Isoben Lotion

This is an antimicrobial emollient lotion for the management of dry and pruritic skin conditions, especially eczema and dermatitis. The lotion is suitable for direct application, and for use as a soap substitute.

Each gram of lotion contains-

• Liquid Paraffin BP 25 mg
• Benzalkonium Chloride USP 1 mg
• Chlorhexidine Hydrochloride BP 1 mg
• Isopropyl Myristate BP 25 mg

Each gram of cream contains-

• Liquid Paraffin BP 100 mg
• Benzalkonium Chloride USP 1 mg
• Chlorhexidine Hydrochloride BP 1 mg
• Isopropyl Myristate BP 100 mg

There are two types of active ingredient in this product:
Benzalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine dihydrochloride are antimicrobials. These help to:

• combat bacteria present on your skin that can make eczema worse
• prevent infection caused by scratching itchy skin.

Liquid paraffin and isopropyl myristate are emollients which help to:

• soften, moisturise and protect your skin by trapping moisture in the skin and restoring the normal protective function of the skin
• prevent the skin-drying and irritant effects that can be caused by washing and bathing and by the soaps, foaming additives and fragrances used in ordinary skin cleansing products.

This product can be used in addition to any other emollients or treatments your doctor or pharmacist may have given or prescribed for you to treat your dry skin condition.

Adults, Children and the Elderly: For application to the skin: Apply the lotion to the affected areas as required. Massage into the skin, until absorbed. For use as a soap substitute: This lotion may also be used as a cleanser in the bath or shower, or for other toiletry purposes, instead of ordinary soap or shower gel.

Use it only on the skin. For maximum benefit you should use this product on a regular basis and as often as required.
Before using the 500 ml bottle, turn the top of the pump dispenser anti-clockwise to unlock it. After unlocking, you will need to press down the pump dispenser several times to prime the pump before any product is dispensed. The same instructions apply for all age groups.

For use as a leave-on application-

• Apply lotion to the affected areas.
• Gently smooth into the skin.
• If necessary, allow time for any excess to soak in. Do not rub the skin vigorously.
• Reapply as often as required.
• If you are applying another treatment to the same areas of skin as this lotion, try to avoid mixing the two products. This can be achieved by applying the treatments alternately, leaving sufficient time to allow the previous application to soak in.

For use as a soap substitute-

• Use this lotion to wash with instead of your ordinary soap or shower gel. It will not foam or lather like ordinary cosmetic products.
• After washing, bathing or showering, pat the skin dry with a soft towel (avoid rubbing as this can make dry skin conditions worse).

Isoben is not known to affect, or to be affected by, other medicines.

This Lotion if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine dihydrochloride, liquid paraffin, isopropyl myristate, or any of the other ingredients of this lotion.

Like all medicines, this lotion can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. If you experience any of the following reactions stop using this lotion and get urgent medical help: swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat; a sudden uncharacteristic red itchy skin rash (hives) away from the site of application; wheezing or breathing difficulty; feeling faint or dizzy; a strange metallic taste in the mouth; or collapse. You may be having a serious allergic reaction. Isoben has been specially designed for use on dry or problem skin areas anywhere on the body. Rarely, this lotion can cause skin reactions on treated areas (involving redness, irritation and/or itching). These very rare skin reactions may become more significant where associated with excessive use as a leave-on application in areas of folded skin such as the groin or in the nappy area

This product can be used during pregnancy and whilst breast-feeding. The ingredients have been in widespread use in this and similar preparations for many years, without reports of problems. However, safety trials have not been conducted.

As with any product, severe generalised allergic reactions are possible. Very rare reports of such reactions in susceptible individuals, leading to a drop in blood pressure and even to unconsciousness, have been associated with products containing chlorhexidine. You must not use this lotion if you have had problems with chlorhexidine-containing products in the past.

Do not smoke or go near naked flames-risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with Isoben burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it.

Take care when using Isoben:

• For patients with very sensitive skin, it is generally a good idea to start any new treatment on a small test area first, in case any side effect occurs. This is especially important when treating the face or young children. Thereafter, treatments may be applied more generously, as required.
• Avoid getting it in the eyes, especially when using it on the face.
• When used as a soap substitute in the bath or shower the product can make the surface slippery, so be careful to avoid slipping over when getting into and out of your shower or bath (e.g. by using a shower or bath mat).

Cetostearyl alcohol may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis). If you have previously experienced local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis) to any of the ingredients, please talk to your doctor before using Isoben.

Miscellaneous topical agents

Store in a cool and dry place, protect from light, do not store above 25°C. Keep out of children's reach. For external use only.