Ammonium Lactate

Dosage form: lotion
Drug class:Topical emollients

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 1, 2021.

Rx Only

For Dermatologic Use Only
Not for Ophthalmic, Oral or Intravaginal Use

Ammonium Lactate Description

*Ammonium Lactate Lotion, 12% specially formulates 12% lactic acid neutralized with ammonium hydroxide, as Ammonium Lactate to provide a lotion pH of 4.5 - 5.5. It also contains cetyl alcohol, fragrance, glycerin, glyceryl stearate, laureth-4, light mineral oil, magnesium aluminum silicate, methylcellulose, methylparaben, PEG-100 stearate, polyoxyl 40 stearate, propylene glycol, propylparaben, and purified water. Lactic acid is a racemic mixture of 2-hydroxypropanoic acid and has the following structural formula:

Ammonium Lactate - Clinical Pharmacology

Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid, it is a normal constituent of tissues and blood. The alpha-hydroxy acids (and their salts) may act as humectants when applied to the skin. This property may influence hydration of the stratum corneum. In addition, lactic acid, when applied to the skin, may act to decrease corneocyte cohesion. The mechanism(s) by which this is accomplished is not yet known.

An in vitro study of percutaneous absorption of Ammonium Lactate lotion, 12% using human cadaver skin indicates that approximately 5.8% of the material was absorbed after 68 hours.

Indications and Usage for Ammonium Lactate

Ammonium Lactate Lotion, 12% is indicated for the treatment of dry, scaly skin (xerosis) and ichthyosis vulgaris, and for the temporary relief of itching associated with these conditions.

Contraindications

Ammonium Lactate Lotion, 12% is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the label ingredients.