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Generic Name: ammonium lactate topical (ah MOE knee um LACK tate)
Brand Names: Amlactin, Lac-Hydrin

What is ammonium lactate?

Ammonium lactate is a combination of lactic acid and ammonium hydroxide. Ammonium lactate is a moisturizer.

Ammonium lactate is used for the treatment of dry, scaly skin and for the temporary relief of itching associated with these conditions. It is for external use only.

Ammonium lactate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about ammonium lactate?

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth or on your lips or other mucous membranes. Also avoid using ammonium lactate on skin that is damaged or abraded (e.g., after shaving the legs). Ammonium lactate may cause stinging or burning when applied to damaged skin. Avoid exposure to sunlight. Ammonium lactate may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

Use ammonium lactate cautiously, and only if directed, on the face. Irritation may occur.

Do not use this medication for any purpose other than the one indicated by your doctor.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using ammonium lactate topical?

Do not use ammonium lactate if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past.

Ammonium lactate is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether ammonium lactate will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether ammonium lactate passes into breast milk. Do not use ammonium lactate without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Ammonium lactate should not be used by children younger than 12 years of age.

How should I apply ammonium lactate?

Use ammonium lactate exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medication, unless you are using it to treat a hand condition.

Shake the lotion well before applying. Apply to the affected area(s) and rub in thoroughly.

Ammonium lactate is usually applied twice a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Contact your doctor if your condition worsens with ammonium lactate topical therapy.

Use ammonium lactate cautiously, and only if directed, on the face. Irritation may occur.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth or on your lips or other mucous membranes. Also avoid using ammonium lactate on skin that is damaged or abraded (e.g., after shaving the legs). Ammonium lactate may cause stinging or burning when applied to damaged skin. Store ammonium lactate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the dose you missed and apply only the regular amount of ammonium lactate. Do not use a double dose unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of ammonium lactate is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect that ammonium lactate has been ingested, contact an emergency room or a poison control center.

What should I avoid while using ammonium lactate?

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth or on your lips or other mucous membranes. Also avoid using ammonium lactate on skin that is damaged or abraded (e.g., after shaving the legs). Ammonium lactate may cause stinging or burning when applied to damaged skin. Avoid exposure to sunlight. Ammonium lactate may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

Use ammonium lactate cautiously, and only if directed, on the face. Irritation may occur.

Ammonium lactate side effects

Serious side effects from ammonium lactate use are not expected. Stop using ammonium lactate and see your doctor if you experience unusual or severe itching, burning, or stinging of the skin.

Mild burning, stinging, itching, redness, or irritation is likely to occur. If it seems excessive, contact your doctor.

Other, less serious side effects may, rarely, occur. Continue to use ammonium lactate and talk to your doctor if you experience

• peeling,

• darkening or lightening of skin,

• eczema,

• bruising,

• swelling, or

• dryness.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect ammonium lactate?

Avoid the use of other topical medications at the same time as ammonium lactate unless your doctor approves. Other skin medications may affect the absorption or effectiveness of ammonium lactate.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with ammonium lactate. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about ammonium lactate written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Ammonium lactate is available with a prescription generically and under the brand name Lac-Hydrin in 12% cream and lotion formulations. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Lac-Hydrin 12% Cream

• Lac-Hydrin 12% Lotion

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.01. Revision Date: 11/19/04 4:14:09 PM.