Lanolin is a topical skin protectant. It is a natural moisturizer with powerful emollient and protective properties. Lanolin is used to prevent and treat dermatologic conditions such as skin abrasions, blisters, burns, contact dermatitis, diaper rash, dry skin, eczema, and other minor skin irritations. Lanolin should not be applied to deep or puncture wounds. It is available OTC as a topical ointment or cream.
General Administration Information
For storage information, see the specific product information within the How Supplied section.
Route-Specific Administration
Topical Administration
-Lanolin is for topical dermatologic use only; do not take by mouth.
-Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
Cream/Ointment/Lotion Formulations
-Gently cleanse and dry area before application.
-Apply lanolin liberally as often as necessary to affected area.
-Do not use on deep or puncture wounds.
Adverse reactions are not common with lanolin use; however, skin irritation (burning, stinging, erythema) may occur. Lanolin allergy with development of allergic contact dermatitis has been reported. Patients with chronic dermatitis, particularly venous stasis dermatitis, may be at higher risk for the development of contact dermatitis from lanolin.
Lanolin should not be used in those with a hypersensitivity to lanolin or any other ingredient in the formulation. Lanolin may occasionally act as a sensitizer and aggravate contact dermatitis.
Lanolin should not be applied to deep or puncture wounds.
During topical application, take care to avoid accidental ocular exposure.
No problems would be expected with appropriate use of lanolin during pregnancy.
No problems would be expected with appropriate use of lanolin during breast-feeding.
For the prevention or treatment of minor skin irritations such as burns, contact dermatitis, diaper rash (diaper dermatitis), eczema, skin abrasion, and xerosis:
Topical dosage:
Adults: Apply liberally to affected areas as needed. If condition worsens or symptoms persist for more than 7 days, consult a physician.
Children and Adolescents: Apply liberally to affected areas as needed. If condition worsens or symptoms persist for more than 7 days, consult a physician.
Neonates and Infants: Apply liberally to affected areas as needed. For diaper rash, apply liberally as often as necessary with each diaper change, especially at bedtime or anytime when exposure to wet diapers may be prolonged. If condition worsens or symptoms persist for more than 7 days, consult a physician.
Maximum Dosage Limits:
No maximum dosage information is available.
Patients with Hepatic Impairment Dosing
Specific guidelines for dosage adjustments in hepatic impairment are not available; it appears that no dosage adjustments are needed.
Patients with Renal Impairment Dosing
Specific guidelines for dosage adjustments in renal impairment are not available; it appears that no dosage adjustments are needed.
*non-FDA-approved indication
There are no drug interactions associated with Lanolin products.
Lanolin, or wool wax/grease, is a substance derived from secretions of the sebaceous glands of sheep and functions as a protective coat on wool. It is a complex mixture of esters, di-esters, and hydroxyl esters of high molecular weight lanolin alcohols and high molecular weight lanolin acids. Topically administered lanolin is a natural moisturizer with powerful emollient and protective properties. Emollients/moisturizers work by forming an oily layer on the top of the skin that traps water in the skin.
Lanolin is administered topically to the skin. Lanolin is able to penetrate the epidermis to the depth of the stratum and into keratinocytes.
-Route-Specific Pharmacokinetics
Topical Route
Following application of topical lanolin, absorption of lanolin into the skin does occur; however, the extent is not known.