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

ammonium lactate

Generic AmLactin
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:
reviewerSean Moshrefi, PharmD
reviewerCydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on September 14, 2023
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
Full effect
MONTHS

Drug facts

Common BrandsAmLactin
Drug ClassAlpha-hydroxy acid
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription or over-the-counter
side-effects-icon

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%)

Less Common Side Effects

  • Itching
  • Dry skin

Ammonium lactate 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:
M
H
D
W
M
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 Ammonium lactate 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 these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Change in skin color
  • Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
  • Skin reactions on sun-exposed areas
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$22.99(Save 52.89%)
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$10.83
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pros-and-cons-icon

Pros and cons of Ammonium lactate

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

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
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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.
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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.

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.

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.

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Ammonium lactate dosage

The average cost for 1 bottle of 225g of 12% of Ammonium lactate is $16.28 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 62.37% off the average retail price of $43.26.
bottle of creamBottle of cream
DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
385g of 12%1 bottle$13.94$13.94
bottle of lotionBottle of lotion
DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
225g of 12%1 bottle$16.28$16.28
400g of 12%1 bottle$21.90$21.90
tube of creamTube of cream
DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
140g of 12%1 tube$10.83$10.83

Typical dosage for Ammonium lactate

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

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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

(save 80.50%)
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alternatives-icon

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
$10.83Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
Used for:
  • Hyperkeratosis (abnormally thick or tough skin or nails)
$8.25Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
Used for:
  • Dry skin
  • Relief of burning and itching from skin conditions, such as eczema
  • Wound healing
$5,590.57Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
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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.

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.

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