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menthol zinc

Generic
Used for Itching, Skin Allergy, Pain
Used for Itching, Skin Allergy, Pain

Menthol/zinc oxide is a medication that's applied to the skin which helps prevent irritation caused by moisture from diarrhea, diapers, and wound drainage. It can also help heal and relieve pain from minor burns, cuts, and scrapes. It's available over the counter as a brand-name or lower-cost generic medication.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on April 7, 2022
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsDosageCostAlternativesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Menthol/zinc oxide?

What is Menthol/zinc oxide used for?

Prevents and heals skin irritation from:

  • Urine

  • Diarrhea

  • Sweating

  • Feeding tube site leakage

  • Fluid leakage from wounds or fistulas

  • Minor burns, cuts, or scrapes

  • Itching

How Menthol/zinc oxide works

Menthol/zinc oxide is a topical skin product that's a combination of two medications.

  • Zinc oxide acts as a skin barrier, which means it forms a film that prevents moisture from making direct contact with the skin. This helps prevent irritation from repeated exposure to moisture from things like wet diapers or wounds that leak fluid.

  • Menthol, when applied to the skin, acts as a vasodilator, which means it widens blood vessels in the area in which it's applied. This allows for more blood flow to that area, which can help wounds to heal. It also acts as a counter-irritant. This means that it activates pain sensors in the skin, which then causes them to be less sensitive to pain signals.

Are you looking for information on Sarna (camphor / menthol) lotion or camphor / menthol / methyl salicylate patches instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsCalmoseptine, Hydroseptine, DermaSeptin, CalaSoothe
Drug ClassTopical skin product
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
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Avg retail price
$14.40(save 43.64%)
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$8.12
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What are the side effects of Menthol/zinc oxide?

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

Other Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching, rash, or hives

Source: DailyMed

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Menthol/zinc oxide

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Pros

Acts as a moisture barrier to prevent skin irritation

Can help heal minor burns, cuts, or scrapes

A bandage or dressing can be applied over the medication if needed

Has very few side effects

thumbs-down

Cons

Must be applied multiple times a day for the most benefit

Greasy ointment can be difficult to remove from skin and clothing

Can't be used for deep wounds or punctures

Can cause irritation if it makes contact with the eyes

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Menthol/zinc oxide

pharmacist

  • Menthol/zinc oxide can be applied to different areas of the body for a wide range of problems. Clean the area before applying menthol/zinc oxide with a mild skin cleanser. Pat dry the area dry or allow it to air dry. Apply a thin layer to the affected area (a thick layer of ointment isn't harmful, but it's messy and probably won't provide any extra benefits).

    • The menthol in menthol/zinc oxide might cause a cooling sensation on the skin after application. This should help to calm itchy skin.

      • Some formulations of menthol/zinc oxide, such as Calmoseptine, can cause mild stinging if the medication is applied to damaged skin. This usually goes away within 30 seconds. You can remove the medication if the stinging sensation is too uncomfortable.

        • If you're using menthol/zinc oxide to treat a wound, you can cover the area with a bandage or dressing after applying the medication. Be sure to change the bandage regularly and keep your wound clean.

          • Talk to your provider if you have a wound that isn't healing after using menthol/zinc oxide for 7 days.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Menthol/zinc oxide

            Where can I apply menthol/zinc oxide?
            Menthol/zinc oxide should only be used on uninjured or mildly damaged skin. It can be applied to most affected skin areas including the skin folds, lips, around the anus, and around the vaginal opening. You should avoid using it on deep wounds, inside the vagina, or in or around the eyes. If the medication gets into your eyes, contact a Poison Control Center. Talk to your provider if you're unsure where to apply this medication.
            How long can I use menthol/zinc oxide?
            If you have a skin problem that gets worse or doesn't improve after 7 days of using menthol/zinc oxide, you should speak with your healthcare provider. This might mean that you have a more serious skin condition that your provider should check for.
            Can menthol/zinc oxide treat bacterial or fungal skin infections?
            No. Although zinc oxide has some antibacterial activity, it's not considered a treatment for bacterial or fungal skin infections. Talk to your provider if you think you have a skin infection, or if you've been using menthol/zinc oxide for 7 days and haven't seen an improvement in your skin. Your provider might need to recommend an antifungal or antibacterial cream.
            How does menthol/zinc oxide help with itching?
            The cooling effect of the menthol in the medication helps to soothe itchy skin. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have itchiness that isn't relieved after taking this medication.
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            dosage

            Menthol/zinc oxide dosage forms

            The average cost for 1 tube of 113g of 20%/0.45% of Menthol/zinc oxide is $8.12 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 43.64% off the average retail price of $14.40.
            tube of ointment
            Tube of ointment
            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
            113g of 20%/0.45%1 tube$8.12$8.12

            Typical dosing for Menthol/zinc oxide

            Apply a thin layer of menthol/zinc oxide to the affected skin 2-4 times daily, or after each uncontrolled bowel movement or urination, or diaper change.

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            How much does Menthol/zinc oxide cost?

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            Menthol/zinc oxide (generic)
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            alternatives

            What are alternatives to Menthol/zinc oxide?

            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Menthol/zinc oxide. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
            Menthol/zinc oxide
            Used for:

            Prevents and heals skin irritation from:

            • Urine

            • Diarrhea

            • Sweating

            • Feeding tube site leakage

            • Fluid leakage from wounds or fistulas

            • Minor burns, cuts, or scrapes

            • Itching

            $8.12 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
            Camphor/menthol lotion
            Used for:

            • Minor burns

            • Sunburn

            • Minor cuts

            • Scrapes

            • Insect bites

            • Skin irritations and rashes from poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac

            • Minor muscle or joint pains (e.g., arthritis, backaches, bruises, strains, sprains)

            $10.62 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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