Balmex (Topical application)

Generic name:zinc oxide (topical application route) [ zink-OX-ide ]
Drug class:Miscellaneous topical agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 16, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Ammens Medicated
• Balmex
• Boudreaux's Butt Paste
• Critic-Aid Skin Care Pack
• Delazinc
• Desitin
• Hemorrodil
• Lassar's Paste
• Medi-Paste
• Periguard
• Perishield
• Prevacare Personal Protective

In Canada

• Dr. Scholl's Medicated Foot Powder
• Silon
• Zincofax Extra Strength
• Zincofax Fragrance-Free
• Zincofax Original
• Zinc Oxide

Available Dosage Forms:

• Paste
• Ointment
• Cream
• Lotion
• Spray
• Gel/Jelly
• Stick
• Powder

Therapeutic Class: Protectant, Dermatological

Uses for Balmex

Zinc oxide topical cream is used to treat and prevent diaper rash. It is also used to protect skin from being irritated and wet caused by diaper use.

This medicine is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) product.

Before using Balmex

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Geriatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of zinc oxide cream in geriatric patients.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Infection of the skin at or near the place of application or
• Large sores, broken skin, or severe skin injury at the place of application—Should not be used in patients with these conditions without advice of your doctor.

Proper use of Balmex

This section provides information on the proper us...