Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

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Doublebase Emollient Bath Additive

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Liquid paraffin may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Liquid paraffin
Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for 2. Before you use Doublebase Emollient Bath Additive 3. How to use Doublebase Emollient Bath Additive 4. Possible side effects 5. How to store Doublebase Emollient Bath Additive 6. Further information 7. General advice on looking after dry skin conditions

1. WHAT DOUBLEBASE EMOLLIENT BATH ADDITIVE IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR

  • Doublebase Emollient Bath Additive is a skin treatment for you to add to your bath water when bathing.
  • It helps treat dry or chapped skin conditions that may also be itchy, red and sore. Common examples include:
  • psoriasis (scaly, pink patches of skin), elderly pruritus (itchy skin due to ageing), ichthyosis (abnormal scaly skin), various forms of eczema, dermatitis and other dry skin disorders.
  • All age groups can use Doublebase Emollient Bath Additive, including babies.
  • The active ingredient in this product is liquid paraffin. This active ingredient is an emollient. When added to your bath water the product helps 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 bathing and by the soaps, foaming additives and fragrances used in ordinary bath products.
  • This product can be used in addition to any other emollients or treatments your doctor, pharmacist or nurse may have given or prescribed for you to treat your dry skin condition.

2. BEFORE YOU USE DOUBLEBASE EMOLLIENT BATH ADDITIVE Do not use Doublebase Emollient Bath Additive if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to liquid paraffin or any of the other ingredients of Doublebase Emollient Bath Additive listed in Section 6. Warnings and precautions Do not smoke or go near naked flames – risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it. Take special care when using this product:

  • it can make your bath slippery, so be careful to avoid slipping over when getting into and out of your bath. Be careful when handling babies and young children.
  • after use, clean out the bath with a suitable detergent to remove any remaining greasiness (wearing protective gloves to avoid irritating your hands). Using other medicines This product is not known to affect, or to be affected by, other medicines. Pregnancy and breast-feeding This product can be used during pregnancy and while 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. Doublebase Emollient Bath Additive contains cetostearyl alcohol Cetostearyl alcohol may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis). For maximum benefit, add this product to your bath water every time you have a bath. For adults, children and the elderly:
  • Shake the bottle before use. 1
  • Add approximately 15 to 20 ml (1 ⁄2 to 2 inner capfuls) to a normal-sized bath filled with water to a depth of roughly 20 cm (8 inches).
  • Get into the bath and cover the affected areas of skin with the bath water.
  • Soak for 10 to 20 minutes.
  • Pat the skin dry with a soft towel.
  • Avoid rubbing with the towel because this makes dry skin conditions worse. For babies and children:
  • Shake the bottle before use. 1
  • Add approximately 5 to 10 ml ( ⁄2 to 1 inner capful) to a small bath of water or wash basin. Submerge the affected areas of skin. • Soak for 10 to 20 minutes. • continued… Prints: Pantone Purple

IP52/24/1 202589

How to take it

DOUBLEBASE EMOLLIENT BATH ADDITIVE

Flat size: 154mm x 350mm

  • Alternatively, repeatedly sponge the water over the affected skin areas.
  • Pat the skin dry with a soft towel.
  • Avoid rubbing with the towel because this makes dry skin conditions worse. You may prefer to use your normal soap as well as Doublebase Emollient Bath Additive when bathing. As a general rule, however, the use of normal soaps and foaming bath products (even those labelled "moisturising") is best avoided, or at least kept to a minimum. Ideally, a fragrance-free emollient "soap substitute" should be used instead, despite the fact that this type of product does not foam or lather. If you forget to use Doublebase Emollient Bath Additive Do not worry if you occasionally forget to use it, just carry on using the product as described the next time you bathe.

4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS Like all medicines, Doublebase Emollient Bath Additive can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. This product has been specially designed for use on dry or problem skin. However, in rare cases it can cause skin irritation (mild rashes) or allergic skin reactions on extremely sensitive skin. These rare effects tend to occur during or soon after the first few uses. Stop using this bath additive and tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist:

  • if your skin condition seems to look or feel worse.
  • if any of the side effects get worse, or you notice any other side effects not mentioned in this leaflet. If this product is accidentally swallowed, its oily ingredients may cause diarrhoea. If this happens:
  • treat the symptoms as you would deal with any case of diarrhoea.
  • drink plenty of water.
  • do not attempt to cause vomiting. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible

Possible side effects

not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

How to store it

DOUBLEBASE EMOLLIENT BATH ADDITIVE

  • Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Do not use Doublebase Emollient Bath Additive after the expiry date shown on the container. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
  • This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.
  • Always replace the cap after use.

6. FURTHER INFORMATION What Doublebase Emollient Bath Additive contains: The active ingredient is liquid paraffin (65% w/w). The other ingredients are isopropyl myristate, glycerol, macrogol cetostearyl ether (cetomacrogol 1000), cetostearyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol and purified water. What Doublebase Emollient Bath Additive looks like and contents of the pack

  • The bath additive is available in a plastic bottle containing 500 ml. The inner part of the cap is designed to hold 10 ml of product and can be used to help measure out the required quantity to add to the bath (see Section 3).
  • The product is a white to off-white liquid. It contains no dye or fragrance. The Marketing Authorisation holder is Dermal Laboratories, Tatmore Place, Gosmore, Hitchin, Herts, SG4 7QR, UK. The Manufacturer is Aeropak, Viking Road, Great Yarmouth, NR31 0NU, UK. This leaflet was last revised in September 2024.

7. GENERAL ADVICE ON LOOKING AFTER DRY SKIN CONDITIONS

  • Emollients help soften, moisturise and protect the skin. They play a central role in the treatment and management of dry skin conditions. For maximum effect, they should be applied regularly and as often as needed.
  • When bathing, try to use warm, not hot, water and avoid staying in the bath for long periods. This could make dry skin conditions worse.
  • Try to avoid using normal soaps or bath additives (even those labelled "moisturising"). This is because they tend to dry and irritate the skin. Avoid using products containing fragrances, as these can also cause skin problems. You should try to use a fragrance-free emollient "soap substitute" instead. This type of product will not foam or lather but will be better for your dry skin condition. ­Breaking the itch-scratch cycle Some dry skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis are itchy, and can be quite sore. Although scratching relieves the itching for a short while, it further damages the skin. Badly scratched skin easily gets infected. This makes it itchier and the urge to scratch becomes even greater. It is better if scratching can be avoided by reducing the itching. The regular use of emollients or moisturisers can help with this. To listen to or request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio, please call free of charge: 0800 198 5000 (UK only).

IP52/24/1 202589

Please be ready to give the following information: Doublebase Emollient Bath Additive, 00173/0200. This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People.

Prints: Pantone Purple

Flat size: 154mm x 350mm

Frequently asked questions about Doublebase Emollient Bath Additive

What is the active substance in Doublebase Emollient Bath Additive?

The active substance in Doublebase Emollient Bath Additive is liquid paraffin.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Doublebase Emollient Bath Additive, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Doublebase Emollient Bath Additive without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Liquid paraffin (14 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

For the symptomatic relief of contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, senile pruritus, ichthyosis and related dry skin disorders.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Adults, including the elderly:

Shake the bottle to mix contents and add 15 to 20 ml (1½ to 2 inner capfuls) to a standard bath of water (20 cm/8 inch depth). Immerse and cover the affected areas with the bath water and soak for 10 to 20 minutes. Pat dry with a towel.

Infants and children:

Shake the bottle to mix contents and add 5 to 10 ml (½ to 1 inner capful) to a small bath or wash basin of water. Immerse and cover the affected areas with the bath water and soak for 10 to 20 minutes. Alternatively, repeatedly gently sponge over the affected areas. Pat dry with a towel.

There is no differentiation between the dosage quantities for the symptomatic relief of the conditions listed.

4.3. Contraindications

Sensitivity to any of the ingredients

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Take care not to slip in the bath. Surfaces that have been in contact with the product should be cleaned with a proprietary detergent. Keep out of the sight and reach of children. For external use only.

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

Doublebase Emollient Bath Additive contains cetostearyl alcohol which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis).

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

None known.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

The constituents are not percutaneously absorbed or toxic if ingested. There is no evidence of safety of the drug used in pregnancy or lactation, but the active constituent has been in widespread use and in similar preparations for many years without apparent ill consequence.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

None known.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Contact sensitivity reactions or mild irritant reactions may occur occasionally. In either case, treatment should be discontinued.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

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

Accidental ingestion may result in a purgative action due to the liquid paraffin and the oily nature of the product. Treat symptomatically. Fluid and electrolyte replacement may be necessary.

🇵🇱 Known in Poland as

Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako

⚠ Same active substance, but a different pharmaceutical form (for example a gel instead of a tablet). Not interchangeable — ask a pharmacist.

  • MINGASTParaffinum liquidum · taken by mouth
  • MentholaxinParaffinum liquidum · taken by mouth
  • Mentho-Paraffinol HascoParaffinum liquidum · taken by mouth
  • Parafina ciekła - AvenaParaffinum liquidum · taken by mouth
  • Parafina ciekła AflofarmParaffinum liquidum · taken by mouth
  • Parafina ciekła LGOParaffinum liquidum · taken by mouth

Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →

💬 Ask about this leaflet

Ask anything about Doublebase Emollient Bath Additive. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.

Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

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