- What is ammonium lactate topical, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What are the side effects of ammonium lactate topical?
- What is the dosage for ammonium lactate topical?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with ammonium lactate topical?
- Is ammonium lactate topical safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about ammonium lactate topical?
What is ammonium lactate topical, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Ammonium lactate is an anti-itch topical medication formulated from 12% lactic acid and ammonium hydroxide. Ammonium lactate hydrates the outermost skin layer and promotes skin moisturizing for a prolonged time. Ammonium lactate also prevents keratinization of epidermal skin layer, which keeps skin smoother and hydrated for a longer time. The FDA approved ammonium lactate in April 1985.
What brand names are available for ammonium lactate topical?
Amlactin, Geri-Hydrolac, Lac-Hydrin, Lac-Lotion, LAC Cream, Al-12
Is ammonium lactate topical available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for ammonium lactate topical?
Yes
What are the side effects of ammonium lactate topical?
Side effects of ammonium lactate are stinging, burning, redness, skin peeling, and darkening of skin.
Which drugs or supplements interact with ammonium lactate topical?
Ammonium lactate should be used with caution with other topical agents if applied to same areas, due to a higher risk of sensitivity to sun exposure.
Is ammonium lactate topical safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies done on ammonium lactate to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women.
It is not known whether ammonium lactate enters breast milk; therefore, it is best to be cautious before using it in nursing mothers.
What else should I know about ammonium lactate topical?
What preparations of ammonium lactate topical are available?
Ammonium lactate 12% is available in cream and lotion forms. Cream is available in 280 grams (two 140 grams tubes) and 385 gram bottle. Lotion is available in 225 gram and 400 gram bottles.
How should I keep ammonium lactate topical stored?
Store ammonium lactate cream and lotion between temperatures 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).
SLIDESHOW
See SlideshowSummary
Ammonium lactate (Amlactin, Geri-Hydrolac, Lac-Hydrin, Lac-Lotion, LAC Cream, Al-12) is a drug prescribed for the treatment of dry, itchy, scaly skin, and ichthyosis vulgaris. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, and pregnancy safety information is provided.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
Related Disease Conditions
-
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is a skin condition that causes small red bumps to form around the hair follicles. Skin bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas may infect the follicles. Treatment involves over-the-counter bacterial washes, topical antibiotics, and/or topical steroids.
-
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that may cause large plaques of red, raised skin, flakes of dry skin, and skin scales. There are several types of psoriasis, including psoriasis vulgaris, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, and pustular psoriasis. Symptoms vary depending on the type of psoriasis the patient has. Treatment of psoriasis may include creams, lotions, oral medications, injections and infusions of biologics, and light therapy. There is no cure for psoriasis.
-
Melasma
Melasma is a patchy brown discoloration of the skin on the face. When it occurs in pregnancy, it's called chloasma. Melasma is commonly treated with hydroquinone creams.
-
Blackheads
When dried sebum and dead skin cells block pores, blackheads (open comedones) result. Blackheads often appear on the face in the crevices of the nose, the chin, and cheeks. Prescription topical retinoids are effective treatments for blackheads. Vacuum extractors and pore strips are other options for blackhead removal.
-
Ichthyosis Vulgaris
Ichythyosis vulgaris is an uncommon inherited condition marked by xerosis. Symptoms and signs include very dry, scaly skin over most of the skin's surface, with the exception of the armpits, groin, and flexural areas. Treatment may involve the use of topical medications and emollients for the skin. Living in a humid area may be helpful.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
REFERENCE:
Lac-Hydrin cream, lotion – Prescribing Information.