Crotamiton (Topical)

Overview

Crotamiton is a medication used in the treatment of scabies, being both a scabicidal (that is, intended to eliminate the scabies mites) and an antipruritic medication (that is, a general medicine for providing relief from itching, caused by the condition).

Application of crotamiton is done in the form of a cream or liquid and is applied to the whole body. Crotamiton's effects work in two ways. Firstly, the scabicidal element is toxic to the scabies mite responsible for the condition in the first place. Secondly, the antipruritic element of the drug eases the itching sensation that is often the first symptom of scabies.

Crotamiton is known to have very little in the way of side effects, with only a slight skin irritation being reported as a regular concern.

As well as treating scabies, crotamiton is sometimes used solely for its antipruritic properties, when it is used to relieve patients' itching as a consequence of other skin conditions.

Crotamiton is only available under a prescription from a medical professional.

Crotamiton is available in the following forms:

• lotion
• cream

Conditions Treated

• scabies

Type of Medicine

• scabicidal
• antipruritic

Side Effects

As well as its desired effects, some medications can produce unwanted effects in a patient. With crotamiton, the most common side effect is a slight irritation to the skin, that should dissipate following the full 3-day course of treatment. Though there are no recognized side effects from using crotamiton that would necessitate the attention of a medical expert, if you notice any unexpected reaction to the medication that becomes bothersome, or otherwise concerns you, contact your prescribing doctor to discuss the matter.

Dosage

The dose of crotamiton you are prescribed will doubtless differ from one patient to another. Always follow the instructions on the medicine's label or the direct advice of your prescribing doctor. The information provided here is solely based on the average prescribed dosage of crotamiton, and your dosage could well be different. Under no circumstances should you change it, unless advised otherwise by your examining doctor.

The amount of crotamiton that you use will be determined by the strength of the lotion itself. The length of your course of treatment, the number of applications, and the time you should allow to pass between each one will also be determined by your specific medical condition.

For topical dosage lotions and creams:

For scabies:

Adults: use twice. Apply once on the first day, and once on the second day. In severe cases, the treatment might be repeated a single time, once a whole week has passed.

Children: the use and dosage of crotamiton will be decided by your prescribing doctor.

For pruritus:

Adults: use as necessary, following the instructions of your prescribing doctor, or the directions printed on the label.

Children: the use and dosage of crotamiton will be decided by your prescribing doctor.

Major Drug Interactions

Though there are no known interactions between crotamiton and any other forms of medication, be sure to advise your prescribing GP if you currently use any other drugs, as they may choose to treat you in another manner.

Warnings

Whenever you decide to use a particular medicine, you ought to compare the potential risks involved in using that particular drug against the possible benefit it will have in treating your condition. You should discuss the matter fully with your prescribing doctor.

For using crotamiton, you should have consideration of the following issues.

Let your doctor know if you have used crotamiton in the past, and have suffered any allergic, unusual, or otherwise negative reaction to the drug. Likewise, if you have suffered an allergic reaction to some other kind of medication, this is something you should also be telling your prescribing doctor about. Additionally, if you are allergic to any non-medicated products – dyes, for examples, or foods and preservatives – you doctor should be made aware of the fact.

Studies on crotamiton have, to date, only been performed upon patients who are adults. As a result, we have no information that compares the specific impact of the medication on the pediatric population, as opposed to those in older age groups.

There are many medications which have yet to be specifically studied among the geriatric population. As a result, it may not yet be certain whether these drugs operate in the same way, and with the same impact among the elderly as they do among younger patients. To date there has been no specific data collated that compares the use of crotamiton among older patients with its effect among younger age groups.

There have been no studies of an adequate nature performed among humans to determine whether the use of crotamiton causes damage to, poses a risk to, or otherwise endangers a human fetus while still in utero.

No adequate studies have been performed among which to determine if there is a risk to nursing infants should the patient in question be breastfeeding at the time of treatment. You should always consider the balance between possible benefits and possible risks before you decide to use crotamiton while breastfeeding.

Crotamiton can be harmful should you swallow it, so be sure to keep it from your mouth.

Use crotamiton only as advised by your prescribing doctor. Do not apply it more frequently than ordered to by your doctor, as doing so can increase the risk of developing side effects.

Crotamiton ought to be kept away from your eyes and any other mucous membranes about the body, including inside your nose, as it is known to cause irritation. Should you happen to get crotamiton in your eyes by mistake, it is important to flush them with water immediately.

Crotamiton is normally supplied with directions for the patient. Be sure to read through these carefully, prior to use.

If, prior to your first application of crotamiton, you choose to take a shower or bath, ensure that the entirety of your skin has been well-dried before beginning the application.

For patients taking crotamiton for scabies:

• Apply sufficient crotamiton that the entire surface of the skin below the chin has been covered, and ensure that it is rubbed in well. Creases and folds in the skin are notable problem areas, as are moist areas of the body, such as the groin and armpits. Pay particular attention to feet and hands, ensuring the medication is coated over the soles of the feet, and inbetween the toes and fingers.
• The first coat of crotamiton should not be washed off.
• A second coat of crotamiton should be application 24 hours following the first application.
• On the following day, you should change your bedding, and wear freshly laundered or dry-cleaned clothes, in order to avoid reinfection.
• Finally, a full 48 hours following your second application of crotamiton, you should have a cleansing bath, in order to remove the crotamiton from your body.

A scabies infection can pass between people who are in close contact with one another. As such, anyone who lives with you, and particularly any sexual partners, might also require treatment for the condition. If you or they have questions on this matter, arrange to speak with your prescribing doctor.

If scabies has not improved during your course of crotamiton, or should it become worse, consult your examining doctor.

For patients who use crotamiton for scabies:

• Good health and hygiene habits are necessary, in order to avoid reinfection and to avoid the spread of the condition to others. Such habits include making sure all washcloths, towels, pillowcases, sheets, pajamas, and underwear are machine washed on a hot water setting and dried on the dryer's hot cycle. If bedding or clothing cannot be cleaned in such a manner, you should see to it that they are dry cleaned.
• Suffering from other medical conditions can affect how you use crotamiton. If you suffer from any other condition, especially one listed below, inform your doctor prior to starting your treatment with crotamiton.
• Crotamiton should be used with extreme care if you suffer from the following conditions, as it could worsen the extent of the condition:
• Oozing and raw, or severely inflamed areas of skin

Storage

Crotamiton should be kept at room temperature, in a closed container, and kept away from direct light, moisture, and heat. Be sure to keep crotamiton from freezing.

Crotamiton should always be kept away from children.

If your prescription of crotamiton is no longer required, or out of date, do not keep hold of it.

Summary

Crotamiton is a treatment for scabies, comprising properties that are both scabicidal (intended to eliminate the scabies mites) and antipruritic (providing relief from itching).

Crotamiton is applied to the whole body in the form of a cream or a lotion and proves toxic to the scabies mites that cause the disease.

Crotamiton is sometimes prescribed to non-scabies sufferers, who benefit from its antipruritic properties that help to ease their itching caused by other skin conditions.