Crotamiton is a drug that is used as a scabicidal (for treating scabies) and an antipruritic. A prescribed lotion based medicine that is applied to the whole body to rid of the parasite that burrows under the skin and causes itching.

Use

For treating scabies, crotamiton should be applied to the whole body rather than a localized area. It is applied 2 times to 3 times with a 24 hour delay, and the patient is asked to take a shower after 48 hours. For children under 3 years it is applied once daily. Crotamiton can also be used to treat itching stemming from other causes, e.g. insect bites, in which case it is applied to the itching areas only, and repeated if necessary after 4 to 8 hours. Use near the eyes and any broken skin should be avoided.

Pharmacology

The mechanism of action of crotamiton is unknown, but it is toxic to the scabies mite.

Pharmacokinetics

After topical application, crotamiton is absorbed systemically. It has an elimination half-life of 30.9 hours and 4.8-8.8% is excreted in the urine.

Side effects

The most common side effect of crotamiton is skin irritation.

Trade name

Crotamiton is marketed under the trade name Eurax which is manufactured by Novartis in the UK. [trade name] 'Euracin' which is manufactured by 'Green Cross' in the South Korea.