Zinc Oxide is a topical skin product that is used as a protective coating for mild skin irritations and abrasions. It can promote the healing of chapped skin and diaper rash. Zinc oxide works as a mild astringent and has some antiseptic properties.

Zinc oxide is commonly used to prevent or to treat diaper rash by forming a protective barrier between the skin and the diaper. Moderate concentrations (e.g., 15%) are usually used for prevention and maintenance of diaper rash. Higher concentrations (up to 40%) may have absorptive properties and are usually used for treatment of diaper rash.

Your doctor or pharmacist may have suggested Diaper Rash Ointment (Zinc-oxide) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of Diaper Rash Ointment (Zinc-oxide) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or pharmacist or are not sure why you are using Diaper Rash Ointment (Zinc-oxide), speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not give Diaper Rash Ointment (Zinc-oxide) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use Diaper Rash Ointment (Zinc-oxide) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Diaper Rash Ointment (Zinc-oxide) is normally applied to the affected areas several times daily on an as needed basis. Be sure to wash the affected area with soap and water and dry thoroughly before applying zinc oxide.

To treat diaper rash, zinc oxide is normally applied at every diaper change until the redness disappears. To prevent diaper rash from occurring, zinc oxide is normally applied daily. For best results, be sure to change your baby's diaper frequently and keep the area clean and dry.

It is important that Diaper Rash Ointment (Zinc-oxide) be used or given exactly as recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.

Store Diaper Rash Ointment (Zinc-oxide) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Diaper Rash Ointment (Zinc-oxide). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Diaper Rash Ointment (Zinc-oxide) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Diaper Rash Ointment (Zinc-oxide). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• skin sensitivity or irritation

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• symptoms that do not go away after a few days of treatment
• worsening of symptoms (increased redness or skin irritation, worsening rash)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Diaper Rash Ointment (Zinc-oxide).

Zinc oxide comes as cream or ointment in various strengths. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for details.

Zinc oxide should not be used by anyone who is allergic to zinc oxide or to any of the ingredients of the medication.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.