Amlactin Cream: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Amlactin Cream (ammonium lactate) is a topical alpha-hydroxy acid and emollient used to treat dry, scaly, and itchy skin, including xerosis, ichthyosis vulgaris, and keratosis pilaris. It works by pulling and holding moisture in the skin while gently exfoliating dead skin cells. It is typically applied to the skin one to two times daily as directed by a doctor or on the product label.

What is Amlactin Cream

Amlactin is a topical moisturizer made of lactic acid and ammonium hydroxide. It is used on the skin to treat dryness and scaling. Its generic name is ammonium lactate, and it belongs to the alpha-hydroxy acid and emollient drug classes.

Amlactin Cream uses

• Dry, scaly, and itchy skin, including xerosis
• Ichthyosis vulgaris
• Keratosis pilaris (rough bumps on arms and legs)
• General rough skin texture, cracked heels, and crepey skin appearance

Benefits of Amlactin Cream

• Helps pull and trap moisture into the skin, relieving dryness
• Gently exfoliates dead skin cells and loosens keratin buildup
• Helps smooth thick, scaly, or dry skin plaques
• Improves rough skin texture

How Amlactin Cream works

Ammonium lactate acts as a humectant, which means it helps keep moisture in the area where it is applied.

Amlactin Cream dosage

Amlactin is usually applied twice a day as directed by your doctor or on the label. Shake the lotion form well before each use. Wash your hands before and after applying, unless treating a hand condition. Make sure the skin is clean and dry before applying. Apply just enough to cover the affected area and rub in gently but completely. Do not apply to your face unless your doctor has told you to. Avoid contact with broken skin such as cuts or abrasions. Do not get it in your eyes, mouth, nose, or vagina; rinse with water if this happens. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or get worse while using it.

Available forms and strengths

• Topical cream (15%)
• Topical lotion
• Wash

Side effects of Amlactin Cream

Common

• Rash, such as skin redness and irritation
• Burning or stinging where applied
• Mild dryness or skin irritation after use
• Bruising or discoloration of treated skin
• Peeling or mild scaling
• Temporary skin discoloration or hyperpigmentation
• Increased sensitivity to sunburn and UV damage
• Change in skin color

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Severe redness or stinging where the medicine was applied
• Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Warnings and precautions

• Do not apply to broken skin, open wounds, sunburned skin, or sensitive areas like the face, eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Limit or avoid sun exposure or tanning beds on areas where you apply this medicine. If sun exposure cannot be avoided, wear clothing to cover the skin while in the sun.
• Do not use this medicine unless it has been prescribed or recommended for you. Do not share it with other people, even if they have the same condition.
• Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.
• People allergic to ammonium lactate or related ingredients should not use this medicine.
• Pregnancy: It is not known if ammonium lactate could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
• Breastfeeding: It is not known if ammonium lactate passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
• Kidney: No established renal-specific dosage adjustment is available for topical AmLactin Cream. Significant kidney disease should be considered during medical assessment.
• Liver: No routine hepatic dosage adjustment is established. Systemic exposure is expected to be limited during normal topical use.
• Alcohol: It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect ammonium lactate.
• Driving: AmLactin Cream is not associated with sedation or impaired alertness.

Storage

• Store at room temperature between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C)
• It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods, such as during transport
• Store in a cool, dry place
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets
• Do not freeze
• Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date
• Take the medication to a medication take-back program if possible, or follow label/package insert disposal instructions

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stop using the medicine and call your doctor right away if you have severe redness or stinging where it was applied.
• If your skin condition gets worse instead of better while using this medicine, stop using it and contact your health care provider.
• Tell your care team if your skin condition gets worse or does not get better within 4 weeks.
• If you think you have used too much of this medicine, contact a poison control center or emergency room right away.

Alternatives

• CeraVe SA Cream
• Lac-Hydrin (Ammonium Lactate)
• Generic Ammonium Lactate Cream 12%
• AmLactin Daily Nourish Lotion 12%