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Overview: Allantoin is used to hydrate and protect your skin. It may be used for a variety of skin conditions, including chapped, cracked, or dry skin. It is usually well tolerated. Allantoin comes in many forms, such as creams, gels, lotions, and ointments that are 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 allantoin used for?

Allantoin is commonly used to hydrate and protect your skin, such as for the following conditions. 

  • Chapped, cracked, or chafed skin
  • Minor cuts, scrapes, or burns
  • Dry skin due to wind or cold weather
  • To protect lips and cuticles

These uses may vary depending on the specific allantoin product. Allantoin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does allantoin work (mechanism of action)?

Allantoin may work by forming a protective layer to help lock in moisture and protect against irritants. It may also help heal minor cuts, scrapes, or burns by supporting the growth of new skin cells. 

How is allantoin supplied (dosage forms)?

Example brands and other names

  • Aluroderm Scar
  • BioBarrier
  • Calm and Heal Melting Balm
  • Coats Aloe
  • Diabetic Wound Gel
  • Mederma

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • Various forms, such as topical creams, gels, lotions, and ointments, that are applied to the skin

How should I store allantoin?

Allantoin should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Check the label of your specific product or ask your pharmacist if you have questions about how to store allantoin.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of allantoin?

There are no reported side effects from allantoin. 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 allantoin?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Allantoin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using allantoin 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 allantoin?

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

  • Allantoin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

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

Certain Skin Problems. Do not use allantoin on deep wounds, puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns. Do not use it on infected skin. 

What should I know about allantoin before using it?

Read and follow the instructions that come with the specific allantoin product you are using. There are several forms of allantoin 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 allantoin out of the reach of children and pets.

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

Stop using allantoin 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 allantoin and call your health care provider if your symptoms last more than 7 days or your skin clears up and gets worse again.

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

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 allantoin is right for you.

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

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how allantoin could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. 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 allantoin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if allantoin 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 allantoin while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does allantoin interact with foods or drinks?

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

There are no known interactions between allantoin and alcohol.

Does allantoin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between allantoin 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 allantoin?

If you or someone else has used too much allantoin, 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 allantoin?

Allantoin 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.