Description:

Sabcare Calamine Lotion is a topical soothing and protective lotion (likely a branded or generic version of standard Calamine Lotion BP or USP) used to relieve mild itching, irritation, pain, and discomfort from minor skin conditions. It dries oozing/weeping rashes, provides a cooling effect, and acts as a skin protectant. Common uses include relief from insect bites, chickenpox rashes, prickly heat, sunburn, poison ivy/oak/sumac-like irritations, eczema flares, or other pruritic (itchy) skin issues. The pink color comes from ferric oxide, and it’s a popular OTC remedy in Ghanaian pharmacies (e.g., similar to Kalamina, Care, or Mexo brands available locally in Accra).

Prescription:

Over-the-counter (OTC) in most regions, including Ghana. No prescription required for general use, but consult a doctor or pharmacist if symptoms persist, for children under 2 years, or widespread/large-area application.

Therapeutic Category:

Topical Antipruritic / Skin Protectant / Astringent / Mild Antiseptic (shake lotion for symptomatic relief of pruritus and minor skin irritations).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

Standard formulation (based on BP/USP standards for calamine lotion; Sabcare likely follows similar):

• Calamine (basic zinc carbonate colored with ferric oxide / iron oxide) – typically 15% w/v (or 8% in some USP versions).
• Zinc Oxide – typically 5% w/v (or 8% in some). Other ingredients: Bentonite (suspending agent), Glycerin (humectant), Sodium Citrate, Liquified Phenol (preservative/antiseptic, in small amounts), Purified Water, and sometimes Calcium Hydroxide. The lotion is a pink, shakeable suspension.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals:

• Zinc (from zinc oxide and calamine; provides soothing, protective, and mild astringent/antiseptic effects).
• Iron (trace from ferric oxide in calamine; gives pink color, no therapeutic mineral role here).

Variant:

• Sabcare Calamine Lotion (standard pink lotion; size often 100ml or 200ml bottle in Ghana markets). Related variants: Other local brands like Kalamina Lotion 200ml, Care Calamine Lotion 200ml, Mexo Calamine 100ml, or Lacto Calamine (with added moisturizers). No major Sabcare-specific variants noted beyond standard lotion.

Consume Type:

Topical – Lotion (shake well before use; apply externally to skin with cotton wool, soft cloth, or hands; not for oral ingestion).

Directions/Usage:

Shake the bottle vigorously before each application to mix the suspension. Apply a thin layer to the clean, affected area as often as needed (usually 2-4 times daily or for comfort). Use cotton or a soft cloth to dab on; allow to dry (forms a protective layer). For oozing rashes, it helps dry them out. Suitable for adults and children (consult doctor for under 2 years). Do not apply to broken skin, eyes, mouth, or large body areas without advice.

Common Side Effects:

Generally well-tolerated and mild:

• Temporary stinging or burning on application (especially on broken skin).
• Skin dryness or tightness.
• Rare: Mild irritation, rash, or allergic reaction (e.g., redness, itching worsening—discontinue). No systemic effects expected with topical use; very safe profile.

Package Type:

Plastic bottle (typically 100ml or 200ml) with screw cap; often in a simple labeled container (common in Ghana pharmacies; may include a flip-top or applicator).

Storage Advice:

Store in a cool, dry place at room temperature (below 25-30°C), away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep tightly closed to prevent drying out. Shake before use if separated. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• For external use only; avoid eyes, mouth, mucous membranes, or open/deep wounds.
• Do not use if allergic to any ingredient (e.g., phenol sensitivity).
• Consult doctor before use on children under 2 years, pregnant/breastfeeding, or if rash worsens/infects (pus, fever).
• If swallowed, seek medical help (though low risk topically).
• Not a cure—treat underlying cause if needed (e.g., allergy, infection).
• Discontinue if severe irritation occurs.

Product Substitutes:

Similar calamine lotions widely available in Ghana (often 100-200ml):

• Kalamina Lotion 200ml
• Care Calamine Lotion 200ml
• Mexo Calamine Lotion 100ml
• Generic Calamine Lotion (various importers)
• Lacto Calamine (moisturizing variant with aloe/glycerin for acne/oily skin). Alternatives for itch relief: Hydrocortisone cream (mild steroid), antihistamine creams, or caladryl-like products (consult pharmacist).

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Sabcare (likely Sabcare Marketing or a similar importer/distributor; appears to be a brand handled by local Ghanaian or regional suppliers, possibly sourcing from Indian/Chinese generics). Specific manufacturer details limited—common for such OTC products in Ghana to be imported generics.

Country of Origin:

Likely India or China (typical for generic calamine lotions imported and marketed in Ghana; compliant with BP/USP standards).