- Before using Caladryl lotion, shake it thoroughly. For adults and children (at least 2 years of age), the lotion can be applied onto the painful or irritated area a maximum of three to four times daily. For children under the age of 2, consult with your physician.
- The two active components of Caladryl lotion are calamine and pramoxine HCl. The anti-itch lotion is 8 percent calamine, and 1 percent pramoxine HCl. The calamine functions to protect and soothe skin, while the pramoxine HCl works as a topical treatment to ease the pain or irritation of the affected area. The other ingredients in Caladryl lotion are camphor, xanthan gum, hypromellose, fragrance, methylparaben, SD alcohol 38-B, diazolidinyl urea, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol as well as purified water.
- Caladryl lotion is generally considered to be a temporary solution for skin irritation and pains. Individuals should cease applying Caladryl and consult a physician after a week if the problem does not improve or becomes more severe. Also, if skin irritation and pain symptoms cease but start up again, a doctor should be notified.
- There is another version of Caladryl lotion that is known as Caladryl Clear Anti-Itch Lotion. The main difference between this lotion and the main version is that instead of calamine, the clear version contains zinc acetate instead as an active ingredient (merely 0.1 percent). With the clear Caladryl lotion, the zinc acetate operates as the skin protectant.
- As with any type of medication, there are some potential side effects that are occasionally associated with Caladryl lotion use. These include itchiness and dryness of the skin. Also, should an individual experience the serious side effect of an allergic symptom (like having a hard time breathing, breaking out into hives, developing a rash, chest tightness or face, lip and mouth swelling), they should stop using the lotion immediately and consult a doctor.
