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Overview: Ammonium lactate helps soothe dry or itchy skin. Common side effects include a rash or a burning or stinging feeling where it is used. You should avoid sun exposure to the areas where you use ammonium lactate. If sun exposure cannot be avoided, wear clothing to cover the skin while in the sun. If your skin condition gets worse instead of better while using ammonium lactate, stop using it and contact your health care provider.

Uses

What is ammonium lactate used for?

Ammonium lactate is commonly used to help soothe dry or itchy skin from ichthyosis vulgaris or xerosis.

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

How does ammonium lactate work (mechanism of action)?

Ammonium lactate seems to act as a humectant, which means it helps keep moisture in the area where it is applied.

How is ammonium lactate supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Amlactin
  • Lac-Hydrin

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 12% topical cream
  • 12% topical lotion

How should I store ammonium lactate?

Ammonium lactate 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.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of ammonium lactate?

The most common side effects of ammonium lactate are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Rash, such as skin redness and irritation
  • Burning or stinging where applied

There may be other side effects of ammonium lactate 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 ammonium lactate?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ammonium lactate may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using ammonium lactate 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 or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin calledĀ hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use ammonium lactate?

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

  • Amlactin
  • Ammonium lactate
  • Lac Hydrin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about ammonium lactate before using it?

Do not use ammonium lactate unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share ammonium lactate with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep ammonium lactate out of the reach of children.

If you use ammonium lactate lotion, shake it well before each use.

Do not get ammonium lactate in your eyes, mouth, nose, or vagina. If you use this medicine on your face, do not get it on your lips. Be aware that your skin may get red or irritated, which may not be wanted on your face.

Limit or avoid sun exposure or tanning beds on areas where you apply ammonium lactate. If sun exposure cannot be avoided, wear clothing to cover the skin while in the sun.

It is normal to feel a slight burning or stinging if ammonium lactate is applied to areas with cuts, scrapes, cracks, or abrasions, such as after shaving your legs. If you have concerns, contact your health care provider.

If your skin condition gets worse instead of better while using ammonium lactate, stop using it and contact your health care provider.

What should I tell my health care provider before using ammonium lactate?

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 ammonium lactate is right for you.

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

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how ammonium lactate 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 ammonium lactate while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if ammonium lactate 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 ammonium lactate while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does ammonium lactate interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between ammonium lactate and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect ammonium lactate.

Does ammonium lactate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between ammonium lactate 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 ammonium lactate?

If you or someone else has used too much ammonium lactate, 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 ammonium lactate?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.