Introduction
Crotamiton is a scabicidal and antipruritic agent available as a cream or lotion for topical use only. It is a colorless to slightly yellowish oil, having a faint amine-like odor. It is miscible with alcohol and with methanol.
Uses
Crotamiton is a topical scabicidal and antipruritic agent used for scabies eradication and for the relief of pruritus.
For eradication of scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei) and for symptomatic treatment of pruritic skin.
Associated Conditions
Pharmacodynamics
Crotamiton is usually used to treat pruritis (itching of the skin) caused by scabies or sunburn. Crotamiton relieves itching by producing what is called a counter-irritation. As crotamiton evaporates from the skin, it produces a cooling effect. This cooling effect helps to divert your body's attention away from the itching. Due to this cooling effect it is also effective for the relief of sunburn. The drug is also believed to kill scabies through an unknown mechanism.
Mechanism of Action
Crotamiton is an antiparasitic that is toxic to the scabies mite. Crotamiton also relieves itching by producing what is called a counter-irritation. As crotamiton evaporates from the skin, it produces a cooling effect. This cooling effect helps to divert your body's attention away from the itching.
Absorption
10 % absorbed when applied locally.
Food Interactions
No interactions found.
Dosage
- Adults (including the elderly) and children: Apply to the affected area 2-3 times daily. Crotamiton lotion will provide relief from irritation for 6-10 hours after each application.
- Crotamiton lotion can be used in children.
- There are no special dosage recommendations in the elderly.
- Adults (including the elderly): After the patient has taken a warm bath, the skin should be well dried and Crotamiton lotion rubbed into the entire body surface (excluding the face and scalp) until no traces of the preparation remain visible on the surface. The application should be repeated once daily, preferably in the evening, for a total of 3-5 days. Depending on the response, special attention should be paid to sites that are particularly susceptibly to infestation by the mites (eg interdigital spaces, wrists, axillae and genitalia). Areas where there is pus formation should be covered with a dressing impregnated with Crotamiton lotion. While the treatment is in progress the patient may take a bath shortly before the next application. After completion of the treatment, a cleansing bath should be taken followed by a change of bed linen and underclothing.
- Children: Application as described for adults but in children under 3 years of age Crotamiton lotion should not be applied more than once a day
