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Zinc (Topical)

Description

Zinc (Topical) is a mild antiseptic with skin soothing properties. It is used primarily in the oxide form for relieving the symptoms of eczema, wounds, hemorrhoids, nappy rash in babies, and other conditions of the skin. It is also used as an active component in sunscreen lotions.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Zinc (Topical)

Hives

Itching

Skin rash

Worsening of diaper rash

Burning and stinging of broken skin

Uses of Zinc (Topical)

What is it prescribed for?

Eczema

This medicine is used to relieve swelling and itching associated with eczema or atopic dermatitis.

Hemorrhoids

This medicine is used to relieve skin complications associated with hemorrhoids.

Diaper rash

This medicine is used to treat or prevent irritation, redness, and itching associated with the use of diapers or nappies in children and bedridden patients.
Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • Onset of action

    The effect of this medicine can be observed as soon as it is topically applied.
  • Duration of effect

    The time duration for which this medicine remains effective is subject to variations based on the intended use and area of application.
  • 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.
  • Usage in pregnancy?

    This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Discuss all the risks and benefits with your doctor before using this medicine.
  • Usage while breast-feeding?

    This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss all the risks and benefits with your doctor before using this medicine. If the medicine is used, care should be taken that the infant does not swallow it.

Allergy

This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a history of skin sensitivity or allergy to zinc or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.

Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. Discuss all the risks and benefits with your doctor before using this medicine.

Breast-feeding

This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss all the risks and benefits with your doctor before using this medicine. If the medicine is used, care should be taken that the infant does not swallow it.

General warnings

External use

The topical forms of zinc preparations are meant for external use only. Any contact with eyes, wounds, or broken skin may cause irritation, burning, and stinging sensation.

Symptomatic relief

Contact your doctor if symptoms do not resolve or improve after one week of use.

Missed Dose

This medicine is used as and when required and hence the likelihood of missing a scheduled dose is nil.

Overdose

Contact your doctor if this medicine is ingested. The likelihood of an overdose with a topical application is significantly low. However, contact your doctor if skin irritation, hives, and stinging sensation are experienced upon use.
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

Hydroxyquinolines

Disease interactions

Disease

Information not available.

Food interactions

Information not available.

Lab interactions

Information not available.
Apply Zinc (Topical) following all the instructions mentioned on the label or the package insert. Avoid contact with eyes or broken skin. Wash your hands before and after you use the medicine. Wash the affected area and then pat dry with a soft towel before application of the medicine. Contact your doctor if symptoms do not resolve or improve after one week of use.

Miscelleneous

Usage does not depend on food timings

To be taken as instructed by doctor

Does not cause sleepiness

How it works

This medicine works by soothing the skin, preventing skin irritation, and helping in the healing process.

Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Approved

Approved

Classification

Category

Miscellaneous topical agents

Schedule

OTC

DailyMed - Zinc oxide- zinc oxide ointment [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 10 August 2017]. Available from:

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=9b4e0661-5d0a-4002-bc66-b1246ec6b858

Zinc oxide - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2017 [cited 10 August 2017]. Available from:

https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB09321

Zinc oxide [Internet]. Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 10 August 2017]. Available from:

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/zinc_oxide#section=Top

[Internet]. 2017 [cited 10 August 2017]. Available from:

http://www.sterop.be/images/zinxydermpilen052011-ve.pdf
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Information on this page was last updated on 10 Aug 2017

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.