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Medication Safety Issues

Sound-alike/look-alike issues:

Pramoxine may be confused with pralidoxime

Anusol® may be confused with Anusol-HC®, Aplisol®, Aquasol®

Pronunciation

(pra MOKS een)

U.S. Brand Names

• Anusol® Ointment [OTC]
• Caladryl® Clear [OTC]
• CalaMycin® Cool and Clear [OTC]
• Callergy Clear [OTC]
• Curasore® [OTC]
• Itch-X® [OTC]
• Prax® [OTC]
• ProctoFoam® NS [OTC]
• Sarna® Sensitive [OTC]
• Soothing Care™ Itch Relief [OTC]
• Summer's Eve® Anti-Itch Maximum Strength [OTC]
• Tronolane® Cream [OTC]
• Tucks® Hemorrhoidal [OTC]

Index Terms

• Pramoxine Hydrochloride

Generic Available

Yes: Aerosol, lotion

Pharmacologic Category

• Local Anesthetic

Pharmacologic Category Synonyms

• Anesthetic, Local

Use: Labeled Indications

Temporary relief of pain and itching associated with anogenital pruritus or irritation; dermatosis, minor burns, or hemorrhoids

Pregnancy Risk Factor

C

Adverse Reactions

1% to 10%:

Dermatologic: Angioedema

Local: Contact dermatitis, burning, stinging

<1%: Edema, methemoglobinemia in infants, urethritis, urticaria, tenderness

Drug Interactions

There are no known significant interactions.

Mechanism of Action

Pramoxine, like other anesthetics, decreases the neuronal membrane's permeability to sodium ions; both initiation and conduction of nerve impulses are blocked, thus depolarization of the neuron is inhibited

Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Onset of action: Therapeutic: 2-5 minutes

Peak effect: 3-5 minutes

Duration: Several days

Dosage

Adults: Topical: Apply as directed, usually 3-5 times daily to affected area

Administration: Topical

Apply sparingly, use the minimal effective dose.

Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

No significant effects or complications reported

Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

No information available to require special precautions

Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

None reported

Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

None reported

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Aerosol, topical, as hydrochloride [foam]: 1% (15 g)

ProctoFoam® NS: 1% (15 g)

Cloth:

Summer's Eve® Anti-Itch Maximum Strength: 1% (12s)

Cream, topical, as hydrochloride:

Tronolane®: 1% (30 g, 60 g) [contains zinc oxide 5%]

Gel, topical, as hydrochloride:

Itch-X®: 1% (35.4 g) [contains benzyl alcohol]

Summer's Eve® Anti-Itch Maximum Strength: 1% (30 mL) [contains glycerin 39%]

Liquid, topical, as hydrochloride:

Curasore®: 1% (15 mL) [contains ethyl alcohol; packaged with cotton applicators]

Lotion, topical, as hydrochloride:

Caladryl® Clear: 1% (177 mL) [contains zinc acetate 0.1%]

Callergy Clear: 1% (180 mL) [contains zinc acetate 0.1%]

Prax®: 1% (15 mL, 120 mL, 240 mL)

Sarna® Sensitive: 1% (222 mL)

Ointment, rectal, as hydrochloride:

Anusol®, Tucks® Hemorrhoidal: 1% (30 g) [contains zinc oxide 12.5% and mineral oil; Anusol® Ointment renamed Tucks® Hemorrhoidal]

Solution, topical, as hydrochloride [spray]:

CalaMycin® Cool and Clear: 1% (60 mL) [contains zinc acetate 0.1%]

Itch-X®: 1% (60 mL) [contains benzyl alcohol]

Soothing Care™ Itch Relief: 1% (74 mL)

Pricing: U.S. (www.drugstore.com)

Foam (Proctofoam)

1% (15): $43.99

International Brand Names

• Anugesic (ZA)
• Nestosyl (NL)
• Primoly Gel (TH)
• Sarmed (IL)
• Tronotene (IT)
• Tronothane (FR)

Lexi-Comp.com

Last full review/revision December 2009

Content last modified December 2009