Hydrolatum Cream 57gm
It is used to treat or prevent certain skin problems.It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
Drug Class
Dermatological Agent; Emollient; Moisturizer
Pharmacologic Class
Skin Protectant; Occlusive; Humectant
Pregnancy Category
Not assigned (Generally considered safe for topical use due to minimal systemic absorption)
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Hydrolatum Cream is a moisturizing cream that helps to soothe and hydrate dry, rough, or irritated skin. It works by creating a protective barrier on your skin to lock in moisture and make your skin feel softer and smoother.
How to Use This Medicine
Proper Use of This Medication
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. It is essential to use this medication only as directed.
Application Instructions
Do not take this medication by mouth. It is for skin use only.
Avoid getting the medication in your mouth, nose, ears, or eyes, as it may cause burning.
If your medication requires shaking before use, make sure to do so before applying it to the affected area.
Wash your hands before and after applying the medication, unless your hand is the treated area. In this case, do not wash your hand after application.
Clean the affected area before applying the medication and dry it thoroughly.
Apply the medication to the affected area as instructed by your doctor. You may need to cover the treated area with a bandage or dressing; consult with your doctor for guidance.
Storage and Disposal
Store the medication at room temperature and do not freeze it.
Check the storage information provided with the medication to determine how long it can be stored before disposal. If you have questions, consult with your pharmacist.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember.
Since this medication is often used as needed, do not use it more frequently than instructed by your doctor.
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. It is essential to use this medication only as directed.
Application Instructions
Do not take this medication by mouth. It is for skin use only.
Avoid getting the medication in your mouth, nose, ears, or eyes, as it may cause burning.
If your medication requires shaking before use, make sure to do so before applying it to the affected area.
Wash your hands before and after applying the medication, unless your hand is the treated area. In this case, do not wash your hand after application.
Clean the affected area before applying the medication and dry it thoroughly.
Apply the medication to the affected area as instructed by your doctor. You may need to cover the treated area with a bandage or dressing; consult with your doctor for guidance.
Storage and Disposal
Store the medication at room temperature and do not freeze it.
Check the storage information provided with the medication to determine how long it can be stored before disposal. If you have questions, consult with your pharmacist.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember.
Since this medication is often used as needed, do not use it more frequently than instructed by your doctor.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Apply to clean, damp skin for best results, especially after bathing or showering.
- Use regularly, even when skin feels better, to maintain hydration and prevent flare-ups.
- Avoid harsh soaps or cleansers that can strip natural oils from the skin.
- Wear loose, breathable clothing to prevent skin irritation.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
Apply liberally to affected areas as often as needed, especially after bathing or showering.
Condition-Specific Dosing:
dry skin:
Apply 2-3 times daily or as directed by a healthcare professional.
eczema/psoriasis:
Apply generously to affected areas multiple times a day, particularly after washing.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Apply liberally as needed. Consult pediatrician for very sensitive skin.
Infant:
Apply liberally as needed.
Child:
Apply liberally as needed.
Adolescent:
Apply liberally as needed.
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption).
Moderate:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption).
Severe:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption).
Dialysis:
No specific considerations (minimal systemic absorption).
Hepatic Impairment:
Mild:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption).
Moderate:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption).
Severe:
No adjustment needed (minimal systemic absorption).
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Emollients like Hydrolatum Cream work by forming an occlusive layer on the skin surface, which reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by trapping moisture. They also fill in the spaces between desquamating corneocytes, smoothing the skin and restoring barrier function. Some components may also act as humectants, drawing water into the stratum corneum from the dermis or the environment.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Negligible systemic absorption
Tmax:
Not applicable (topical action)
FoodEffect:
Not applicable
Distribution:
Vd:
Not applicable (minimal systemic distribution)
ProteinBinding:
Not applicable (minimal systemic distribution)
CnssPenetration:
No (minimal systemic absorption)
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not applicable (minimal systemic elimination)
Clearance:
Not applicable (minimal systemic elimination)
ExcretionRoute:
Not applicable (minimal systemic elimination)
Unchanged:
Not applicable
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Immediate (upon application, skin feels softer and less dry)
PeakEffect:
Hours to days (sustained hydration with regular use)
DurationOfAction:
Hours (until washed off or absorbed into stratum corneum)
Confidence:
High
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of skin infection, including:
+ Oozing
+ Heat
+ Swelling
+ Redness
+ Pain
Abnormal bleeding from the affected area
Fever
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:
* Skin irritation
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. For medical advice about side effects, you can also contact your doctor. Additionally, you can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of skin infection, including:
+ Oozing
+ Heat
+ Swelling
+ Redness
+ Pain
Abnormal bleeding from the affected area
Fever
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:
* Skin irritation
Note: This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. For medical advice about side effects, you can also contact your doctor. Additionally, you can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Increased redness or irritation at the application site
- Rash or hives
- Swelling
- Signs of infection (e.g., pus, warmth, severe pain) - discontinue use and consult a doctor.
Before Using This Medicine
Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
If you have a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to a food or medication.
* If you have a bleeding wound.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions.
Remember, do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
If you have a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to a food or medication.
* If you have a bleeding wound.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions.
Remember, do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.
Before using sunscreen with this drug, consult with your doctor to determine the best approach. Additionally, discuss with your doctor the use of other medications or products on your skin, including soaps, to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Certain brands of this medication may not be suitable for application on open sores, broken skin, or severe burns. Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist for specific guidance on using this medication.
Some products containing this drug may include metal, which can interfere with certain medical procedures such as MRI, cardioversion, or radiation therapy. It is crucial to remove these products before undergoing any such procedures. Consult with your doctor about the safe use of this medication before any scheduled procedures.
If this medication is accidentally swallowed, it can cause harm. In the event of ingestion, immediately contact a doctor or a poison control center for assistance.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. It is necessary to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby to ensure the best possible outcome.
Before using sunscreen with this drug, consult with your doctor to determine the best approach. Additionally, discuss with your doctor the use of other medications or products on your skin, including soaps, to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Certain brands of this medication may not be suitable for application on open sores, broken skin, or severe burns. Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist for specific guidance on using this medication.
Some products containing this drug may include metal, which can interfere with certain medical procedures such as MRI, cardioversion, or radiation therapy. It is crucial to remove these products before undergoing any such procedures. Consult with your doctor about the safe use of this medication before any scheduled procedures.
If this medication is accidentally swallowed, it can cause harm. In the event of ingestion, immediately contact a doctor or a poison control center for assistance.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. It is necessary to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby to ensure the best possible outcome.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Topical overdose is unlikely to cause systemic effects.
- Excessive application may lead to a greasy feeling or clogged pores in some individuals.
What to Do:
Wipe off excess product. If ingested, unlikely to cause significant harm, but consult a poison control center (Call 1-800-222-1222) if large quantities are swallowed, especially by a child.
Drug Interactions
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Skin condition assessment (dryness, scaling, itching, redness)
Rationale: To establish baseline severity of dermatological condition.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Routine Monitoring
Skin hydration and barrier function
Frequency: Daily to weekly (patient self-assessment)
Target: Improved skin texture, reduced dryness/itching
Action Threshold: If skin condition worsens or no improvement after consistent use, re-evaluate treatment.
Symptom Monitoring
- Reduction in skin dryness
- Decrease in itching
- Improvement in skin texture (softness, smoothness)
- Reduction in flaking or scaling
- Absence of irritation or allergic reaction
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally considered safe for use during pregnancy due to minimal systemic absorption. Consult a healthcare provider if concerns arise.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
First Trimester:
Low risk
Second Trimester:
Low risk
Third Trimester:
Low risk
Lactation
Generally considered safe for use during lactation. Avoid applying to the nipple area immediately prior to breastfeeding to prevent infant ingestion.
Infant Risk:
Low risk
Pediatric Use
Generally safe and effective for use in infants, children, and adolescents for dry skin conditions. Always perform a patch test on a small area first for very sensitive skin.
Geriatric Use
Generally safe and effective for use in geriatric patients. Older adults often have drier skin and may benefit significantly from regular emollient use.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Emollients are the cornerstone of therapy for dry skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
- Apply emollients generously and frequently, especially within 3 minutes after bathing, to lock in moisture.
- Different emollient formulations (cream, lotion, ointment) offer varying levels of hydration and greasiness; choose based on skin dryness and patient preference.
- For very dry or cracked skin, ointments are generally more effective than creams or lotions.
- Patients should be advised to use emollients even when their skin condition improves to prevent relapses.
Alternative Therapies
- Other over-the-counter moisturizers (lotions, ointments, balms)
- Prescription topical corticosteroids (for inflammatory conditions)
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors (for inflammatory conditions)
- Humidifiers (environmental measure)
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$10 - $25 per 57gm tube
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Often OTC; may be covered by some insurance plans with a prescription for specific dermatological conditions.
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.