Description:

Kalamina Lotion 200ml (by ECL / Ernest Chemists Limited) is a classic calamine-based topical lotion used for soothing and protective relief from minor skin irritations, itching, rashes, sunburn, insect bites, prickly heat, chickenpox spots, and mild allergic skin reactions. It provides a cooling, drying, and antipruritic (anti-itch) effect, helps reduce inflammation, and forms a protective barrier on the skin. The lotion is pink in color due to calamine and is a very common, inexpensive OTC product in Ghana (Accra) pharmacies for skin comfort and minor dermatological issues.

Prescription:

Over-the-counter (OTC). No prescription required for short-term topical use; freely available in pharmacies and retail outlets in Ghana. Consult a pharmacist or doctor if symptoms persist, worsen, involve large areas, infection signs (pus, fever, spreading redness), or for use on face/genitals in children.

Therapeutic Category:

Topical Skin Protectant / Antipruritic / Astringent Lotion (Calamine-based soothing and drying agent for minor skin irritations.

Active Ingredients/Composition: Per 100 ml (standard BPC formulation):

• Calamine – 15% w/v (zinc oxide + ferric oxide mixture; provides pink color, cooling, and mild astringent/anti-itch effect).
• Zinc Oxide – 5% w/v (additional skin protectant and drying agent). Other ingredients: Bentonite (suspending agent), sodium citrate, glycerin, phenol (preservative/mild antiseptic), calcium hydroxide, purified water. The lotion is pink, thin, and has a mild medicinal scent.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: Yes – Zinc (from zinc oxide and calamine; acts as skin protectant and mild astringent, not nutritional mineral supplement).

Variant:

• Kalamina Lotion 200ml (standard lotion bottle). Related variants: Kalamina Lotion 100ml or 120ml (smaller sizes), Calamine Ointment (thicker form), or Calamine + Pramoxine (with added local anesthetic for itch relief in some markets). The 200ml is the common family size.

Consume Type:

Topical – Lotion (applied externally to skin; shake well before use; not for oral, ophthalmic, or internal use).

Directions/Usage: Shake bottle well to mix.

• Clean and dry affected area.
• Apply a thin layer to irritated skin 2–4 times daily (or as needed) using cotton wool or clean hands.
• For widespread irritation (e.g., chickenpox, prickly heat): Dab or gently pat on.
• Duration: Short-term until symptoms improve; do not use longer without medical advice.
• Avoid eyes, mouth, open wounds, or broken skin (unless advised).
• Wash hands after application.

Common Side Effects: Common (mild/local):

• Temporary skin drying or tightness.
• Mild stinging on application (if skin is raw).
• Pink residue/staining on clothing (washes out). Rare: Allergic contact dermatitis (rash, itching, redness—discontinue). No systemic effects expected with topical use.

Package Type:

Plastic bottle of 200ml (amber or clear with screw cap; often in simple carton or no carton; labelled with ingredients, uses, and instructions).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep tightly closed. Do not freeze. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• For external use only; avoid eyes, mouth, mucous membranes, or large areas/long-term use without advice.
• Contraindicated if allergic to calamine, zinc oxide, or ingredients.
• Caution in pregnancy/breastfeeding (generally safe topically), children (safe from birth but consult for infants), or broken skin (may sting).
• If severe irritation, rash, swelling, or infection signs (pus, fever) occur, stop use and seek medical care.
• Not for deep infections or serious skin conditions (may mask symptoms).
• Keep out of reach of children.

Product Substitutes: Similar calamine lotions in Ghana (often 200ml):

• Generic Calamine Lotion (various importers).
• Dannex Ayrton Starwin Calamine Lotion.
• Care Calamine Lotion.
• Other brands like Caladryl (calamine + pramoxine for itch relief). Consult pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy) for availability.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Ernest Chemists Limited (ECL; Ghana-based pharmaceutical company; produces Kalamina Lotion as part of its dermatological/topical range). Marketed/distributed locally in Ghana by ECL (headquartered in Accra).

Country of Origin:

Ghana (manufactured locally by Ernest Chemists Limited/ECL; widely stocked in Accra pharmacies as a local product).