Ammonium Lactate Cream: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Ammonium Lactate Cream (generic name: ammonium lactate) is an alpha-hydroxy acid and topical emollient combining lactic acid and ammonium hydroxide. It is applied to the skin to treat dryness, scaling, and itching, including conditions such as xerosis and ichthyosis vulgaris. It is available as a cream or lotion in different strengths and is used as directed by a doctor or pharmacist.

What is Ammonium Lactate Cream

Ammonium lactate is a combination of lactic acid and ammonium hydroxide. It is a moisturizer applied to the skin to treat dryness, scaling, and itching.

Ammonium Lactate Cream uses

• Dry skin (xerosis)
• Ichthyosis vulgaris
• Rough, scaly skin
• Excessive skin scaling
• Dryness associated with certain skin conditions

Benefits of Ammonium Lactate Cream

• Helps moisturize dry skin.
• Softens rough, scaly skin.
• Improves skin texture.
• Helps loosen dead skin cells.
• Helps reduce scaling and flaking.

How Ammonium Lactate Cream works

Ammonium lactate is an alpha-hydroxy acid. It helps the skin hold more moisture and may help loosen and shed dead skin cells, which keeps skin smoother and more hydrated. Experts don't know exactly how it relieves dryness and itching, but it's thought to help skin renew itself through gentle exfoliation.

Ammonium Lactate Cream dosage

Apply to the affected area(s) and rub in well, usually twice a day, or as directed by your doctor. Try to apply it at about the same times each day. Shake the lotion well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Wash your hands before and after applying, unless you're treating a hand condition. Avoid applying to your face unless your doctor has told you to. Do not use on open wounds, sunburned, windburned, or already irritated skin. Keep away from your eyes, mouth, nose, and vaginal area; rinse with water if it gets into these areas.

If a dose is missed, apply it as soon as you remember; if it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and do not double up. Call your doctor if your skin condition does not improve or gets worse while using this medicine.

Available forms and strengths

• Topical cream (10%, 12%)
• Topical lotion (5%, 12%)

Side effects of Ammonium Lactate Cream

Common

• Rash, including skin redness or irritation
• Burning or stinging where applied
• Itching
• Dry skin
• Mild skin irritation or dryness
• Change in skin color
• Skin peeling
• Bruising or discoloration of treated skin

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe skin rash or swelling
• Intense burning or irritation

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, raising your risk of sunburn. Try to avoid sun exposure on treated skin, and wear protective clothing and sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days or in winter.
• This medicine is for use on the skin only. Keep it away from your eyes, mouth, nose, and genital area, and do not swallow it. Rinse with water if it gets into these areas by accident.
• Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to ammonium lactate or any of the ingredients in the product.
• You may feel stinging or burning if you apply this to skin that is cut, scraped, cracked, or recently shaved. Be careful using it on the face because of a higher chance of irritation.
• It isn't known whether ammonium lactate can harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant; it should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
• It isn't known whether ammonium lactate passes into breast milk, so caution is advised if you are breastfeeding.
• Use cautiously on the face because irritation may occur.
• Avoid contact with eyes, lips, mouth, and other mucous membranes.
• It isn't known if drinking alcohol affects this medicine.

Storage

• Store at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C)
• Can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods, such as when transporting it
• Store in a cool, dry place away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom)
• Keep the medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children
• Dispose of unneeded medication through a medicine take-back program rather than flushing it down the toilet

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have severe redness or stinging where you applied it.
• If your skin condition gets worse instead of better while using this medicine, stop using it and contact your doctor.
• If someone swallows this medicine, contact your local poison control center right away, or call emergency services if the person has collapsed or is not breathing.

Alternatives

• Petrolatum Moisturizer
• Urea Cream
• Lactic Acid Cream