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Overview: Pramoxine is primarily used to relieve pain or itching from hemorrhoids or irritated skin. It works by temporarily blocking nerve signals that cause you to feel pain. The most common side effects are temporary burning or stinging sensation where it is applied. There are several forms of pramoxine available, including a cream, foam, spray, and cloth.

Uses

What is pramoxine used for?

Pramoxine is commonly used to relieve pain and itching from hemorrhoids or skin irritation.

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

How does pramoxine work (mechanism of action)?

Pramoxine works by temporarily blocking nerve signals that cause you to feel pain. 

How is pramoxine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Anti-Itch Soothing Spray
  • Anti-Itch Soothing Wipes
  • Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 1% cloth, cream, foam, or spray

How should I store pramoxine?

Topical Foam. Pramoxine topical foam should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). Do not refrigerate. Protect from excessive heat and flames.

Topical Cloth and Spray. Pramoxine topical cloth and spray should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C).

Topical Cream. Storage requirements for pramoxine topical cream have not been provided with the product packaging. Most medicines should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of pramoxine?

The most common side effect of pramoxine is a temporary burning or stinging sensation where it is applied. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of pramoxine 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. 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 pramoxine?

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

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

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

  • Pramoxine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product you are using

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific pramoxine product you are using.

What should I know about pramoxine before using it?

Keep pramoxine out of the reach of children. 

Do not apply pramoxine to open wounds or inside your ears. 

Do not allow pramoxine to come in contact with your eyes. If the medicine gets in your eye, wash your eye with water or saline right away and protect the eye until the numbing effect has worn off.

Do not use pramoxine inside your rectum. It is only for use on the outside of your body.

There are multiple forms of pramoxine available. Follow the instructions on the product you have and make sure you understand how to use it properly. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Wash your hands well after using pramoxine.

If your symptoms worsen or do not get better within seven days, or if you have rectal bleeding, contact your health care provider right away. 

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

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 determine if pramoxine is right for you.

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

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how pramoxine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if pramoxine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does pramoxine interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect pramoxine.

Does pramoxine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between pramoxine 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 pramoxine?

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

Pramoxine is meant to be used only when needed. Use it as your health care provider recommends. Do not use double or extra doses.