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Topical vitamin A & D is applied to your skin or lips to help soothe and protect it from irritants or after minor injuries. It is usually well tolerated. There may be multiple forms of topical vitamin A & D. They may have different ingredients or be used in different ways. If you are not sure which topical vitamin A & D product to use, talk to your pharmacist or other health care provider.

Uses

What is topical vitamin A & D used for?

Topical vitamin A & D is used to protect your skin. It is helpful for the following purposes.

Topical vitamin A & D may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does topical vitamin A & D work (mechanism of action)?

Topical vitamin A & D helps soothe and protect your skin. It softens and moisturizes your skin. It also helps form a barrier between your skin and irritants, such as wind, cold, or soiled diapers. The ingredients in most topical vitamin A & D products are lanolin and/or petrolatum along with vitamins A and D. Certain topical vitamin A & D products may have other ingredients in addition to or instead of these. If you have allergies, be sure to read all of the ingredients before picking a specific product.

How is topical vitamin A & D supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • A and D
  • Clocream
  • Sween Cream

Dosage forms and strengths

Topical vitamin A & D is available in various strengths and dosage forms, including creams and ointments, which are applied to the skin.

How should I store topical vitamin A & D?

Store topical vitamin A & D according to the package labeling. Most medicines should be kept in a cool, dry place that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight. Avoid freezing it. If you are unsure how to store topical vitamin A & D, ask your pharmacist.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical vitamin A & D?

Topical vitamin A & D is usually well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

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 topical vitamin A & D?

While less common, the most serious side effects of topical vitamin A & D are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical vitamin A & D may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical vitamin A & D 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 called 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 topical vitamin A & D?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical vitamin A & D.

  • A and D
  • Clocream
  • Lanolin
  • Petrolatum
  • Sween Cream
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical vitamin A & D products they stock.

What should I know about topical vitamin A & D before using it?

There may be multiple forms of topical vitamin A & D, and they may have different ingredients or be used in different ways. If you are not sure which topical vitamin A & D product to use, talk to your pharmacist or other health care provider.

Read and follow the directions on the product or follow your health care provider’s recommendations. Topical vitamin A & D should only be used on clean and dry skin. Do not get it in your eyes or swallow it. 

Keep topical vitamin A & D out of the reach of children.

You should not use topical vitamin A & D on any of the following unless your health care provider tells you to do so.

  • Where an animal bit you
  • Serious burns or cuts
  • Deep or puncture wounds

You should stop using topical vitamin A & D and contact your health care provider if any of the following happen.

  • Your skin seems to look worse instead of better
  • Your skin seems to get better but worsens again in a few days
  • You have been using it for seven days or longer

If you are using topical vitamin A & D for diaper rash, follow other suggestions from your health care provider to reduce diaper rash. These may include things like frequent diaper changes, changing diapers right before bed or before long car rides, or using topical vitamin A & D with every diaper change. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using topical vitamin A & D?

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 topical vitamin A & D is right for you.

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

Pregnancy. 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 topical vitamin A & D while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. 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 topical vitamin A & D while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does topical vitamin A & D interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical vitamin A & D and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical vitamin A & D.

Does topical vitamin A & D interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between topical vitamin A & D 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 topical vitamin A & D?

If you or someone else has used too much topical vitamin A & D, 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 topical vitamin A & D?

Topical vitamin A & D is meant to be used only when needed. Use it according to the package directions or as your health care provider recommends. Do not use double or extra doses.