Zinc Oxide 20% Ointment 425gm
It is used to treat or prevent diaper rash.It is used to treat skin irritation.It is used to treat poison oak, ivy, and sumac rashes.It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
Drug Class
Skin Protectant
Pharmacologic Class
Topical Protectant; Astringent
Pregnancy Category
Category C
FDA Approved
Jan 1970
DEA Schedule
Not Controlled
Overview
What is this medicine?
Zinc Oxide Ointment is a thick cream that forms a protective barrier on your skin. It's commonly used to treat and prevent diaper rash, chafing, and other minor skin irritations by keeping the skin dry and protected from moisture and irritants.
How to Use This Medicine
Proper Use of This Medication
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all accompanying information carefully. It is essential to use this medication as directed.
Application Instructions
Do not take this medication by mouth. It is for topical use on the skin only.
Avoid getting the medication in your mouth, nose, or eyes, as it may cause burning.
Wash your hands before and after applying the medication, unless your hand is the treated area, in which case you should not wash it after application.
Clean the affected area before applying the medication and dry it thoroughly.
Gently rub the medication onto the affected area.
Special Considerations
If using this medication on a diapered area, change the diaper frequently to prevent irritation. Clean the affected area, allow it to dry, and reapply the medication with each diaper change, especially at bedtime.
Storage and Disposal
Store this medication at room temperature in a dry place, avoiding storage in a bathroom.
Keep all medications in a safe location, out of the reach of children and pets.
Missed Dose
* If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. Since this medication is often used as needed, do not apply it more frequently than directed by your doctor.
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all accompanying information carefully. It is essential to use this medication as directed.
Application Instructions
Do not take this medication by mouth. It is for topical use on the skin only.
Avoid getting the medication in your mouth, nose, or eyes, as it may cause burning.
Wash your hands before and after applying the medication, unless your hand is the treated area, in which case you should not wash it after application.
Clean the affected area before applying the medication and dry it thoroughly.
Gently rub the medication onto the affected area.
Special Considerations
If using this medication on a diapered area, change the diaper frequently to prevent irritation. Clean the affected area, allow it to dry, and reapply the medication with each diaper change, especially at bedtime.
Storage and Disposal
Store this medication at room temperature in a dry place, avoiding storage in a bathroom.
Keep all medications in a safe location, out of the reach of children and pets.
Missed Dose
* If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. Since this medication is often used as needed, do not apply it more frequently than directed by your doctor.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Cleanse the affected area gently with mild soap and water, then pat dry thoroughly before applying the ointment.
- Apply a thick layer of ointment to completely cover the irritated skin.
- Change wet or soiled diapers promptly to prevent further irritation.
- Allow the skin to air dry whenever possible.
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after applying the ointment.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Zinc Sulfate 220mg Capsules
- Zinc Trace 1mg/ml Inj, 10ml
- Zinc Oxide 20% Ointment 56.7gm
- Zinc Oxide 20% Ointment 28.4gm
- Zinc Sulfate 5mg/ml Inj, 5ml
- Zinc 50mg Tablets
- Zinc Sulfate 220mg Tablets
- Zinc Oxide 20% Ointment 30gm
- Zinc Oxide 20% Ointment 425gm
- Zinc Oxide Ointment 454gm
- Zinc Oxide 20% Ointment 60gm
- Zinc Sulfate 10mg/10ml Inj, 10ml
- Zinc Sulfate 220mg Capsules
- Zinc Sulfate 5mg/ml Inj, 5ml
- Zinc Sulfate 10mg/10ml Inj, 10ml
- Zinc Chloride 10mg/10ml Inj, 10ml
- Zinc Sulfate 3mg/ml Inj, 10ml
- Zinc Sulfate 3mg/ml Inj, 10ml
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Standard Dose:
Apply liberally as often as needed with each diaper change, or as directed by a physician.
Condition-Specific Dosing:
diaper_rash:
Apply to clean, dry skin with each diaper change, especially at bedtime or anytime when exposure to wet diapers may be prolonged.
minor_skin_irritations:
Apply to affected area as needed.
Pediatric Dosing
Neonatal:
Apply liberally as often as needed with each diaper change.
Infant:
Apply liberally as often as needed with each diaper change.
Child:
Apply liberally as often as needed.
Adolescent:
Apply liberally as often 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
Zinc oxide acts as a skin protectant by forming a physical barrier on the skin surface. This barrier protects the skin from irritants (e.g., moisture, urine, feces) and promotes healing by keeping the affected area dry. It also possesses mild astringent properties, which help to dry weeping or oozing skin, and mild antiseptic properties.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Bioavailability:
Minimal to negligible systemic absorption through intact skin.
Tmax:
Not applicable (local action).
FoodEffect:
Not applicable (topical).
Distribution:
Vd:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption).
ProteinBinding:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption).
CnssPenetration:
No
Elimination:
HalfLife:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption).
Clearance:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption).
ExcretionRoute:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption).
Unchanged:
Not applicable (minimal systemic absorption).
Pharmacodynamics
OnsetOfAction:
Immediate (upon application, barrier formation).
PeakEffect:
Not applicable (continuous local effect).
DurationOfAction:
Until removed or worn off (depends on activity and exposure).
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, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. However, many people do not experience any side effects or only have mild ones. If you have side effects that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor for advice.
Reporting Side Effects
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, discuss them with your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Your doctor is available to provide medical advice about side effects.
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, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. However, many people do not experience any side effects or only have mild ones. If you have side effects that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor for advice.
Reporting Side Effects
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, discuss them with your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Your doctor is available to provide medical advice about side effects.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Rash worsens or does not improve within 7 days.
- Signs of skin infection develop (e.g., pus, fever, severe pain, spreading redness).
- Allergic reaction symptoms (e.g., severe rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing).
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 you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you have a deep wound or a puncture wound, as this may affect your treatment.
This medication can interact with other drugs and health conditions. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:
All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
* Your health problems, including any medical conditions or concerns
Before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medication, including this one, you must consult with your doctor to confirm that it is safe to do so. This will help prevent any potential interactions or adverse effects.
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 you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you have a deep wound or a puncture wound, as this may affect your treatment.
This medication can interact with other drugs and health conditions. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:
All prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
* Your health problems, including any medical conditions or concerns
Before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medication, including this one, you must consult with your doctor to confirm that it is safe to do so. This will help prevent any potential interactions or adverse effects.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage and duration of treatment, and do not use this drug more frequently or for a longer period than recommended.
To avoid staining, take precautions to protect your clothing and fabrics when using this medication, as it may cause discoloration.
In the event of accidental ingestion, this drug can be harmful. If swallowed, immediately contact a doctor or a poison control center for assistance.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, consult your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby. This will help you make an informed decision about your treatment.
To avoid staining, take precautions to protect your clothing and fabrics when using this medication, as it may cause discoloration.
In the event of accidental ingestion, this drug can be harmful. If swallowed, immediately contact a doctor or a poison control center for assistance.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, consult your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby. This will help you make an informed decision about your treatment.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Topical overdose is highly unlikely due to minimal absorption.
- Accidental ingestion of large quantities may cause gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain).
What to Do:
For accidental ingestion, seek medical attention or call a poison control center immediately (e.g., 1-800-222-1222). For topical overuse, simply wipe off excess.
Drug Interactions
Minor Interactions
- Other topical preparations (may interfere with absorption or efficacy if applied simultaneously to the same area).
Monitoring
Routine Monitoring
Skin condition (redness, irritation, signs of infection)
Frequency: Daily or with each application
Target: Improvement or no worsening of symptoms
Action Threshold: Worsening of rash, development of new symptoms, or signs of infection (e.g., fever, pus, severe pain) warrant medical evaluation.
Symptom Monitoring
- Resolution of redness
- Decrease in irritation
- Healing of skin lesions
- Absence of new rash development
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
Considered safe for use during breastfeeding. Minimal systemic absorption by the mother means negligible exposure to the infant. Avoid applying to the nipple area if breastfeeding, or ensure it is thoroughly wiped off before nursing.
Infant Risk:
Low risk.
Pediatric Use
Widely used and considered safe for infants and children, especially for diaper rash. Follow dosing instructions for age.
Geriatric Use
No specific dosage adjustments or precautions are generally needed for geriatric patients. Safe for use in this population.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Zinc oxide ointment is a cornerstone for diaper rash prevention and treatment due to its excellent barrier properties.
- It can be quite thick and difficult to remove; gentle cleansing with mineral oil or baby oil can help remove residue without excessive rubbing.
- Effective for minor skin irritations, chafing, and as a protective layer for skin folds.
- Ensure the skin is clean and dry before application for optimal efficacy.
- Not intended for deep wounds or severe burns without medical advice.
Alternative Therapies
- Petrolatum (Vaseline)
- Lanolin
- Dimethicone-based creams
- Calamine lotion (for drying weeping lesions)
- Hydrocortisone cream (for inflammatory rashes, under medical supervision)
- Antifungal creams (e.g., Nystatin, Clotrimazole) if fungal infection is suspected.
Cost & Coverage
Average Cost:
$5 - $20 per 425gm ointment
Generic Available:
Yes
Insurance Coverage:
Over-the-counter (OTC) products are generally not covered by prescription drug plans, but may be eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement.
General Drug Facts
If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's 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 be sure 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.