Generic name: pramoxine topical [ pra-mox-een-top-i-kal ]
Drug class: Topical anesthetics
Availability: Rx and/or otc
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available
Brand names: Gold bond anti-itch lotion, Pramoxine (monograph)
What is Pramoxine topical?
Pramoxine is an anesthetic, or numbing medicine.
Pramoxine topical (for the skin) is used to treat pain or itching caused by insect bites, minor burns or scrapes, hemorrhoids, vaginal irritation, and minor skin rash, dryness, or itching. Pramoxine topical is also used to treat chapped lips, and pain or skin irritation caused by coming into contact with poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac.
Pramoxine topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all.
How should I take Pramoxine topical
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.
Wash your hands before and after applying pramoxine topical. Wash the affected skin area with warm water and a mild soap. Rinse and dry the area thoroughly.
To use pramoxine on the skin, (spray, lotion, gel, or stick), apply just enough of the medication to cover the area to be treated.
Do not use pramoxine topical on deep skin wounds, blistered skin, severe burns, or large skin areas. Seek medical attention for more severe skin irritation or injury.
Pramoxine hemorrhoid cream, lotion, foam, or medicated wipe may be used on the rectum after each bowel movement to treat hemorrhoid pain and itching.
Shake the pramoxine rectal foam before each use. Squirt only a small amount of the medicine onto a clean tissue and apply it to your rectum.
To use the pramoxine medicated wipe to treat the rectal or vaginal area, gently pat or wipe onto the area. Avoid harsh rubbing. Each pramoxine medicated wipe is for one use only. Throw the wipe away after using.
Do not insert this medicine or the medicated wipe into your rectum or vagina. Use pramoxine topical only on the outside of the area.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if your condition clears up and then comes back.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Store pramoxine foam in an upright position. Do not refrigerate.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Pain:
Itching and pain associated with rashes due to poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac, insect bites, and minor skin irritations or minor cuts:
Gel, spray, cream, or lotion:
Apply topically to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily
Usual Adult Dose for Pruritus:
Itching and pain associated with rashes due to poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac, insect bites, and minor skin irritations or minor cuts:
Gel, spray, cream, or lotion:
Apply topically to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily
Usual Adult Dose for Hemorrhoids:
Pads or foam:
Apply topically up to 5 times daily or after each bowel movement
Usual Pediatric Dose for Pain:
Itching and pain associated with rashes due to poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac, insect bites, and minor skin irritations or minor cuts:
Gel, spray, cream, or lotion:
2 years or older:
Apply topically to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily
Usual Pediatric Dose for Pruritus:
Itching and pain associated with rashes due to poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac, insect bites, and minor skin irritations or minor cuts:
Gel, spray, cream, or lotion:
2 years or older:
Apply topically to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily
Usual Pediatric Dose for Hemorrhoids:
Pads or foam:
12 years or older:
Apply topically up to 5 times daily or after each bowel movement
Before Taking
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to pramoxine.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take pramoxine topical if you are allergic to any drugs or any other numbing medicines.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since pramoxine topical is used on an as needed basis, you are not likely to miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of pramoxine topical is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
What should I avoid while using Pramoxine topical?
Avoid getting pramoxine topical in your eyes or mouth. If contact does occur, rinse with water.
Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with pramoxine topical, unless your doctor tells you to.
Pramoxine topical side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
pramoxine topical may cause serious side effects. Stop using pramoxine topical and call your doctor at once if you have:
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any new redness or swelling where the medicine was applied; or
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severe pain, burning, or stinging where the medicine was applied.
Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See more: Pramoxine topical Side Effects