What is Optiderm and when is it used?
Optiderm Lotion contains the active ingredients polidocanol and urea. Polidocanol relieves itching. Urea improves the water-binding capacity of the horny layer and increases the moisture content of the skin. The lotion base contains ingredients that lubricate cracked and dry skin areas.
Optiderm Lotion stabilizes the skin condition in skin diseases that are associated with dehydration and itching. Optiderm Lotion is used for dry and/or itchy skin and to support the treatment of various skin diseases, such as atopic eczema (neurodermatitis).
For very dry, itchy skin, you can use the more lipid-rich fat cream called Optiderm F Crème. Optiderm Crème is ideal for small-area application.
When should you be careful when using Optiderm?
This medicinal product contains 1.4 g of benzyl alcohol per 100 g. Benzyl alcohol can cause allergic reactions. Benzyl alcohol may cause mild local irritation.
Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
After application to injured or inflamed skin, irritation (e.g. reddening, burning) may occur.
The active substance urea can increase the penetration through the skin barrier of other topically applied drugs (e.g. corticosteroids, dithranol and fluorouracil) when used at the same time.
Reports from the specialist literature indicate that the use of products containing urea in children can lead to mostly brief burning sensations on the skin. Please consult your doctor before using Optiderm Lotion on children.
If Optiderm Lotion is used in the genital or anal area and latex products (e.g. condoms, diaphragms) at the same time, the "high-viscosity paraffin" additive contained may reduce the functionality and thus impair the safety of these products.
If the skin condition worsens or the itching does not decrease after a week of treatment with Optiderm Lotion, you should consult a doctor, pharmacist or druggist.
There is no evidence to date that this medicine can affect your ability to react, drive or use any tools or machines.
Tell your doctor, pharmacist or druggist if you
- suffer from other diseases,
- have allergies or
- take other medicines (including those you bought yourself!) or use them externally.
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Can Optiderm be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Based on previous experience, there is no known risk for the child when used as directed. However, systematic scientific investigations have never been carried out.
As a precaution, you should avoid taking medicines during pregnancy and breastfeeding or ask your doctor, pharmacist or druggist for advice.
When you are breastfeeding, do not use Optiderm Lotion in the breast area.
How do you use Optiderm?
Unless otherwise prescribed, Optiderm Lotion is applied evenly to the affected skin two to three times a day and rubbed in gently. The duration of the application depends on the clinical picture and is on average 3 weeks. In the case of persistently dry skin, the preparation can also be used over a longer period of time.
The use and safety of Optiderm Lotion in children under the age of 12 has not yet been tested.
Stick to the dosage given in the package leaflet or as prescribed by your doctor. If you think the medicine is too weak or too strong, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or druggist.
What side effects can Optiderm have?
Uncommon (affects 1 to 10 users in 1000)
After application burning or reddening, itching or pustules can occur.
Contact dermatitis, hives, rash, pustular rash (pustular rash) are also possible.
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or druggist. This also applies in particular to side effects that are not listed in this leaflet.
What else needs to be considered?
The medicinal product may only be used up to the end of the period marked «Exp.» on the container. designated date are used.
Use by after opening
6 months.
Storage advice
Do not store above 25 °C. Do not refrigerate; do not freeze.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Further information
Your doctor, pharmacist or druggist can provide you with further information.
What does Optiderm contain?
1 g lotion contains:
Active ingredients
Urea 50 mg, macrogol-6-lauryl ether (Polidocanol 470) 30 mg.
Excipients
Purified water, octyldodecanol, phenylmethicone, stearic acid 25, dimeticone, glycerol, viscous paraffin, cetyl palmitate, polysorbate 40, carbomer 981, benzyl alcohol 14 mg, trometamol.
Approval number
56914 (Swissmedic).
Where can you get Optiderm? What packs are available?
In pharmacies and drugstores, without a doctor's prescription.
Lotion: 200g and 500g bottles.
Authorization holder
Almirall AG, 8304 Wallisellen.
This leaflet was last checked by the Medicines Agency (Swissmedic) in February 2021.
