Crotamiton
Description
Crotamiton is a topical anti-parasitic agent. It is used to treat Scabies, an itchy skin condition caused by mites that live on your skin. It works by killing the mites that cause scabies and relieving irritation and itching of the skin. It is also used to treat the symptoms associated with pruritic skin (itchy skin) conditions.
Crotamiton may cause side effects like irritation, itching, or redness at the site of application. These side effects usually subside with time. However, consult your doctor for further assistance if they persist or worsen.
Crotamiton is meant for external use on the skin only. Do not swallow the medicine. It should be applied as a thin layer from the neck to the toes once or twice a day, as prescribed by your doctor. Use fresh clothes, socks, towels, bedding, etc. every day and wash discarded clothing in hot water to prevent the spread of the scabies mites. Do not apply for this medicine around your eyes, mouth, or on mucous membranes. Wash thoroughly with water in case of accidental contact.
Crotamiton should only be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding only after consulting your doctor.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Crotamiton
- Rash
- Itching, redness or irritation at application site
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Uses of Crotamiton
What is it prescribed for?
- Scabies
- Pruritic skin disorders
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for Crotamiton to show its effect is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which Crotamiton remains effective in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Crotamiton.
- Usage in pregnancy?Crotamiton is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless necessary due to a lack of sufficient safety data. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Crotamiton is not recommended for use while breastfeeding unless necessary. Discuss the potential benefits and risks associated with the use of this medicine with your doctor.
Allergic reaction
Avoid taking Crotamiton if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Crotamiton is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless necessary due to a lack of sufficient safety data. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant.
Breast-feeding
Crotamiton is not recommended for use while breastfeeding unless necessary. Discuss the potential benefits and risks associated with the use of this medicine with your doctor.
General warnings
External use only
Crotamiton is meant for external use only. Avoid applying it near the eyes, mouth, or mucous membrane as it can cause irritation. In case of accidental contact, wash thoroughly with water.
Other topical medicines
Crotamiton may interact with other topical medicines. Hence, inform your doctor of all the topical medicines you are using before starting the treatment.
Use in children
There are no safety or efficacy data available to recommend the use of Crotamiton in children below 3 years of age. Hence, it should only be used if prescribed by your doctor.
Oozing or open wounds, broken, inflamed skin
Crotamiton should not be applied on open wounds, sores, oozing boils, irritated, or swollen skin as it may increase the risk of side effects.
Missed Dose
Do not miss the dose of Crotamiton. In case you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Do not take more than the prescribed dose of Crotamiton. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Crotamiton should be applied after a shower from neck to toes, especially in skin folds and creases. Wash your hands before and after applying the cream. Do not shower for at least 10-12 hours after application, as it may reduce the effect of the medicine. Follow all the instructions provided on the label or package insert.
Do not use this medicine more frequently or in more or less quantity than prescribed. Do not discontinue the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Make sure to use fresh clothes, socks, towels, bedsheets, etc., every day. Wash all of your clothing, towels, bedding, etc., using hot water to kill the mites that may be present on them and prevent the further spread of scabies.
Avoid using tight bandages or dressings unless directed by your doctor.
Crotamiton is meant for external use only. Seek emergency medical assistance if you ingest this medicine accidentally.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Crotamiton works by killing the eggs and mites of scabies. It also gives a soothing effect that reduces the sensation of itching and relieves skin irritation.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Scabicidal agent, Topical anti-infectives
Schedule
Schedule H
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2022. Eurax (crotamiton USP) Lotion/Cream. [online] Available at: [Accessed 12 January 2022].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Eurax Cream - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: [Accessed 12 January 2022].
Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2022. Crotamiton. [online] Available at: [Accessed 12 January 2022].
Mayoclinic.org. 2021. Crotamiton (Topical Route) Description and Brand Names - Mayo Clinic. [online] Available at: [Accessed 12 January 2022].
Cleveland Clinic. 2021. Crotamiton topical cream or lotion. [online] Available at: [Accessed 12 January 2022].
Information on this page was last updated on 14 Apr 2023
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.