Ammonium Lactate

Last Reviewed: Oct 24, 2024

Warnings


Ammonium Lactate (Lac-Hydrin) Risks, Warnings, and Complications


Ammonium lactate may cause or worsen health problems in some people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatment options for xerosis or ichthyosis vulgaris if you are at an increased risk of adverse effects from this drug.

  • ALLERGIC REACTIONS: Seek emergency medical care if you develop an allergic reaction after using ammonium lactate. Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction include a severe skin rash, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing.

  • FOR DERMAL USE ONLY: Ammonium lactate is for external use only. Do not use this cream or lotion near the eyes or in the nose, ears, mouth, or vagina. Rinse well if the product gets into these areas.

  • SUNBURN: Skin treated with ammonium lactate can be more sensitive to natural or artificial sunlight. Avoid sun exposure as much as possible. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin.

  • CARCINOGENESIS, MUTAGENESIS, AND FERTILITY: Animal studies in mice have been done with 0.7 times the maximum systemic exposure in humans. These studies have not shown a significant increase in dermal or systemic tumors after topical treatment with ammonium lactate for up to 2 years in the absence of increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation. However, a long-term study in hairless albino mice suggested that 12% ammonium lactate topical cream increased the incidence of ultraviolet light-induced skin tumors. Animal reproduction studies using up to 1.5 times the maximum human dose have not found ammonium lactate cream to be associated with mutagenesis (DNA mutations) or effects on fertility.


Precautions Before Starting Ammonium Lactate (Lac-Hydrin)

Tell your health care professional if you are allergic to ammonium lactate, any of the active or inactive ingredients in ammonium lactate formulations, or any other drugs. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.

Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of all your medications, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid possible interactions.

Give your doctor a complete medical history. Ammonium lactate may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, might be pregnant, are planning a pregnancy soon, or are breast-feeding. It is unclear if this medication passes into breast milk.

Precautions During Use of Ammonium Lactate (Lac-Hydrin)

Use ammonium lactate as prescribed by your health care professional or advised on the package label. Do not use it for any condition other than prescribed. 

Temporary stinging or burning is common after using ammonium lactate, more so if you have cracked or broken skin. However, you should stop using ammonium lactate topical if your skin condition worsens. 

Call your doctor if you become pregnant while using this medicine.

Ammonium Lactate (Lac-Hydrin) Drug Interactions

Treatment with certain other medications alongside ammonium lactate can affect how it works. Clinically significant drug interactions can also increase the risk of severe adverse effects.

Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription medications.