Calamine

Calamine
	A puddle of calamine lotion next to a pink plastic bottle
Combination of
zinc oxide	astringent
ferric oxide	antipruritic
Clinical data
Pronunciation	KAL-ə-mine
Other names	Calamine lotion
License data	US DailyMed: Calamine;
Routes of; administration	Topical
ATC code	D02AB (WHO) ;
Legal status
Legal status	US: OTC;
Identifiers
CAS Number	8011-96-9;
PubChem CID	23083748;
ChemSpider	16112062;
KEGG	D03284;
ChEMBL	ChEMBL3989426;
Chemical and physical data
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image;
	SMILES [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Fe+3].[Fe+3].[Zn+2];
	InChI InChI=1S/2Fe.4O.Zn/q2+3;4-2;+2; Key:CPYIZQLXMGRKSW-UHFFFAOYSA-N;

Calamine, also known as calamine lotion, is a medication made from a combination of powdered zinc oxide and 0.5% ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃) that is used to treat mild itching. It benefits sunburn, insect bites, allergenic irritation, and other mild skin conditions, and may also help dry out secretions resulting from skin irritation. Its name comes from calamine, a historic name for the zinc ores smithsonite and hemimorphite.

Calamine is applied to the skin as a cream or lotion. The lotion has been in use since 1500 BC and is now produced with additional ingredients such as phenol and calcium hydroxide.

Calamine is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It is sold over the counter as a generic medication. Side effects may include skin irritation. It is considered to be safe in pregnancy.