What is Balmex (Zinc Oxide Topical)?
Zinc oxide is a mineral.
Zinc oxide topical (applied to the skin) is used to treat diaper rash, minor burns, severely chapped skin, or other minor skin irritations.
Zinc oxide rectal suppositories are used to treat itching, burning, irritation, and other rectal discomfort caused by hemorrhoids or painful bowel movements.
Zinc oxide topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Balmex (Zinc Oxide Topical)?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to zinc, dimethicone, lanolin, cod liver oil, petroleum jelly, parabens, mineral oil, or wax.
Zinc oxide topical will not treat a bacterial or fungal infection. Call your doctor if you have any signs of infection such as redness and warmth or oozing skin lesions.
Keep the diaper area clean and dry to prevent worsening of skin rash. Change wet diapers as soon as possible. Allow the skin to dry thoroughly before putting on a fresh diaper.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor if your condition does not improve within 7 days of treatment.
Avoid getting this medication in your mouth or eyes. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water right away. Do not use zinc oxide topical on deep skin wounds or severe burns. Get medical attention for more severe skin irritation or injury.
Avoid applying other skin medications on the same treatment area with zinc oxide, unless your doctor has told you to.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Balmex (Zinc Oxide Topical)?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to zinc, dimethicone, lanolin, cod liver oil, petroleum jelly, parabens, mineral oil, or wax.
Zinc oxide topical will not treat a bacterial or fungal infection. Call your doctor if you have any signs of infection such as redness and warmth or oozing skin lesions.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while you are using this medication.
It is not known whether zinc oxide topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Balmex Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Balmex (Zinc Oxide Topical)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using zinc oxide rectal suppositories if you have rectal bleeding or continued pain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Balmex Interactions
What other drugs affect Balmex (Zinc Oxide Topical)?
Avoid applying other skin medications on the same treatment area with zinc oxide, unless your doctor has told you to.
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have any effect on topically applied zinc oxide. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Balmex (Zinc Oxide Topical)?
Avoid getting this medication in your mouth or eyes. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water right away. Do not use zinc oxide topical on deep skin wounds or severe burns. Get medical attention for more severe skin irritation or injury.
Balmex Dosage
How should I take Balmex (Zinc Oxide Topical)?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Apply enough of this medication to cover the entire area to be treated. Zinc oxide often leaves a thin white residue that may not be entirely rubbed in.
To treat chapped skin, minor burn wounds, or other skin irritations, use the medication as often as needed. Apply a thin layer to the affected area and rub in gently.
To treat diaper rash, use this medication each time the diaper is changed. It is especially important to apply the medication at bedtime or whenever there will be a long period of time between diaper changes.
Keep the diaper area clean and dry to prevent worsening of skin rash. Change wet diapers as soon as possible. Allow the skin to dry thoroughly before putting on a fresh diaper.
When using the powder form of this medicine, pour the powder slowly to avoid a large puff into the air. Do not allow a baby to handle a powder bottle during use. Always close the lid after using the powder.
Zinc oxide rectal suppositories come with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Wash your hands before and after inserting a rectal suppository.
Try to empty your bowel and bladder just before using the suppository. Cleanse and dry your rectal area thoroughly.
Remove the outer wrapper from the suppository before inserting it. Avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt in your hands.
For best results from the suppository, lie down after inserting it and hold in the suppository. The suppository will melt quickly once inserted and you should feel little or no discomfort while holding it in.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor if your condition does not improve within 7 days of treatment.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the lid or cap tightly closed.
You may store zinc oxide rectal suppositories in a refrigerator to prevent melting.
What happens if I overdose on Balmex (Zinc Oxide Topical)?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine, or if anyone has accidentally swallowed it.
An overdose of zinc oxide applied to the skin is unlikely to occur.
What happens if I miss a dose of Balmex (Zinc Oxide Topical)?
Since zinc oxide topical is used as needed, it is not likely that you will be on a dosing schedule. Using extra zinc oxide to make up a missed dose will not make the medication more effective.
Edited from everydayhealth.com