macrogol cetostearyl ether at a glance
Medicine class
Topical emollient cream and pharmaceutical vehicle.
Licensed roles
Moisturising the skin and diluting compatible external preparations.
Who can use it
The selected product is suitable for adults, children and older people.
Important safety point
Residue on clothing, bedding or dressings can make fabrics burn more readily. Keep away from cigarettes, flames and heat sources.
What is macrogol cetostearyl ether used for?
The selected product has two licensed uses:
As an emollient applied externally to the skin.
As a diluent in compatible medicinal preparations for external use.
How does macrogol cetostearyl ether work?
The finished cream has an emollient effect. Its oily ingredients form a surface film that reduces moisture loss, while macrogol cetostearyl ether helps maintain the mixture of oily and water-based components.
How to take macrogol cetostearyl ether
For external use only. Follow product or professional directions. Gently smooth the cream over skin rather than rubbing vigorously. Use a clean utensil to remove cream from the jar, and do not mix it with another skin treatment unless specifically directed.
Wash and dry your hands before use unless treating the hands.
Smooth the cream in the direction of hair growth.
Keep treated fabrics away from cigarettes, flames and heat.
macrogol cetostearyl ether side effects
Common or expected effects
- The product information lists no known adverse effects.
- Emollients can sometimes cause burning, stinging, inflamed hair follicles or an acne-like facial rash; frequency for this product is not established.
Get urgent medical advice
- A burn if cream-contaminated fabric catches fire requires urgent assessment.
- Stop using it and seek prompt advice if marked or worsening skin irritation suggests sensitivity to an ingredient.
macrogol cetostearyl ether in pregnancy
The product information states that no special pregnancy precautions are required for this cream vehicle. Ask a pharmacist, midwife or prescriber if the skin problem is severe, widespread or associated with significant pregnancy-related itching.
macrogol cetostearyl ether while breastfeeding
The product information states that no special lactation precautions are required for this cream vehicle. If it is being considered for the breast or nipple, ask a healthcare professional how to prevent the baby swallowing or directly contacting the cream.
macrogol cetostearyl ether interactions
No medicinal interactions are known for ordinary topical use. Pharmaceutical incompatibilities matter when the cream is used as a diluent.
Phenols
Macrogol cetostearyl ether is incompatible with phenols, so preparations should not be mixed without a compatibility assessment.
Quaternary ammonium antiseptics
The cream ingredient can reduce their antibacterial activity, which may make a compounded mixture unsuitable.
Other topical treatments
Do not mix products on the skin unless directed, because an emollient may dilute or spread the other treatment.
Common questions about macrogol cetostearyl ether
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is this the same as oral macrogol for constipation?
No. The selected product is an externally applied emollient cream and pharmaceutical vehicle; it is not an oral laxative.
Can children use this cream?
Yes. The selected product is described as suitable for children, adults and older people.
Can it dilute another skin preparation?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.