zinc oxide: clinical use

Prescribing considerations

• Confirm that symptoms fit the licensed roles of nappy-rash relief or protection of dry, chapped skin.
• Check for peanut and soya allergy because the selected ointment contains refined arachis oil.
• Counsel about fabric contamination and severe-burn risk near ignition sources.
• Consider recent application before radiographic examinations because zinc oxide may mask images.

Contraindications and cautions

• Hypersensitivity to zinc oxide or another ingredient
• Known peanut allergy
• Known soya allergy

Monitoring

• No routine laboratory monitoring is described.
• Review persistent, spreading or worsening nappy rash, fever, marked discomfort or features suggesting infection or another diagnosis.

Clinical pharmacology

A topical emollient and protectant. Zinc oxide has mild antiseptic activity, while the complete formulation creates a water-resistant skin barrier. Pharmacokinetic data are unavailable.

Formulation and product differences

• The selected ointment contains zinc oxide with refined arachis oil, castor oil, beeswax and cetostearyl alcohol.
• Other zinc oxide products may have different active ingredients, excipients, licences and application sites; check their product information individually.