What it does
Crotamitone is a treatment used to relieve itching and irritation on the skin.
Commonly used for: itching (pruritus), skin irritation
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Source: Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-21 17:37:39 · updated 2026-09-29 04:33:04
About this medicine
Crotamitone is a treatment used to relieve itching and irritation on the skin.
What it treats
- itching (pruritus)
- skin irritation
How it works
Crotamitone works by soothing the skin and reducing the sensation of itchiness.
Who it's for
Crotamitone is suitable for adults and children who need relief from itching.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: crotamitone
BNF-referencedCrotamitone is an antiparasitic agent primarily used for the treatment of scabies and to relieve itching associated with various skin conditions. It acts by producing a cooling effect on the skin, which diverts the body's attention from the sensation of itching. Additionally, it is believed to possess toxic effects on the scabies mite, although the exact mechanism of its action against the parasite is not fully understood.
Indications
- Scabies
- Pruritus (itching of the skin)
- Sunburn
Dosage
Children: Refer to BNF for Children for specific dosing guidelines.
Adults: Refer to BNF for specific dosing guidelines.
Mechanism of action
Crotamiton is an antiparasitic that is toxic to the scabies mite. It also relieves itching by producing a counter-irritation effect. As crotamiton evaporates from the skin, it generates a cooling sensation that helps to distract the body from the itch.
Pharmacodynamics
Crotamiton is effective in treating pruritus (itching of the skin) caused by scabies or sunburn. It alleviates itching through a counter-irritation mechanism and is additionally noted for its cooling effect, which can provide relief from sunburn discomfort. The drug is believed to kill scabies through an unknown mechanism.
Pharmacokinetics
Information on the pharmacokinetics of crotamitone is limited. However, it is understood that crotamitone evaporates from the skin, contributing to its cooling effect and potentially influencing its pharmacological activity. Further studies may be needed to elucidate its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion properties.
Adverse effects
- Skin irritation
- Burning sensation
- Allergic reactions
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to crotamiton or any of its components.
- Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
Pregnancy
There is limited data on the safety of crotamitone in pregnancy. It should only be used if clearly needed and the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast-feeding
Crotamiton is excreted in breast milk. Caution should be exercised when administering to a nursing mother.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Cream
- Lotion
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: crotamitone
PubChem CID 2883Molecular formula: C13H17NO
Mechanism of action
Crotamiton is an antiparasitic that is toxic to the scabies mite. Crotamiton also relieves itching by producing what is called a counter-irritation. As crotamiton evaporates from the skin, it produces a cooling effect. This cooling effect helps to divert your body's attention away from the itching.
Pharmacodynamics
Crotamiton is usually used to treat pruritis (itching of the skin) caused by scabies or sunburn. Crotamiton relieves itching by producing what is called a counter-irritation. As crotamiton evaporates from the skin, it produces a cooling effect. This cooling effect helps to divert your body's attention away from the itching. Due to this cooling effect it is also effective for the relief of sunburn. The drug is also believed to kill scabies through an unknown mechanism.
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.