HOE Calamine Lotion

HOE Calamine Lotion is a topical lotion formulated with Calamine 15% and Zinc Oxide 5% as its key active ingredients, in an oil-free, water-based suspension. It is manufactured by HOE Pharmaceuticals Sdn Bhd — the same product is also labelled by the manufacturer as “CALA-MY Lotion” — and is supplied in a 150ml bottle.

This is an Over-the-Counter (OTC) product sold in Malaysia and does not require a doctor’s prescription to purchase from a registered pharmacy or a licensed online pharmacy. Calamine, a mixture of zinc oxide with a small amount of ferric oxide, and additional zinc oxide are classic topical dermatological ingredients that have been used in lotion form for many decades, and the formulation may also contain water, glycerin, and other skin-conditioning agents in its base.

The lotion has a characteristic pale pink, chalky appearance and settles on standing, so it needs to be shaken before use. It is intended purely for external application to intact skin and is packaged in a 150ml bottle sized for repeated home application over a larger body surface area than a small tube product.

• Shake the bottle well before each use, as the calamine and zinc oxide settle at the bottom between uses.
• Apply a liberal, even layer to the affected area using a clean cotton wool pad or clean fingertips.
• Allow the lotion to air-dry on the skin; do not rub it in vigorously.
• Reapply as needed, typically several times a day, or as directed by a pharmacist.
• Avoid applying to large areas of broken or weeping skin without first checking with a pharmacist or doctor.

• Apply a liberal, even layer to the affected area of skin, reapplying as needed — there is no fixed maximum number of applications per day for this topical suspension when used as directed.
• Use only on unbroken, intact skin unless a pharmacist or doctor has advised otherwise.
• If a scheduled application is missed, simply apply at the next convenient time; there is no need to double up.
• If the treated area worsens, shows no change after several days of regular use, or shows signs of infection, stop use and consult a doctor or pharmacist.

An independently verified shelf-life duration for this specific product could not be confirmed, so always check the expiry date printed on the bottle and carton before use.

Once opened, use the lotion within the timeframe stated on the packaging, and discard the bottle if the lotion develops an unusual smell, changes colour noticeably, or no longer re-suspends evenly after shaking.

• Store below 30°C, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the bottle tightly capped between uses.
• Shake well before each use, as the ingredients naturally settle on standing.
• Store out of the reach and sight of children.

• Common: a temporary tightening or drying sensation on the skin as the lotion dries.
• Common: a visible chalky, pale pink residue on the skin and on clothing or bedding if not fully dried before contact.
• Serious: signs of an allergic contact reaction, such as increasing redness, swelling, or a spreading rash — stop use and seek medical advice if this occurs.
• Serious: worsening irritation or skin breakdown with prolonged or excessive use — discontinue and consult a pharmacist or doctor.

• Not for use on broken, deeply cut, or actively bleeding skin.
• Not for use on infected skin unless a doctor or pharmacist has specifically advised it.
• Not for use by anyone with a known hypersensitivity to calamine, zinc oxide, or any other ingredient in the formulation.
• Not for use in or near the eyes.

• No clinically significant drug interactions are known for this topical, minimally absorbed product when used as directed on intact skin.
• Avoid applying other topical products to the same area at the same time without first checking with a pharmacist, as layering products may reduce how well each one adheres to and dries on the skin.
• No clinically significant food interactions are known for this topical product.

• Always shake the bottle thoroughly before each use for an even consistency.
• Apply with a clean cotton pad rather than fingers if you prefer to avoid direct skin contact with the bottle applicator area.
• Wear old or dark clothing while the lotion dries, as it can leave a pale, chalky mark on fabric.
• Let the lotion air-dry completely before dressing or covering the area.
• Keep the cap tightly closed between uses to prevent the contents from drying out.
• Avoid applying to sensitive areas such as the eyes, lips, or genitals.

HOE Calamine Lotion is a classic topical suspension product intended for repeated, as-needed application to larger areas of intact skin.

Precautions: Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes; rinse thoroughly with water if accidental contact occurs. Do not apply to broken, deeply cut, or weeping skin without first checking with a pharmacist or doctor. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and young children can generally use topical calamine/zinc oxide products, but should check with a doctor or pharmacist first if unsure. Shake well before every use for an even application.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Seek advice if the treated skin becomes more painful, swollen, or shows signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, or discharge); if a rash or irritated area spreads or does not improve after several days of regular use; or if you are unsure whether the affected skin needs a different type of assessment before self-treating.