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Ammonium Lactate Coupon - Ammonium Lactate 225g of 12% bottle of lotion

ammonium lactate

Generic AmLactin
Used for Dry Skin
Used for Dry Skin

Ammonium lactate is a medication that's used to treat dry, scaly, and itchy skin. It comes in lotions and creams that you rub onto your skin twice daily. This medication has few side effects, including rash, burning, or stinging, and it can make it easier for you to get sunburns. Ammonium lactate is available as a lower-cost generic by prescription, but you can also find it over-the-counter as AmLactin brand-name products.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Sean Moshrefi, PharmD
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on September 14, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Ammonium lactate?

What is Ammonium lactate used for?

  • Dry, itchy, or scaly skin

How Ammonium lactate works

Ammonium lactate is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Experts don't know exactly how ammonium lactate relieves dry and itchy skin. But it's thought to help boost healthy skin renewal through gentle skin exfoliation. It also appears to help keep the skin moisturized.

When does Ammonium lactate start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAmLactin
Drug ClassAlpha-hydroxy acid
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription or over-the-counter
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Avg retail price
$38.99(save 72.23%)
GoodRx discount
$10.83
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basics-icon

What are the side effects of Ammonium lactate?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Rash, including skin redness or irritation (10-15%)
  • Burning or stinging (10-15%)

Other Side Effects

  • Itching
  • Dry skin

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Allergic reaction: hives, severe rash, swelling
When do Ammonium lactate possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Burning or stinging on the skin
Risk for sunburn
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Change in skin color
  • Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
  • Sensitivity to light
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Ammonium lactate

thumbs-up

Pros

Mildly exfoliates to help remove dry, flaky, or scaly skin

Can use prescription versions for children as young as 2 years old

Also available over-the-counter

thumbs-down

Cons

Can cause you to sunburn easier

Might not be a good option to use on your face because of risk of stinging near sensitive areas and risk of sunburn

Might take a few weeks of everyday use to notice improvement in skin texture

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Ammonium lactate

pharmacist

  • Wash your hands before and after applying ammonium lactate. If you're using the lotion version of this medication, shake the bottle well before each time you apply it onto your skin.

    • You might feel stinging or burning after you apply ammonium lactate to your skin, but it should go away after a while. This is more likely to happen if you use the medication on skin that's cut, scraped, or freshly shaven. Talk to your provider if these side effects become intolerable.

      • Be careful if you apply ammonium lactate onto your face. Avoid getting the medication near or in your eyes, lips, mouth, or nose because doing so can cause irritation.

        • Ammonium lactate can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which means you might sunburn more easily. This can happen even during the winter and on overcast days. Make sure to avoid sun exposure to the areas where you applied the medication, wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, and use a moisturizing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 while you're using ammonium lactate.

          • Ammonium lactate works best when you use it every day. Let your provider know if you notice that your skin condition hasn't improved or has worsened after a few weeks of using this medication. You might need a different medication to help with your skin.

            • Other things you can do to help with dry skin while you're using ammonium lactate include staying hydrated and avoiding hot water and harsh skin products (e.g., soaps, hand sanitizers). Ask your pharmacist for recommendations on non-irritating, mild cleansers to use.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Ammonium lactate

              Is ammonium lactate an antifungal?
              No, ammonium lactate isn't an antifungal medication. It doesn't fight against fungal infections, such as yeast infections. Ammonium lactate is an alpha-hydroxy acid that gets rid of dead skin cells from the outer layer of your skin so that new, healthy skin can be restored (this is called exfoliation). This medication also helps moisturize your skin. Ask your provider about what treatment is right for you if you have a fungal or yeast infection.
              Is ammonium lactate a steroid?
              No, ammonium lactate isn't a steroid medication. Ammonium lactate is an alpha-hydroxy acid. Dry, scaly, and itchy skin can sometimes come with inflammation (swelling and redness). Steroids work to help ease inflammation, whereas ammonium lactate works to restore and moisturize healthy skin. Your provider might recommend that you use a topical steroid medication on your skin along with ammonium lactate to help with your skin problem.
              Can you use ammonium lactate on your face?
              Yes, but you should be careful when using ammonium lactate on your face, especially if you have sensitive skin. Make sure to avoid getting the medication near your eyes or lips or in your mouth or nose to prevent irritation. You might feel a little stinging or burning if you use ammonium lactate on cuts, scrapes or shaven skin on your face. Also keep in mind that ammonium lactate can make your skin more sensitive to the sun and make it easier to get a sunburn. So you might want to consider applying moisturizing sunscreen or wearing a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face from the sun.
              Does ammonium lactate lighten skin?
              Ammonium lactate isn't FDA approved to help lighten skin. Ammonium lactate does contain lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that might help with discoloration and affect skin pigmentation. But more research is needed in this area. Don't use ammonium lactate to lighten your skin unless your provider instructed you to do so. Discuss with your provider about your options.
              Is ammonium lactate good for eczema?
              Ammonium lactate might help relieve dry, itchy skin from eczema. Moisturizers, like ammonium lactate and other emollients, are one of the treatment options for eczema. They help restore your skin and keep your skin hydrated. But keep in mind that they don't treat the root cause of eczema like other treatments do. Ask your provider if ammonium lactate is right for you if you have eczema.
              Is ammonium lactate good for wrinkles?
              Ammonium lactate isn't FDA approved for wrinkles. But ammonium lactate does contain lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that some research suggests can help lessen roughness and smooth skin. Keep in mind that more studies need to be done to confirm whether ammonium lactate can help with wrinkles. Ask your provider what available options there are to help lessen wrinkles.
              Why does ammonium lactate smell bad?
              Ammonium lactate has a naturally-occurring smell that some people might find unpleasant. But the smell should fade away after you apply the product. Ask your provider or pharmacist for recommendations or alternatives if you can't tolerate the smell of ammonium lactate.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Ammonium lactate?

              Ammonium lactate can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Sunburn

              Ammonium lactate can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, which can make it easier for you to get sunburns. Try to avoid sun exposure to the areas of skin where you applied ammonium lactate. Make sure to wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when you go outside, even on overcast days and during the winter.

              risk-warning

              For use on skin only

              Ammonium lactate is intended to be used on the skin only. Keep it out of your mouth, nose, eyes, and genitals. Rinse well with water if you accidentally get the medication in any of these areas.

              dosage

              Ammonium lactate dosage forms

              The average cost for 1 bottle of 225g of 12% of Ammonium lactate is $16.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 58.97% off the average retail price of $38.99.
              bottle of cream
              Bottle of cream
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              385g of 12%1 bottle$27.41$27.41
              bottle of lotion
              Bottle of lotion
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              225g of 12%1 bottle$16.00$16.00
              400g of 12%1 bottle$29.80$29.80
              tube of cream
              Tube of cream
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              140g of 12%1 tube$10.83$10.83

              Typical dosing for Ammonium lactate

              Apply the cream or lotion to the affected area(s) twice a day. Rub into the skin well.

              drug-cost

              How much does Ammonium lactate cost?

              To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
              Ammonium lactate (generic)
              GoodRx lowest price

              $10.83

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              alternatives

              What are alternatives to Ammonium lactate?

              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Ammonium lactate. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
              Ammonium lactate
              Used for:

              • Dry, itchy, or scaly skin

              $10.83 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Urea
              Used for:

              • Hyperkeratosis (abnormally thick or tough skin or nails)

              $45.71 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Skin emollients
              Used for:

              • Dry skin

              • Relief of burning and itching from skin conditions, such as eczema

              • Wound healing

              $5748.93 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              images

              Ammonium lactate images

              This medicine is Colorless Bottle Of Lotion.
              This medicine is Colorless Bottle Of Lotion.
              white - Ammonium Lactate 12% Topical Lotion
              This medicine is White Bottle Of Lotion.white - Ammonium Lactate 12% Topical Lotion
              This medicine is Colorless Bottle Of Lotion.

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              References

              Best studies we found

              Advantice Health, LLC. (n.d.). Frequently asked questions. 

              Algiert-Zielińska, B., et al. (2019). Lactic and lactobionic acids as typically moisturizing compounds. International Journal of Dermatology.

              Ademola, J., et al. (2002). Clinical evaluation of 40% urea and 12% ammonium lactate in the treatment of xerosis. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology.

              View All References (5)

              Kornhauser, A., et al. (2010). Applications of hydroxy acids: Classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.

              Moghimipour, E. (2012). Hydroxy acids, the most widely used anti-aging agents. Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical Products.

              Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (2022). Ammonium lactate lotion [package insert]. DailyMed.

              Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. (2022). Ammonium lactate cream [package insert]. DailyMed.

              U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2018). Guidance for industry: Labeling for cosmetics containing alpha hydroxy acids.

              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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