Pramoxine

Uses

Pramoxine is used to temporarily relieve pain and itching from insect bites; poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac; minor cuts, scrapes, or burns; minor skin irritation or rashes; or dry, itchy skin. Pramoxine also may be used to treat soreness, burning, itching, and pain from hemorrhoids (”piles”) and other minor rectal irritations or itching. Pramoxine is in a class of medications called topical anesthetics. It works by stopping nerves from sending pain signals.

Side Effects Of Pramoxine

Pramoxine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• redness, irritation, swelling, burning, stinging, or pain at the affected area
• dryness at the affected area

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• bleeding at the affected area
• hives
• skin rash
• severe itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness

Pramoxine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Warnings & Precautions

Before using pramoxine:

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to pramoxine, other topical anesthetics, or any other medication.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are using.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking pramoxine, call your doctor.

Pramoxine Dosage

Pramoxine comes as a gel or spray to apply to the skin. Pramoxine also comes as a cream, foam, lotion, or solution (liquid) to apply to the rectal area. The solution comes as individual pledgets (medicated wipes for one-time use). Pramoxine is usually applied to the affected area several times a day. Pramoxine cream or pledgets may be used up to five times a day;the spray or gel may be used 3 or 4 times daily. Pramoxine hemorrhoidal cream, lotion, and foam may be applied after bowel movements as needed or directed. Follow the directions on the package or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use pramoxine exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often or for a longer time than described on the package or prescribed by your doctor.

If your symptoms continue for longer than seven days, your condition worsens, or your condition clears up for a few days and then comes back, stop using pramoxine and call your doctor.

Be careful not to get pramoxine into your eyes or nose. If pramoxine gets into your eyes, flush them with water and call your doctor.

You should not apply pramoxine to open wounds, areas of skin that are damaged or blistered, deep wounds,or large areas. Unless directed by your doctor, do not use bandages or wraps after pramoxine is applied.

Do not put moistened medication pads, cream, gel, or foam into your rectum with your fingers or any device.

To use pramoxine cream, gel, or spray, or lotion, follow these steps:

• Wash your hands.
• Clean the affected area with mild soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly.
• Pat affected area dry with a clean, soft cloth or tissue.
• Apply small amount of pramoxine to affected area.
• Wash hands thoroughly.
• To use pramoxine pledgets, follow these steps:
• Wash your hands.
• Clean affected rectal area with mild soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly.
• Gently dry by patting or blotting with a clean, soft cloth or tissue.
• Open sealed pouch and remove pledget.
• Apply medication from pledget to affected rectal area by patting. If needed, fold pledget and leave in place for up to 15 minutes.
• Remove pledget, and dispose of it, out of reach of children.
• Wash your hands thoroughly.
• To use pramoxine hemorrhoidal foam, follow these steps:
• Wash your hands.
• Clean affected area with mild soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly.
• Gently dry by patting or blotting with a clean, soft cloth or tissue.
• Shake the foam container.
• Squirt a small amount of foam onto a clean tissue and apply to affected rectal area.
• Wash your hands thoroughly.

Other

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor any questions you have about pramoxine.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Source

All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.