IMPETUS CREAM - summary of medicine characteristics

1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Impetus Cream

2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

Liquid Paraffin                    1­0.0%w/w

Isopropyl Myristate                1­0.0% w/w

Benzalkonium Chloride            0.1% w/w

Chlorhexidine Dihydrochloride      0.1% w/w

Excipient:     Cetostearyl alcohol

For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1

3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Cream

White non-greasy topical emulsion

4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.1 Therapeutic indications

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

4.2 Posology and method of administration

For external use only.

Before using the 500g pump bottle, turn the top of the pump dispenser anticlockwise to unlock it.

For adults, the elderly, infants and children.

For application to the skin

Apply Impetus Cream to the affected areas as often as necessary.

For use as a soap substitute

Impetus Cream may also be used as a cleanser in the bath or shower, or for other toiletry purposes, instead of ordinary soap or shower gel.

4.3 Contraindi­cations

Do not use in cases of known sensitivity (especially generalised allergic reaction) to any of the ingredients (see sections 4.4 and 4.8).

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Avoid contact with the eyes.

Local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis) to any of the ingredients, in particular cetostearyl alcohol, are rare but possible in sensitive people.

There are literature reports of chlorhexidine compounds inducing hypersensitivity, including anaphylactic shock. The prevalence of this is not known, but is likely to be very rare. Impetus Cream should not be administered to anyone with a possible history of allergic reaction to a chlorhexidine compound (see sections 4.3 and 4.8).

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction None known.

4.6 Pregnancy and lactation

No special precautions.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines None known.

4.8 Undesirable effects

Although the cream has been specially formulated for use on dry or problem skin, in the unlikely event of a reaction discontinue treatment.

These reactions are very rare (<1/10,000, based on spontaneous reporting) and may be irritant or allergic in nature. Reactions have been observed occasionally when used excessively as a leave-on application in areas of folded skin such as the anogenital area.

Very rarely, hypersensitivity including anaphylactic reaction (see sections 4.3 and 4.4) is possible (based on literature for chlorhexidine-containing products).

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

4.9 Overdose

Excessive topical use is very unlikely to cause any untoward effects other than making the skin feel greasy.

In the event of a significant quantity being accidentally swallowed, nausea and vomiting may occur but serious effects are unlikely. Unless there are signs that give cause for concern, treatment should be conservative.

5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

ATC Code: D02AX – Dermatologicals, other emollients and protectives.

Bacteria (especially Staphylococcus aureus) are implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory dry skin conditions such as atopic eczema or dermatitis.

Impetus Cream contains 20% of emollient oils in a non-greasy aqueous cream which also contains the well-known and effective antiseptics benzalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine dihydrochloride. Its antimicrobial properties assist in overcoming infection, whether from Staph aureus, the pathogen which often complicates eczema and associated pruritus, or secondary infection caused by scratching.

Massaged into the skin, the emollients, liquid paraffin and isopropyl myristate, permit rehydration of dry skin by forming an occlusive barrier within the skin surface, thus reducing drying from evaporation of water that diffuses from the underlying layers.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

The active ingredients are presented in an aqueous cream and so are readily absorbed into the stratum corneum when the product is gently massaged over the areas of dry skin. The antiseptic ingredients are in intimate contact with the skin, and as they are in solution, their availability is optimal.

5.3 Preclinical safety data

No special information.

6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1 List of excipients

Cetostearyl alcohol

Glycerol

Macrogol cetostearyl ether (cetomacrogol)

Phenoxyethanol

Disodium phosphate dodecahydrate

Sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate

Purified Water

6.2 Incompatibilities

None known

6.3 Shelf life

500g & 30g packs – 3 years

100g pack – 2 years

6.4 Special precautions for storage

Do not store above 30oC.

Replace cap after use.

6.5 Nature and contents of container

High density polyethylene squeezable bottle (500 g) with a polypropylene flip top cap.

High density polyethylene bottle (500 g) with a polypropylene metering pump.

High density polyethylene tube (100g) with a polypropylene screw cap.

Lacquered aluminium tube (30, 100g) with a polyethylene screw cap.

6.6 Special precautions for disposal

Not applicable.

7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Diomed Developments Limited

T/A Dermal Laboratories

Tatmore Place

Gosmore

Hitchin

Hertfordshire

SG4 7QR

United Kingdom

8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)

PL 00173/0399