinc oxide preparation. FIRE HAZARD (§4.4): instruct patients not to smoke or go near naked flames — fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard; washing may reduce but not totally remove product build-up. Keep the container securely closed when not in use and out of the sight and reach of children. CROSS-CHECK (US OTC labelling, openFDA — 'Calamine Plus', NOT the UK SPC): shake well before using; adults and children 2 years of age and older apply to the affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily, cleansing the skin with soap and water and letting it dry before use; children under 2 years — consult a doctor.

Dose auto-extracted from UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) via the eMC; US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed) — cross-check; US labelling may differ from UK — not yet clinician-verified. Always confirm against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance(s) or to any of the excipients

Side effects

Occasional hypersensitivity reactions
Occasional irritant reactions
Contains cetostearyl alcohol, which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis)

Interactions

May mask x-ray pictures under certain circumstances (§4.5)

Clinical monograph

How it works

It acts as a mild astringent and provides a cooling, soothing effect on the skin that helps relieve pruritus, with zinc oxide also offering mild protective properties.

Prescribing in practice

It provides only symptomatic relief and does not treat the underlying cause of itch, which should be identified and managed.
Calamine lotion can dry the skin and may need an emollient alongside it for dry or eczematous skin.
Avoid contact with the eyes and broken skin where not appropriate.

Monitoring

Review symptomatically to confirm relief of itch and to reconsider the diagnosis if symptoms persist.

Counselling the patient

Shake the lotion before use and dab onto the itchy area, allowing it to dry.
It is for symptom relief only and can be reapplied as needed.
Use a moisturiser as well if the skin becomes too dry.

Evidence & guidelines

Calamine preparations are long-established over-the-counter remedies for the symptomatic relief of pruritus and minor skin irritation.

Reference: NICE CKS Chickenpox; NICE CKS Insect bites; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. The structured dose values shown have been reviewed by a clinician. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways