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Overview: Dimethicone is used to hydrate and protect your skin. It may be used for a variety of skin conditions, including chapped, cracked, or dry skin. Dimethicone is usually well tolerated, but it may cause itching or irritation. It comes in many forms, such as a cloth, cream, gel, liquid, lotion, and stick that is applied to the skin. Follow the instructions for the specific product you are using. Do not swallow the medicine or get it in your eyes.

Uses

What is dimethicone used for?

Dimethicone is commonly used to hydrate and protect your skin. It may be used to treat or prevent conditions such as the following. 

  • Chafed, chapped, or cracked skin or lips
  • Dry skin due to wind or cold weather
  • Itchy skin
  • Diaper rash
  • Skin irritation from perineal dermatitis, which affects the skin around the genitals and anus, including skin damage from incontinence (trouble controlling when you pee and poop)

Uses may vary depending on the specific dimethicone product. Follow the instructions on the specific dimethicone product you are using.

Dimethicone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does dimethicone work (mechanism of action)?

Dimethicone may work by forming a protective layer to help lock in moisture and protect against irritants.

How is dimethicone supplied (dosage forms)?

Example brands and other names

  • Cavilon
  • Mederma 
  • Sween 24

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 1.2%, 2%, 3% topical gel
  • 1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 2%, 3%, 5% topical lotion
  • 1.75% topical liquid
  • 1%, 1.3%, 1.5%, 2%, 3%, 3.35%, 4%, 5%, 6% topical cream
  • 3.2% topical cloth
  • 2% stick

How should I store dimethicone?

Dimethicone should usually be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Some products may allow you to store them at slightly higher or lower temperatures, such as down to 59 F (15 C) or up to 86 F (30 C). In general, it is best to avoid exposing dimethicone to extreme temperatures, such as freezing or excessive heat. Check the label of your specific product or ask your pharmacist if you have questions about how to store dimethicone.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of dimethicone?

The most common side effect of dimethicone is itching or irritation. Tell your health care provider if you have itching or irritation that bothers you. 

There may be other side effects of dimethicone that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of dimethicone?

While less common, the most serious side effects of dimethicone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Dimethicone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. If you are not sure how your skin reacts to dimethicone, you can try testing dimethicone on a small area of skin on the inside of your arm to see how you react. Stop using dimethicone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use dimethicone?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use dimethicone.

  • Dimethicone
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific dimethicone products they stock.

Certain Skin Problems. Do not use dimethicone on deep wounds, puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.

What should I know about dimethicone before using it?

Read and follow the instructions that come with the specific dimethicone product you are using. There are several forms of dimethicone available and they may need to be used in different ways. Ask your pharmacist or other health care provider if you are not sure how to use your product.

Keep dimethicone out of the reach of children and pets.

Dimethicone is meant to be used on the outside of your body. Do not swallow dimethicone or get it in your eyes. If dimethicone is swallowed, get emergency help or call a Poison Control Center right away. If you get dimethicone in your eyes, rinse your eyes well with water. 

Stop using dimethicone and call your health care provider if your skin gets worse or you have redness, irritation, itching, or swelling where the product was applied. Also stop using dimethicone and call your health care provider if your symptoms last more than seven days or your skin clears up and gets worse again. 

Some dimethicone products may stain fabrics. Check the label for the product you are using.

What should I tell my health care provider before using dimethicone?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if dimethicone is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how dimethicone could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use dimethicone while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if dimethicone passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use dimethicone while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does dimethicone interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between dimethicone and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between dimethicone and alcohol.

Does dimethicone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between dimethicone and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much dimethicone?

If you or someone else has used too much dimethicone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of dimethicone?

Dimethicone is usually used when needed. Talk to your pharmacist or other health care provider if you have any questions about the medicine or how to use it correctly.