Lac-Hydrin Lotion

Generic name: ammonium lactate
Dosage form: lotion
Drug class:Topical emollients

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 23, 2021.

Lac-Hydrin Lotion Description

*Lac-Hydrin specially formulates 12% lactic acid, neutralized with ammonium hydroxide, as ammonium lactate to provide a lotion pH of 4.5-5.5. Lac-Hydrin (ammonium lactate) Lotion, 12% also contains cetyl alcohol, fragrance, glycerin, glyceryl stearate, laureth-4, light mineral oil, magnesium aluminum silicate, methylcellulose, methyl- and propylparabens, PEG-100 stearate, polyoxyl 40 stearate, propylene glycol and water. Lactic acid is a racemic mixture of 2-hydroxypropanoic acid and has the following structural formula:

Lac-Hydrin Lotion - Clinical Pharmacology

Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid. It is a normal constituent of tissues and blood. The alpha-hydroxy acids (and their salts) are felt to act as humectants when applied to the skin. This property may influence hydration of the stratum corneum. In addition, lactic acid, when applied to the skin, may act to decrease corneocyte cohesion. The mechanism(s) by which this is accomplished is not yet known.

An in vitro study of percutaneous absorption of Lac-Hydrin Lotion using human cadaver skin indicates that approximately 5.8% of the material was absorbed after 68 hours.

Indications and Usage for Lac-Hydrin Lotion

Lac-Hydrin is indicated for the treatment of dry, scaly skin (xerosis) and ichthyosis vulgaris and for temporary relief of itching associated with these conditions.

Contraindications

Lac-Hydrin Lotion is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the label ingredients.