Ammonium Lactate Drug Details
Generic Name:
Availability:
Prescription and over-the-counter
Therapeutic Class:
Alpha hydroxy acid
Forms:
Cream, lotion
Administration:
By application to the skin
Therapeutic Uses:
- Xerosis
- Ichthyosis vulgaris
Controlled Status:
Not a controlled substance
Ammonium Lactate (Lac-Hydrin) Drug Class
Ammonium lactate (ah-moe-nee-um lak-tate) belongs to a group of drugs called alpha hydroxy acids. It is lactic acid neutralized with ammonium hydroxide to form ammonium lactate.
Ammonium Lactate (Lac-Hydrin) Age Range
Ammonium lactate is approved for use in adults and children 2 years of age and older. Clinical experience has not shown a difference in response between 65+ (elderly) and younger patients.
Ammonium Lactate Uses
Ammonium Lactate (Lac-Hydrin) Uses
Ammonium lactate topical is used for the treatment of xerosis (dry or scaly skin) and ichthyosis vulgaris (an inherited condition characterized by dry skin). It adds moisture to the stratum corneum (outermost layer of skin) and may also decrease corneocyte cohesion. In addition to hydrating dry skin, ammonium lactate also provides temporary relief from itching caused by these skin conditions.
There may be other uses of ammonium lactate—your doctor or pharmacist can give you further drug information.
Ammonium Lactate (Lac-Hydrin) Mechanism of Action
Ammonium lactate increases hydration (moisture) in the skin.
Ammonium Lactate (Lac-Hydrin) Doses
Ammonium lactate topical is available as a generic drug by prescription. It is also available over-the-counter under the brand name Am-Lactin in cream and lotion form in strengths of 5-7%, 12%, and 15%. It should be used on the affected areas twice daily.
Ammonium Lactate Directions
How To Use Ammonium Lactate (Lac-Hydrin)
Topical ammonium lactate comes as a cream or lotion. Apply a small amount to the affected areas and rub it in gently but thoroughly. The recommended application frequency is twice a day.
Read the prescription label or package label carefully. Make sure you use ammonium lactate exactly as advised by your health care provider. Do not change the amount of ammonium lactate used or the application frequency without talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
Shake the bottle of ammonium lactate lotion well before use.
Ammonium lactate is for external use only. Avoid getting it in your eyes, ears, nose, mouth, or vagina. This medicine is not for oral administration (it should not be swallowed).
Tell your doctor if your skin gets worse after using ammonium lactate.
Missed dose: If you miss an application of ammonium lactate, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next application, skip the missed one and go back to your regular schedule. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed application.
Storage: Store ammonium lactate at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in its original container, tightly closed. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.
Unused medicine: Unused and expired ammonium lactate should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to it. Do not throw ammonium lactate in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded ammonium lactate is through a drug take-back program or your local waste disposal company. Learn more about proper medication disposal.
NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on ammonium lactate. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about ammonium lactate, talk to your doctor for medical advice.
Discounted prices for ammonium lactate (Lac-Hydrin) start at $32.46.
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Ammonium Lactate Side Effects
Ammonium Lactate (Lac-Hydrin) Side Effects
The most frequent adverse experiences after application of ammonium lactate at the usual human topical dose are listed below. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects if they are severe or persistent.
- Skin redness, itching, peeling
- Skin irritation (especially on the face)
- Stinging or burning (especially if you have cracked or broken skin or more severe initial skin conditions)
- Dry skin
- Rash
This medication is practically nontoxic, but unusual toxic effects can sometimes occur. Other adverse reactions in addition to those listed above may be more severe.
The above list does not include all the potential side effects of ammonium lactate. Contact your healthcare provider for any unusual adverse reactions, serious symptoms, or persistent side effects. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Ammonium Lactate Overdose: In case someone swallows ammonium lactate, call a doctor immediately. You can also call your local poison control center, provincial poison control center, or the national poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 or emergency services if a person has collapsed, stopped breathing, had a seizure, or is not responding.
Source: FDA
Ammonium Lactate 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.
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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.
Ammonium Lactate Pros & Cons
Ammonium Lactate (Lac-Hydrin) Pros and Cons
- Ammonium lactate contains lactic acid which is a normal constituent of skin. It can cause mild exfoliation and influence hydration in the skin, thereby providing relief from dry skin and itching.
- It is available as a low-cost generic (by prescription only) and over-the-counter as a brand name product.
- It has been found to be safe in children as young as 2 years of age.
- Ammonium lactate can make your skin more sensitive to natural or artificial sunlight and increase the risk of sunburn.
- It is not ideal for use on the face and other areas with sun exposure.
- It can take a few weeks of using ammonium lactate regularly before you notice improvement in your skin.
Ammonium Lactate Pharmacist Tips
Ammonium Lactate (Lac-Hydrin) Tips from Pharmacists
Shake the bottle of ammonium lactate lotion well before use.
Wash your hands after applying the cream or lotion to affected areas.
Stinging or burning may occur after application, especially on broken or cracked skin. Tell your doctor if this is severe.
Tell your doctor if your skin condition does not improve after 4 weeks or gets worse after using this medicine.
Avoid getting ammonium lactate into your eyes, ears, nose, or mouth. Do not use this cream or lotion in your genital area. Rinse thoroughly if the medicine gets into your eyes.
Take precautions to protect your skin from the sun. Wear clothing such as long sleeves and pants, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Ammonium Lactate Rx Savings Tips
Ammonium Lactate (Lac-Hydrin) Rx Savings Tips
Ammonium lactate is a generic medication and is available at significantly lower prices than the brand names. Brand names Lac-Hydrin (discontinued) and Am-Lactin and generic ammonium lactate contain the same medicine and are equally effective and safe. Like with most medications, the generic version offers better value. A BuzzRx ammonium lactate coupon can result in big savings on the brand name and generic forms of the drug. With a BuzzRx discount card, savings card, or discount coupons, the medication could cost you a fraction of retail prices. Ammonium lactate may be under $32.46 for one bottle of the 400 g of 12% strength at Walmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS Pharmacy, and other participating pharmacies with a BuzzRx discount card or free coupon. For the biggest discounts on ammonium lactate, give the checkout clerk your BuzzRx ammonium lactate discount coupon when you drop off your prescriptions or purchase the medicine at the pharmacy counter.
Lowest Price for Ammonium Lactate (Lac-Hydrin) | |
| Brand N/A | Generic $32.46 |
VIEW DISCOUNTS Pricing based on most commonly-filled versions. Select the strength and quantity of your medication for the most accurate pricing. | |
Ammonium Lactate Common Questions
Common Questions about Ammonium Lactate (Lac-Hydrin)
Can I use ammonium lactate 12% on my face?It is best to avoid using ammonium lactate on sun-exposed areas such as the face. This medicine can increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight and increase your risk of sunburn. If sunlight exposure is unavoidable in the treated areas, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. |
Who should not use ammonium lactate?Anyone with a hypersensitivity (allergic reaction) to the active ingredient ammonium lactate or inactive ingredients such as light mineral oil, glycerin, propylene glycol, or parabens should not use it. |
What is Am-Lactin used for?Am-Lactin is used to moisturize dry, scaly, rough, and itchy skin. This is an over-the-counter brand name product that contains ammonium lactate as the active ingredient. |
Can ammonium lactate lighten dark spots?Ammonium lactate contains lactic acid which can potentially lighten dark spots. However, this is not an approved use of topical ammonium lactate. Do not use this medicine on dark spots unless your healthcare provider tells you to. |
Can I use tretinoin and ammonium lactate together?You should only use tretinoin (acne medicine) and ammonium lactate together after checking with your dermatologist. Some studies have found that this combination helps with acanthosis nigricans (darkening of the skin in skin fold areas) associated with obesity. |
What is the price of ammonium lactate without insurance?Without insurance, ammonium lactate can be as high as $71.96, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $32.46 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not. |
What is the price of ammonium lactate with insurance?Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on ammonium lactate—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins. You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for ammonium lactate. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not. |
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