crotamiton

Action and Spectrum

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency defined:  

1-10% 

Pruritis 

Warm sensation 

Allergic contact dermatitis 

rash 

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindications 

• Hypersensitivity to crotamiton or any of its ingredients. 
• Children younger than two years old. 
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women 
• Patients with known or suspected skin cancer or other malignant tumors 
• Patients with eczema or another exfoliative dermatitis 
• Patients with a history of allergies or asthma 

Caution 

The administration instructions for topical medication mean it is applied directly to the skin. It is a warning that the medication is for external use only and should not be used internally. It also advises avoiding contact with some regions of the body, such as the eyes, mucous membranes, urethral meatus, and face, as contact with these areas may cause irritation or other adverse reactions. It also advises not to use the medication on acutely inflamed or raw skin as it may cause further irritation or worsen the condition 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: C 

Lactation: Excretion of the drug in human breast milk is unknown 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.   

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology 

It is rapidly absorbed through the skin, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1 to 2 hours of topical application. It is metabolized in the liver and excreted primarily in the urine. 

It has also been found to have some anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to its effectiveness in treating itching and skin irritation. 

Pharmacodynamics 

It belongs to the class of scabicides, which treat skin infestations caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. It is a cholinesterase inhibitor, which blocks the activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This leads to an accumulation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the nerve terminals, resulting in a prolonged contraction of the muscles in the mites and eventually leading to their death. 

It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which are related to its ability to inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine and leukotrienes. This reduces inflammation and itching. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption:  

It is poorly absorbed through the skin, with less than 1% of the drug absorbed into the bloodstream. 

Distribution:  

Once absorbed, crotamiton is distributed throughout the body, but its concentration in the bloodstream is low. 

Metabolism:  

It is not metabolized in the body. 

Excretion:  

It is excreted mainly in the urine, with a small amount excreted in the feces. 

Adminstartion

Administration 

When using crotamiton, it is essential to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the product label. Some general instructions for using crotamiton include: 

• Clean and dry the affected area before applying the medication. 
• Apply a thin layer of the cream or lotion to the affected area, and massage it in gently. 
• Do not cover the treated area with a bandage or other dressing unless your healthcare provider instructs. 
• Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the medication to avoid getting it in your eyes or other areas of your skin. 
• Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes. If the medication gets in the eyes, rinse them with water immediately. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: crotamiton 

Pronounced: (crow-TAM-it-un) 

Why do we use crotamiton? 

The topical scabicidal and antipruritic drug crotamiton is used to treat pruritus and eradicate scabies