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Caladryl Clear

Generic name: pramoxine topicalpra-MOX-een-TOP-i-kal ]
Drug class: Topical anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 8, 2023.

What is Caladryl Clear?

Caladryl Clear is an anesthetic, or "numbing medicine." It works by interfering with pain signals sent from the nerves to the brain.

Caladryl Clear lotion is used to treat pain or itching caused by insect bites, minor burns or scrapes, and minor skin rash, dryness, or itching.

Caladryl Clear lotion is also used to treat and pain or skin irritation caused by coming into contact with poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac.

Warnings

Use Caladryl Clear lotion exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Caladryl Clear lotion if you are allergic to pramoxine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use Caladryl Clear if you are allergic to any drugs or any other numbing medicines.

It is not known whether Caladryl Clear will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without medical advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether pramoxine topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Caladryl Clear?

Use Caladryl Clear lotion exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Caladryl Clear lotion is usually applied to the affected area 3 to 5 times daily, depending on which form of this medication you use. Follow the label directions or your doctor's instructions about how much medication to use and how often.

Wash your hands before and after applying the lotion. Wash the affected skin area with warm water and a mild soap. Rinse and dry the area thoroughly.

To use Caladryl Clear on the skin apply just enough of lotion to cover the area to be treated.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if your condition clears up and then comes back.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Caladryl Clear is used on an as needed basis, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using Caladryl Clear?

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes or nose. If this does happen, rinse with water. Do not use Caladryl Clear on deep skin wounds, blistered skin, severe burns, or large skin areas. Seek medical attention for more severe skin irritation or injury.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with Caladryl Clear unless your doctor tells you to.

Caladryl Clear side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Caladryl Clear: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

Less serious Caladryl Clear side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Pain:

Itching and pain associated with rashes due to poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac, insect bites, and minor skin irritations or minor cuts:
Apply topically to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily

Usual Adult Dose for Pruritus:

Itching and pain associated with rashes due to poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac, insect bites, and minor skin irritations or minor cuts:
Apply topically to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pain:

Itching and pain associated with rashes due to poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac, insect bites, and minor skin irritations or minor cuts:
2 years or older:
Apply topically to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pruritus:

Itching and pain associated with rashes due to poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac, insect bites, and minor skin irritations or minor cuts:
2 years or older:
Apply topically to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily

What other drugs will affect Caladryl Clear?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied pramoxine. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More about Caladryl Clear (pramoxine/zinc acetate topical)

Patient resources

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Clear Calamine

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Caladryl Clear only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.