calactodryl lotion - Calamine (8% w/v) + Diphenhydramine (1% w/v) medicine

calactodryl lotion - Uses, Price, Side Effects & Substitutes

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๐Ÿญ May and Baker Pharmaceuticals Ltd ๐Ÿ“ฆ Varies by brand ๐Ÿ’Š Allopathy ๐Ÿ“… Updated: Jul 2, 2026
๐Ÿ“‹ Prescription Required ๐Ÿ’Š Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Jul 02, 2026

What is calactodryl lotion used for?

Calactodryl Lotion (Calamine + Diphenhydramine) is used to treat DERMA. It contains Calamine (8% w/v) + Diphenhydramine (1% w/v), which Calamine acts as a mild astringent and protectant, drying oozing and weeping les. Always consult your doctor before use. Take as prescribed.

  • Generic Name: Calamine + Diphenhydramine
  • Manufacturer: May and Baker Pharmaceuticals Ltd
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: A
  • Prescription Required: Yes
๐Ÿ’ก Did You Know? India is the largest provider of generic medicines globally, supplying over 50% of global vaccine demand.

๐Ÿ’Š calactodryl lotion Uses & Benefits

Relief of itching and discomfort from poison ivy, poison oak, insect bites, mild sunburn, and other minor skin irritations.

Off-label uses: Chickenpox itching, Shingles pain relief

๐Ÿ“‹ Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Calamine + Diphenhydramine
Brand NameCalactodryl Lotion
ManufacturerMay and Baker Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassDERMA
Action ClassTopical Antipruritic and Astringent
Route of AdministrationTopical
StorageStore at room temperature (20-25ยฐC); keep tightly closed; avoid freezing.
Shelf LifeAs per manufacturer

๐Ÿ”ฌ Pharmacology (PK/PD)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionMinimal systemic absorption through intact skin; absorption may increase with broken skin or prolonged use.
DistributionNot well characterized; limited systemic distribution due to topical application.
Protein BindingNot applicable for topical use; diphenhydramine is approximately 80-85% protein bound if absorbed.
MetabolismDiphenhydramine is metabolized in the liver via CYP450 enzymes; calamine is not metabolized.
Half-LifeDiphenhydramine: 2.4-9.3 hours (oral); topical absorption minimal.
ExcretionDiphenhydramine and metabolites are excreted primarily in urine; calamine is excreted unchanged in feces.
BioavailabilityNegligible systemic bioavailability with topical application.
Onset of ActionRapid (within minutes) for antipruritic effect.
Peak Plasma TimeNot applicable for topical use; systemic levels are minimal.
Duration of Action2-4 hours for antipruritic effect.

How It Works

Calamine acts as a mild astringent and protectant, drying oozing and weeping lesions. Diphenhydramine is an H1-antihistamine that blocks histamine receptors, reducing itching and inflammation.

Mechanism Steps

1Calamine forms a protective layer on skin, absorbing moisture and reducing irritation.
2Diphenhydramine penetrates skin and blocks histamine H1 receptors on sensory nerve endings.
3Blockade of H1 receptors reduces histamine-induced itching and vasodilation.

๐Ÿ’ก How to Take calactodryl lotion

Follow your doctor's prescription exactly.

โš ๏ธ Side Effects of calactodryl lotion

โœ… Common Side Effects

  • Mild skin irritation
  • Dryness
  • Stinging at application site

๐Ÿšจ Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction (rash, hives, swelling)
  • Worsening of skin condition

โš ๏ธ Rare Side Effects

  • Systemic anticholinergic effects (if applied to large areas of broken skin): dry mouth, urinary retention, blurred vision

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

๐Ÿ”ฌ Drug Interactions

โšก Moderate Interactions

  • CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids)

โ„น๏ธ Minor Interactions

  • Anticholinergic drugs

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Food Interactions

No significant food interactions.

๐Ÿท Alcohol Interaction

Avoid alcohol; may increase CNS depression if significant systemic absorption occurs.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Safety & Warnings

๐Ÿšซ Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to any component; avoid on large areas of broken skin or with occlusive dressings.

๐Ÿ“Š Monitoring Parameters

Monitor for skin irritation or allergic reaction; if condition worsens or persists >7 days, discontinue use.

๐Ÿคฑ Lactation Safety

Diphenhydramine may be excreted in breast milk; topical use is likely safe but caution advised.

๐Ÿ’Š Overdose Management

Overdose unlikely with topical use; if ingested, treat symptomatically and supportively.

โฐ Missed Dose

Apply as needed; not on a fixed schedule.

๐Ÿ‘จโ€โš•๏ธ Reviewed by Expert

SaathiMed Expert Panel

MD, PhD - Pharmacology

Reviewed: Jul 02, 2026

๐Ÿ”— View Profile

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