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ammonium lactate (AmLactin, Lac Hydrin, proxymetacaine): Dosing and Uses

 

Classes: Emollients

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Dosing and uses of AmLactin, Lac Hydrin (ammonium lactate)

 

Adult dosage forms and strengths

cream/lotion

  • 12%

 

Ichthyosis Vulgaris, Xerosis

Apply to affected areas & rub in thoroughly BId

 

Pediatric dosage forms and strengths

cream/lotion

  • 12%

 

Ichthyosis Vulgaris, Xerosis

Apply to affected areas & rub in thoroughly BId

 

AmLactin, Lac Hydrin (ammonium lactate) adverse (side) effects

>10%

Erythema (20%)

Transient burning/stinging (33%)

Peeling (16%)

 

1-10%

Dry skin, itching

Irritation

Hyperpigmentation

Petechiae

 

Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

 

Cautions

Application on abraded or broken skin, facial application

Minimize/avoid use in parts of body that are exposed to natural/artificial sunlight

 

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy category: B

Lactation: use caution

 

Pregnancy categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

 

Pharmacology of AmLactin, Lac Hydrin (ammonium lactate)

Absorption: 6.1%

 

Mechanism of action

Alphahydroxy acids & their salts are felt to act as humectants when applied on skin