Drug Reference

Petrolatum

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OTC

Fact box

Habit forming
No
Availability
Over-the-counter (OTC)

Brand names

A+D OriginalAloe Vesta Protective BarrierAltalubeAnbesol Cold Sore TherapyAquaphorBalmex OintmentBaza ClearBoroleumCalmoseptineCorona Udder ButterCritic-Aid Clear MoistureDermaCerinDermaPhorDermafixDesitin ClearDr. Smith's Rash-n-AllIlex SkinLubrifresh P.M.LypsylMoistureWorxPeriGuard OintmentRash Relief ClearRectiCare Advance CreamResinolSkin-LubeSoothe & Cool Moisture BarrierSoothe & Cool Skin PasteSoothe Night TimeStyeSupradermTears Naturale PMUni SalveVaselineVusionWelmedix Homecare ProWelmedix Homecare Pro Fragile SkinZ-Guard

Available as

0.01 MG/MG · Topical Ointment0.3 MG/MG · Topical Gel30 MG/ML · Topical Cream300 MG/ML · Topical Cream0.5 MG/MG300 MG/ML0.68 MG/MG · Topical Ointment0.45 MG/MG · Topical Ointment780 MG/ML · Topical Cream0.76 MG/MG · Topical Ointment610 MG/ML · Topical Cream0.5 MG/MG · Topical Ointment0.928 MG/MG · Topical Ointment0.935 MG/MG · Topical Ointment0.43 MG/MG · Topical Ointment0.983 MG/MG · Topical Ointment0.998 MG/MG · Topical Gel0.39 MG/MG · Topical Ointment0.999 MG/MG · Topical Gel568 MG/ML · Topical Cream0.95 MG/MG · Topical Ointment0.996 MG/MG · Topical Gel144 MG/ML · Rectal Cream5 MG/ML · Topical Cream

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

Uses
Indications: Temporarily relieves minor burns, dry, chapped, fissured and macerated skin and lips, also relieves Psoriais, Eczema, mild sunburn, abrasions and contusions, diaper dermatitis, hemorrhoids, and prickly heat.
How to use / dosing
Directions: Apply a thin film to clean, dry skin three times daily. May be covered with sterile gauze, if desired.

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
BreastfeedingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label. Check LactMed →
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
Warnings: For external use only. Discontinue use if signs of irritation appear. If condition worsens consult a doctor. Do not use over deep, infected, or puncture wounds.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

172 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Authoritative sources

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.