Zink Oxide Ointment

GENERIC NAME: ZINC OXIDE (zink OX-ide)

COMMON USES: This medicine is a skin protectant used to prevent and treat diaper rash. It can also be used to treat minor skin irritations (eg, cuts, burns, and scrapes).

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICINE: Use this medicine exactly as directed on the package, unless instructed differently by your doctor. TO USE THIS MEDICINE: FIRST, WASH YOUR HANDS. Then wash and dry the affected area, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Apply a generous amount of medicine to completely cover the affected area. Wash your hands immediately after using this medicine. USE THIS MEDICINE when diaper rash, redness, chafing, or skin irritation appears. CHANGE wet and dirty diapers at once, clean the diaper area, and allow the area to dry. TO HELP PREVENT DIAPER RASH, apply this medicine to the diaper area before you have to, especially at bedtime. APPLY THIS MEDICINE freely as often as needed with each diaper change, especially at bedtime. FOR MINOR, NONIFECTED SCRAPES AND BURNS, apply a thin layer of this medicine, using a bandage if necessary. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, use it as soon as you remember. Continue to use it as directed by your doctor or on the package label.

CAUTIONS: DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE IF you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine. THIS MEDICINE IS FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes or on the inside of your nose and mouth. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU BECOME PREGNANT, discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS NOT KNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS FOUND in breast milk. Check with your doctor before breastfeeding.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: NO COMMON SIDE EFFECTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED with the proper use of this medicine. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE: Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about taking this medicine.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED. If you or someone you know may have taken this medicine by mouth, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: If your symptoms do not improve within 7 days or if they become worse check with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of reach of children and pets.

The information in this monograph is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This information is generalized and is not intended as specific medical advice. If you have questions about the medicines you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.