Type of medicine: alpha-hydroxy acid
Generic and brand names: ammonium lactate, topical; AmLactin; Lac-Hydrin 12%; Geri-Hydrolac; Geri-Hydrolac 12; Kerasal AL; Kerasal Lotion; LAC lotion; Lac-Hydrin Five
This medicine is put on the skin to treat dry, itchy, scaly skin caused by either xerosis (dry skin) or ichthyosis vulgaris (a skin disease). It comes in cream and lotion forms for external use only (on the skin).
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while using this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Some forms of this medicine are available without a prescription. Use this medicine exactly as directed. Do not use more or less or use it longer than directed.
Do not use this medicine on broken or irritated skin. Put a thin layer of medicine on your skin and rub it in gently. If you have the lotion, shake it well before using it. Use this medicine carefully on your face because it may irritate your skin. Do not get the medicine into your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you accidentally get some of the medicine in your eyes, nose or mouth, flush them with plenty of cool water.
Do not use this medicine on children unless your healthcare provider approves. Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated skin area unless your healthcare provider approves.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which may lead to painful sunburns. While you are taking this medicine, avoid long exposure to the sun. Wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen lotion when you need to be outdoors. Do not use a sunlamp. If you get a severe sunburn, contact your healthcare provider right away.
If your condition becomes worse while you are using this medicine, stop using it and contact your healthcare provider.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Increased irritation of your skin.
Other: Minor rash, stinging, burning, itching, dryness, or redness.
No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, do not use strong soaps, abrasive products, or irritating cosmetics on the areas of the skin being treated with this medicine. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about this.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
