Lanolin - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Who should not use lanolin?

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

• Lan-O-Soothe
• Lanaphilic
• Lanolin
• Lansinoh
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

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

What should I know about lanolin before using it?

There are various forms of lanolin available. Read and follow the directions on the product label or follow your health care provider’s recommendations. Lanolin should only be used on clean and dry skin. Unless you are using a lanolin eye product, you should not get lanolin in your eyes. You should not swallow any lanolin products.

Keep lanolin out of the reach of children.

You should not use lanolin for any of the following unless your health care provider tells you to.

• Where an animal bit you
• Serious burns
• Deep or puncture wounds

You should stop using lanolin and contact your health care provider if any of the following happen.

• Your skin seems to look worse instead of better
• Your skin seems to get better but worsens again in a few days
• Your symptoms last for more than seven days

If you are using lanolin for diaper rash or skin irritation due to incontinence, follow other suggestions from your health care provider to prevent or reduce symptoms. These may include things such as frequent diaper changes, changing diapers right before bed or before long car rides, or using lanolin with every diaper change or incontinence episode.

If you are using a lanolin product for your eyes, be sure that you or a caregiver understands how to use it properly. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist or other health care provider.

Eye infections may occur if your lanolin eye ointment container gets contaminated with bacteria or other germs. Do not share lanolin eye ointment with other people. Doing so may spread germs and increase your risk of getting or giving someone an infection. To help prevent eye infections, be careful not to let the tip of the eye ointment container touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Wash your hands before each use. Tell your health care provider right away if you have an eye infection, eye injury or vision changes or need to have eye surgery. Symptoms of an eye infection may include pink or itchy eyes, blurry vision or irritation, eye discharge, swollen eyelids, and fever.

Lanolin eye ointments may cause blurry vision as a temporary side effect. Do not drive or do other activities that require clear vision until you know how lanolin eye ointment affects you. It is often suggested that you use it at night before going to bed, in order to sleep through the blurry vision. If you need to use it more than once a day, talk to your health care provider about the best way to do this.

If you are using a lanolin eye ointment and wear contact lenses, you should remove them before using the ointment. Ask your health care provider how long you should wait before you can put the contact lenses back in.

If you use a lanolin eye ointment and other eye medicines, you should apply the ointment about 30 minutes after using other eye medicines. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist or other health care provider.

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

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 lanolin is right for you.

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

Pregnancy. 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 lanolin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. 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 lanolin while breastfeeding.