Read this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine.  (DOWNLOAD)

– Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. 

– If you have any further questions, ask your health care provider. 

– This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even  if their symptoms are the same as yours. 

– If any of the side effects becomes serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet,  please tell your health care provider. 

In this leaflet:  

1. What WHITFIELD OINTMENT is and what it is used for 
2. Before you use WHITFIELD OINTMENT 
3. How to use WHITFIELD OINTMENT 
4. Possible side effects 
5. How to store WHITFIELD OINTMENT 
6. Further information 

 

1. WHAT WHITFIELD OINTMENT IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR 

Whitfield ointment contains Benzoic and Salicylic acids. Benzoic acid helps prevent infection caused by  bacteria while Salicylic acid helps the body shed rough or dead skin cells. 

Whitfield ointment is a combination medicine used to treat skin irritation and inflammation caused by  burns, insect bites, fungal infections, or eczema. 

2. BEFORE YOU USE WHITFIELD OINTMENT 

Do not use Whitfield Ointment 

• if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to benzoic acid, salicylic acid or any of the other ingredients of  Whitfield Ointment. 
• if younger than 18 years old. 

Pregnancy and breast-feeding 

Ask your health care provider for advice before taking any medicine. It is not known whether benzoic  acid and salicylic acid passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby or an unborn baby. 

What I should avoid while using Whitfield Ointment 

Avoid using wet packs or wet-to-dry packs on the treated skin areas. They can make this medicine less  effective. Avoid getting the medicine in your eyes, mouth, or nose. If it does get into any of these areas,  rinse with water. Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with benzoic acid and salicylic  acid unless your doctor tells you to. 

Taking other medicines 

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied Whitfield  ointment, but many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all  medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal  products. 

3. HOW TO USE WHITFIELD OINTMENT 

Always use Whitfield Ointment exactly as your health care provider has told you. You should check with  your health care provider if you are not sure.

The usual dose is medicine is usually applied 2 times per day. Follow all directions on your prescription  label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. 

Do not take by mouth. Whitfield is for use only on the skin. Do not use this medicine on open wounds or  on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. If this medicine gets in your eyes, nose,  mouth, rectum, or vagina, rinse with water. 

• Wash your hands before and after applying Whitfield 
• Gently rinse the affected skin with saline or water before treating it with this medicine.  • Pat the skin dry with a clean towel or cotton gauze. 
• Apply a generous amount of the medicine and spread it evenly to form a 1/8-inch thick layer over the treated area. 

It is best to apply this medicine to your skin with a clean cotton swab. Throw the swab away after one  use. You may also apply the medicine to a cotton gauze pad and then place the gauze over your skin. 

Keep the treated skin area clean and expose it to air whenever possible. Do not cover the treated skin  area with an adhesive bandage unless your health care professional tells you to. Do not allow the tip of the medicine tube to touch any surfaces, including the skin you are treating. 

Call your health care provider if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if they get worse while  using Whitfield ointment.  

If you forget to use Whitfield Ointment 

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next  scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose. 

If you use more Whitfield Ointment than you should. 

Seek emergency medical attention 

If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your health care provider. 

4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS 

Like all medicines, Whitfield Ointment can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult  breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. 

Call your health care provider at once if you have: 

• severe burning or skin irritation; or 
• burning sensation for longer than 10 days. 

Common side effects may include: 

• warmth or a burning sensation (may last up to 5 minutes after applying). 

If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please  tell your health care provider. 

Reporting of side effects 

If you get any side effects, talk to your healthcare provider. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly to Fidson Healthcare Plc. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 

5. HOW TO STORE WHITFIELD OINTMENT 

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children. 

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton after ‘Exp. Date’ used for  expiry date. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. 

Store below 30°C, in a dry place. 

Do not throw away any medicine via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to  throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

6. FURTHER INFORMATION 

What WHITFIELD OINMENT contains: 

– The active substances are benzoic acid and salicylic acid. 

What Whitfield Ointment looks like and contents of the pack: 

25g ointment in a tube, placed in a carton with insert.