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Calamine is used to help relieve itching and oozing from certain minor skin problems. Some products may also have other ingredients that help with pain. Calamine is usually well tolerated. It should only be applied to clean, dry skin. Use care to avoid getting calamine in your eyes, nose, or mouth. You should stop using calamine after seven days and tell your health care provider if you do not notice any improvement in the skin condition you are using it for.

Uses

What is calamine used for?

Calamine is commonly applied to the skin for the following.

Calamine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Some calamine products may have other ingredients, such as pramoxine or zinc. These uses may vary based on the ingredients in the product. Always check the label to see what ingredients your product has.

How does calamine work (mechanism of action)?

Calamine is a skin protectant. This is why it seems to soothe or help with skin itching and irritation. It also has some drying properties. This is how it may also help with oozing from things like poison ivy, oak, or sumac.

How is calamine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Caladryl
  • Calagesic
  • Calahist

Example dosage forms and strengths

Calamine is available in various strengths and dosage forms that are applied to the skin.

How should I store calamine?

Store calamine according to the product labeling. Most medicines should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight. If you are unsure how to store calamine, ask your pharmacist.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of calamine?

Calamine is usually very well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of calamine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of calamine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Calamine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using calamine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use calamine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use calamine.

  • Caladryl
  • Calagesic
  • Calahist
  • Calamine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific calamine products they stock.

What should I know about calamine before using it?

There may be multiple forms of calamine, and they may have different ingredients or be used in different ways. If you are not sure which calamine product to use, talk to your health care provider.

Read and follow the directions that come with the product or follow your health care provider’s instructions. Calamine is for external use and should only be applied to clean, dry skin with a cotton ball or soft piece of cloth. You should be careful to avoid getting calamine in your eyes, nose, or mouth. 

Keep calamine out of the reach of children.

Shake calamine well before using it. This helps to make sure you are getting the right amount of medicine when you apply it. 

Some calamine products may be flammable. If the product you are using is flammable, avoid using it while smoking or around excessive heat or an open flame.

Stop using calamine and contact your health care provider if any of the following happen. 

  • The affected area seems to be getting worse instead of better.
  • There is no improvement after using calamine for seven days.
  • The area seems to get better, but then the problem comes right back.

What should I tell my health care provider before using calamine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if calamine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. Ingredients in calamine can vary by product. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use calamine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Ingredients in calamine can vary by product. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use calamine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does calamine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between calamine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect calamine.

Does calamine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between calamine and other medicines. But there may be drug interactions with other ingredients, depending on which product you are using. Always check product labels and tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much calamine?

If you or someone else has used too much calamine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of calamine?

Calamine is meant to be used only when needed. Use it according to the package directions or as your health care provider recommends. Do not use double or extra doses.