Crotan Lotion: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Crotan Lotion contains crotamiton and belongs to the topical anti-infective (antiparasitic) drug class. It is a prescription lotion applied to the skin to kill the mites that cause scabies and to relieve itching associated with certain skin conditions. It is not approved for use in children under 18 years old.

What is Crotan Lotion

Crotan is a prescription lotion applied to the skin. It contains crotamiton and is used to kill scabies mites and relieve itching from certain skin conditions.

Crotan Lotion uses

• Treats scabies (an itchy skin condition caused by mites)
• Relieves itching associated with certain skin conditions
• Helps reduce pruritic skin symptoms
• Acts as a topical scabicide

Benefits of Crotan Lotion

• Kills mites that cause scabies
• Reduces itching when massaged into the skin
• Available in cream and lotion forms
• Provides localized treatment
• Helps relieve persistent itching
• Helps eradicate scabies mites
• Can reduce discomfort caused by irritated, itchy skin

How Crotan Lotion works

Crotan is applied to the skin to kill the mites that cause scabies, though exactly how it does this isn't fully understood. It may also relieve itching by blocking certain natural substances in the body that cause itch.

Crotan Lotion dosage

Shake the lotion well before each use. Use on the skin only — do not swallow it, and do not use it in the eyes or mouth. Do not apply to skin that is swollen, broken, or oozing.

For itching: massage gently into the affected areas until fully absorbed, and repeat as needed.

For scabies: bathe and dry your skin first, then apply a thin layer from the neck down to the soles of the feet, including skin folds, between fingers and toes, and under the nails. Trim fingernails short before applying, since mites can hide there. Leave the first application on for 24 hours, then apply a second dose without washing first. Wash off the medicine 48 hours after the last application.

Change clothing and bed linens the day after treatment, and wash them in hot water or have them dry-cleaned. Crotan is not approved for use in children under 18 years old.

Available forms and strengths

• Lotion
• Cream

Side effects of Crotan Lotion

Common

• Mild itching or new rash
• Skin irritation
• Redness or dryness

Serious

• Severe burning, stinging, or irritation after use
• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use Crotan if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a topical medication, or if you develop irritation or sensitivity to it.
• If severe irritation or an allergic reaction develops, stop using Crotan and get appropriate treatment.
• Do not apply Crotan in the eyes or mouth, or to skin that is acutely inflamed, raw, or weeping.
• Crotan's safety and effectiveness have not been established in children, and it is not approved for use under 18 years old.
• If swallowed by accident, it can cause burning in the mouth, irritation of the mouth, throat, and stomach lining, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
• If a toothbrush is used to apply the lotion under the nails, throw it away right after use — using it in the mouth afterward could cause poisoning.
• It isn't known whether Crotan is safe during pregnancy or if it could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, and discuss whether the benefits outweigh the risks.
• It is not known whether crotamiton passes into breast milk or could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
• No routine dose adjustment is generally required for topical use in patients with kidney concerns. No routine hepatic adjustment is generally required for liver concerns. No significant direct interaction with alcohol is expected. Crotan does not normally affect driving.

Storage

• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
• Store 20 to 25 C (68 - 77 F). Excursions allowed between 15 and 30 C (59 and 86 F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stop using Crotan and call your doctor right away if you have severe burning, stinging, or irritation after applying it.
• Call your doctor if you still have itching 2 to 4 weeks after finishing scabies treatment.
• If someone accidentally swallows this medicine, seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center.

Alternatives

• Permethrin cream
• Sulfur topical preparations
• Calamine lotion