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Crotamiton

Crotamiton is a topical medicine sold as Eurax cream. According to the FDA prescribing information for Eurax cream, “Eurax has scabicidal and antipruritic actions.” It is used “for eradication of scabies ( Sarcoptes scabiei) and for symptomatic treatment of pruritic skin.” In the UK, crotamiton is also sold combined with a steroid: according to the UK product information for Eurax Hc Cream, “Eurax Hc Cream combines the antipruritic action of crotamiton with the anti- inflammatory and anti-allergic properties of hydrocortisone.”

Eurax

Scabies, Pruritus

20g

Formulated to alleviate severe scabies and itching to support skin healing and target dermal parasite infestations.

From$25.40/ tubeView

Eurax Lotion

Scabies, Generalised Pruritus

60ml

Intended to relieve intense skin itching and mites to support skin structure and target localised dermal pathogens.

From$3.50/ bottleView

Key points

  • Eurax cream provides crotamiton at a strength of 10% (w/w) in a vanishing cream base: “Eurax provides 10% (w/w) of the synthetic, crotamiton, USP, in a vanishing-cream base containing: carbomer homopolymer type B, cetyl alcohol, diazolidinyl urea, dimethicone, glyceryl monostearate, laureth-23, magnesium aluminum silicate, benzyl alcohol, petrolatum, propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, steareth-2, and water.”
  • Primary irritation reactions such as dermatitis, itching and rash, together with allergic sensitivity reactions, have been reported in a few patients using crotamiton: “Primary irritation reactions, such as dermatitis, pruritus, and rash, and allergic sensitivity reactions have been reported in a few patients.”

How it works

“Eurax has scabicidal and antipruritic actions.” “The mechanisms of these actions are not known.” “Crotamiton is effective against various forms of pruritus.” “The relief it affords sets in rapidly and lasts about 6 to 10 hours.” “The pharmacokinetics of crotamiton and its degree of systemic absorption following topical application have not been determined.”

Safety specific to crotamiton

“Do not apply Eurax topically to patients who develop a sensitivity or are allergic to it or who manifest a primary irritation response to topical medications.”

For the combination cream sold in the UK as Eurax Hc Cream: “No interaction studies have been performed.” “There are no controlled studies of Eurax Hc Cream in human pregnancy.” “Therefore Eurax Hc Cream is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first three months.” “It is not known whether the active substances of Eurax Hc Cream and/or their metabolite(s) pass into the breast milk after topical administration.” “Therefore mothers should not use Eurax Hc Cream whilst breastfeeding unless under medical supervision.”

Further reading

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