What is Amlactin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Amlactin overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • AmLactin, Amlactin Distribution Pack, AmLactin Foot Cream Therapy, Anti-Itch, Anti-Itch Cream, Aveeno Anti-Itch, Balnetar, Banophen, Benadryl, Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Stopping Cream, Benadryl Itch Relief Stick, Benadryl Itch Stopping Gel, Calagel, Caldyphen Clear, DHS Tar, Geri-Hydrolac, Amlactin Distribution Pack, Halac Kit, Lac-Hydrin Twelve, Lac-Hydrin Twelve, Ultravate Pac, AmLactin

Generic Names:

  • Ammonium Lactate

Uses:

  • Treats itchy skin caused by psoriasis, seborrhea, dandruff, or other conditions. Some forms of this medicine treat scaling and dry skin, which may cause itching., Treats dry, scaly skin from xerosis or ichthyosis. Also temporarily relieves itching caused by these conditions.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Analgesic, Analgesic Combination, Anesthetic, Local, Anesthetic Combination, Antihistamine Combination, Antipruritic, Antipsoriatic, Antiseborrheic, Corticosteroid, Weak, Keratolytic, Protectant, Dermatological, Antipruritic

Forms:

  • Oil, Spray, Shampoo, Soap, Liquid, Gel/Jelly, Ointment, Cream, Lotion, Cream, Foam, Lotion

How it’s taken:

  • On the skin, On the skin

What is Amlactin used for?

Lac-Hydrin is a prescription-only medication that is used to relieve itchy, dry skin associated with certain skin conditions, including xerosis and ichthyosis vulgaris. When applied onto the skin, Lac-Hydrin reduces the inflammation in order to relieve the itchy, dry skin symptoms.

What form(s) does Amlactin come in

  • Oil

  • Spray

  • Shampoo

  • Soap

  • Liquid

  • Gel/Jelly

  • Ointment

  • Cream

  • Lotion

  • Cream

  • Foam

  • Lotion

What are common Amlactin doses?

  • Bottle 57GM of 12%

  • Bottle 500GM of 12%

  • Bottle 567GM of 12%

Common Amlactin prescriptions

  • AmLactin
    225gm of 12% bottle

How to take Amlactin

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to apply and how often. Do not use more medicine or apply it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not put the medicine on your face or on areas that have cuts or scrapes, or where you have recently shaved. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine. Shake the lotion well just before each use.

  • Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

  • Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to apply and how often. Do not use more medicine or apply it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not put the medicine on your face or on areas that have cuts or scrapes, or where you have recently shaved. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine. Shake the lotion well just before each use.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • If you are using this medicine with a prescription, the medicine might come with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • This medicine is for use on your skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away. Some forms of this medicine should not be used on your face, genitals, or rectum. If you are not sure what body areas you can use this medicine on, ask your pharmacist.

  • For the cream, soap, oil, liquid, lotion, ointment, or gel: Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently. You might need to shake the liquid medicine before you use it.

  • Do not use the spray near heat or open flame, or while smoking.

  • To use the shampoo: Wet your hair and scalp thoroughly with water. Work the shampoo into a lather and gently massage it over your whole scalp for 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse your hair thoroughly. Wash your hair again and leave the shampoo on your scalp for another 3 to 5 minutes. Use at least twice a week for best results, or as directed by your doctor.

  • Do not use the spray near heat or open flame, or while smoking.

  • This medicine is for use on your skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away. Some forms of this medicine should not be used on your face, genitals, or rectum. If you are not sure what body areas you can use this medicine on, ask your pharmacist.

  • To use the shampoo: Wet your hair and scalp thoroughly with water. Work the shampoo into a lather and gently massage it over your whole scalp for 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse your hair thoroughly. Wash your hair again and leave the shampoo on your scalp for another 3 to 5 minutes. Use at least twice a week for best results, or as directed by your doctor.

  • If you are using this medicine with a prescription, the medicine might come with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • For the cream, soap, oil, liquid, lotion, ointment, or gel: Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently. You might need to shake the liquid medicine before you use it.

What to do if you miss a dose of Amlactin

  • Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Topical application routeAsk your pharmacist or doctor how to dispose of the medicine container and any leftover or expired medicine.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Amlactin contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to ammonium lactate.

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients.

Amlactin warnings

  • Topical application routeDo not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you are allergic to preservatives or dyes.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. Let your doctor know if your symptoms go away but come back again within a few days.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Topical application routeDo not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Amlactin interactions

  • Topical application routeDo not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin.

  • Topical application routeDo not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Topical application routeDo not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin.

  • Ask your doctor before you start taking any oral medicine while you are using this topical medicine. This includes non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • Topical application routeDo not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

Amlactin side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Peeling, hives, or raised areas on treated skin

  • Stinging or burning of treated skin areas

  • Stinging or burning on your skin.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Rash.

  • Mild skin itching or dryness

  • Stinging or burning of treated skin areas

  • Changes in skin color