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.
Unguentum M Cream
⚠ 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 No active ingredients may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What it is and what it is used for
for Unguentum M is formulated to smooth and soften your skin. It replaces oils in your dry skin and stops your skin losing moisture. It will also relieve the itching caused by eczema and dermatitis. Unguentum M is used to treat dry, cracked and damaged skin caused by conditions like eczema, dermatitis, itchy skin (known as pruritus), or dry harsh scaly skin (known as ichthyosis).
It can also be used for the protection of raw and grazed skin areas. Unguentum M can also be used to help relieve the symptoms of nappy rash. You can also use Unguentum M instead of soap when washing which will help to prevent the skin drying out.
What you need to know before you take it
e Unguentum M Do not use Unguentum M
- if you are allergic to any ingredients of this medicine (listedin section 6).
- near the eyes or on mucous membranes. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Unguentum M. Take special care Unguentum M should not be swallowed. If this happens talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Other medicines and Unguentum M Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. There are no known interactions between Unguentum M and other medicines. Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine. There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Driving and using machines There are no effects on the ability to drive and use machines when this medicine is used. Unguentum M contains sorbic acid (E200), cetostearyl alcohol, propylene glycol (E1520) and white soft paraffin contains buthylhydroxytoluene (E321)
Sorbic acid (E200), cetostearyl alcohol and buthylhydroxytoluene (E321) may cause local skin reactions, (e.g. contact dermatitis which can be a rash or irritated skin and irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes). Propylene glycol (E1520) may cause skin irritation. Warning of fire hazard with emollients 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.
How to take it
Unguentum M Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
- This medicine should be applied directly to your skin.
- Apply this medicine gently to the affected areas three times a day or as often as you need to. A good time to do this is after you have had a bath.
- Make sure your hands are clean. Use a small amount of this medicine and apply it gently to the affected area. If you are using the 500 g jar, use a spoon or spatula to take the medicine out as this will help to keep the cream clean.
- If you are using this medicine instead of soap, wet the dry skin, and cleanse the skin with this medicine. Then wash it off with water and pat the skin dry with a towel. Do not rub the skin because you might remove some of the medicine.
- This medicine is easily absorbed and leaves your skin feeling softened and soothed.
- If you have very sore skin, there may be a short tingling sensation when you use this medicine. But your skin should feel soothed afterwards.
- This medicine should be applied as long as your dry skin condition exists.
- When using this medicine as a protective cream apply a small amount before or straight away after coming into contact with a possible source of irritation (e.g. water, detergents, etc.).
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Rarely (1 in 10 out of 10,000 persons treated)
- skin irritations such as burning sensation and reddening or allergic contact dermatitis (rash, itching) may occur. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme, Website: 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
Unguentum M Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Aluminium tubes do not require any special storage condition. Plastic containers: Do not store above 25°C. Do not use Unguentum M after the expiry date which is stated on the label after "EXP". The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. After opening: Unguentum M can be used for 6 months. Do not throw away any medicines 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. Content of the pack and other information What Unguentum M contains The ingredients are white soft paraffin (contains buthylhydroxytoluene (E321)), cetostearyl alcohol, polysorbate 40, propylene glycol (E1520), glyceryl monostearate 40-55, liquid paraffin, medium-chain triglycerides, sorbic acid (E200), colloidal anhydrous silica, purified water, sodium hydroxide What Unguentum M looks like and contents of the pack
Unguentum M is a white cream. Unguentum M cream is supplied in:
- aluminium tubes containing 10 g, 15 g, 30 g, 50 g 60 g 80 g and 100 g
- plastic jar containing 500 g
- plastic pump dispenser containing 200 ml Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Almirall Hermal GmbH Scholtzstrasse 3, D-21465 Reinbek, Germany This leaflet was last revised in 05/2019. Additional information and explanations for patients How else can you help your skin? There are many factors that may worsen dry skin conditions. These are for example low humidity (air conditioning, central heating), excessive bathing or showering and contact with soap, detergents or solvents. Try to avoid these factors. For mild cleansing use soapfree products and consider medicinal bath oils. If you find that your skin problem gets worse when you come in contact with certain things like e.g. special food ingredients, metal jewellery or detergents please talk with your doctor about it. Your doctor will help you to identify and avoid the things that cause a deterioration of your skin problem. Other sources of informationSome skin conditions such as eczema are very frustrating. Many people find patient support groups helpful. The National Eczema Society can give you more information about your condition. National Eczema Society 11 Murray StreetLondon NW1 9RE
Frequently asked questions about Unguentum M Cream
How do I take Unguentum M Cream?
Unguentum M Cream comes as cream. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
What is the active substance in Unguentum M Cream?
The active substance in Unguentum M Cream is no active ingredients.
Are there equivalent medicines to Unguentum M Cream?
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Lipobase Cream. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Unguentum M Cream, 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 Unguentum M Cream 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.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: no active ingredients
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
Unguentum M has emollient properties and is recommended for the symptomatic treatment of dermatitis, nappy rash, ichthyosis, eczema, protection of raw and abraded skin areas, pruritus and related skin conditions where dry scaly skin is a problem, and as a pre-bathing emollient for dry/eczematous skin, to alleviate drying effects.
Unguentum M is to be used as a diluent for various topical corticosteriod formulations in those instances where a lower strength preparation is considered desirable by the physician and as a general base for extemporaneous dispensing.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Posology
A thin application of the cream should be gently massaged into the skin three times daily or at appropriate intervals.
When used as a protective cream Unguentum M should be applied sparingly to the affected areas of the skin before, or immediately after, exposure to a potentially harmful factor.
4.3. Contraindications
Unguentum M should not be used:
- if hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients listed in section 6.1 is known.
- near the eyes and on mucous membranes.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
Sorbic acid (E200) and Cetostearyl alcohol may cause local skin reactions, (e.g. contact dermatitis)
Propylene glycol (E1520) may cause skin reactions.
White soft paraffin contains buthylhydroxytoluene (E321) and may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis) or irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes.
Ingestion of Unguentum M should be avoided.
Fire Hazard with emollients
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.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
None.
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
No evidence of any harmful effect on the use of Unguentum M in pregnancy and lactation.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
None.
4.8. Undesirable effects
Rarely (1 in 10 out of 10,000 persons treated) skin irritation such as burning sensations and reddening or allergic contact dermatitis may occur.
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, Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
4.9. Overdose
None.
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Unguentum M Cream. 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.