What Is Zinc Oxide Topical and How Does It Work?
Zinc Oxide Topical is an over-the-counter medication used as a skin protectant against diaper rash.
- Zinc Oxide Topical is available under the following different brand names: Desitin, Diaparene Diaper Rash, Dyprotex, Desitin Creamy, Aveeno Baby Organic Harvest Diaper Rash Cream
What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Zinc Oxide Topical?
Common side effects of Zinc Oxide Topical include:
- rash,
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat),
- severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Serious side effects of Zinc Oxide Topical include:
- hives
- itching
- skin rash
Rare side effects of Zinc Oxide Topical include:
- none
Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:
- Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
- Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
- Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out.
This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur as a result of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What Are the Dosages of zinc Oxide Topical?
Topical ointment
- 3.8 %
- 9.38 %
- 10 %
- 20 %
- 40 %
Topical cream
- 11.3 %
- 13 %
Topical powder
- 9.1 %
Paste
- 12.8 %
- 16 %
- 17 %
- 20 %
- 40 %
Skin Protectant
Adult dosage
- Apply a thin film to the affected area several times daily as necessary
Pediatric dosage
- Apply a thin film to the affected area
Diaper Rash Treatment & Prevention
Pediatric dosage
- Apply to clean diaper area following a diaper change
Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:
- See “Dosages”
What Other Drugs Interact with Zinc Oxide Topical?
If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.
- Zinc Oxide Topical has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
- Zinc Oxide Topical has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs.
- Zinc Oxide Topical has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs.
- Zinc Oxide Topical has no noted minor interactions with any other drugs.
This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.
What Are Warnings and Precautions for Zinc Oxide Topical?
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
Effects of drug abuse
- None
Short-Term Effects
- See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Zinc Oxide Topical?”
Long-Term Effects
- See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Zinc Oxide Topical?”
Cautions
- Contact physician if condition worsens, reoccurs within a few days, or does not improve after 1 week
- External use only
- Avoid eyes
- Keep out of reach of children; if swallowed, get medical help, or contact a poison control center right away
Pregnancy and Lactation
- Use with caution if the benefits outweigh the risks during pregnancy.
- Lactation
- Unknown
- Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek the advice of a health professional before using OTC drugs