macrogol cetostearyl ether: clinical use

Prescribing considerations

• Confirm that an emollient cream is appropriate for the skin site and degree of dryness.
• Explain external use, hygienic jar handling and the fire risk from contaminated fabrics.
• When used as a pharmaceutical vehicle, assess compatibility and record the preparation date.

Contraindications and cautions

• Sensitivity to chlorocresol.
• Avoid pharmaceutical combinations with phenols; account for reduced antibacterial activity of quaternary ammonium compounds.
• For external use only.

Monitoring

• Assess skin comfort, hydration and any local irritation or folliculitis.
• Review fire-risk factors, particularly smoking, reduced mobility, oxygen use or extensive contamination of clothing and bedding.
• No routine laboratory monitoring is specified.

Clinical pharmacology

A topical emollient vehicle. The paraffin-containing cream reduces surface water loss, while macrogol cetostearyl ether functions within the oil-in-water cream system; systemic pharmacokinetic information is not applicable in the SmPC.

Formulation and product differences

• The selected preparation is a cream containing macrogol cetostearyl ether 22 at 1.8% w/w.
• Excipients include cetostearyl alcohol, chlorocresol, liquid paraffin, white soft paraffin and purified water.
• It is supplied in a polypropylene jar. Store below 25°C and do not freeze.