Menthol and zinc oxide (Topical application)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 13, 2021.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Calmoseptine
• Gold Bond Medicated Body Powder
• Gold Star Medicated
• Risamine

Available Dosage Forms:

• Paste
• Ointment
• Powder

Therapeutic Class: Protectant, Dermatological

Uses for menthol and zinc oxide

Menthol and zinc oxide topical ointment is used to prevent and heal skin irritation caused by urine, diarrhea, sweat, fistula damage, feeding tube site leakage, wound drainage, minor burns, cuts, scrapes, or itching.

Menthol and zinc oxide is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) product.

Before using menthol and zinc oxide

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For menthol and zinc oxide, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to menthol and zinc oxide or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of menthol and zinc oxide topical ointment in children.

Geriatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of menthol and zinc oxide topical ointment in geriatric patients.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper use of menthol and zinc oxide

Use menthol and zinc oxide exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

Menthol and zinc oxide is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in the eyes. Do not use on deep or puncture wounds. You may use it on the skin area around the wound.

To use:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using menthol and zinc oxide.
• Clean the affected area with mild soap and water. Pat dry or allow it to dry.
• Apply a thin layer of the ointment with each diaper change, at bedtime, or when prolonged exposure to wet diapers may occur.

Dosing

The dose of menthol and zinc oxide will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following...