Martin A. Erickson III, RPh
Mr. Erickson is director of professional affairs at Gallipot Inc.
Schamberg's Lotion was commercially available
at one time. We cannot find a source now.
Various formulations have been used. According
to Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 27th ed:
Zinc oxide | 8 g |
Menthol | 0.25 g |
Phenol | 0.5 g |
Calcium hydroxide solution (lime water)* | 46 mL |
Olive oil qs ad | 100 mL |
Suggested Method of Preparation
*Prepare calcium hydroxide solution (saturated) prior to
use. Combine 10 g with 1000 mL purified water by shaking
well; allow to stand covered overnight. Filter to remove the
excess. The solution should not contain <0.15% CaOH2.
- Calculate ingredient amounts required for the preparation.
- Weigh/measure ingredients.
- Dissolve the menthol and the phenol in the olive oil.
- Add calcium hydroxide solution; shake well to form an emulsion.
- Add the zinc oxide, stirring until smooth.
- If emulsion is not achieved and is desired, add 2 to 3 drops of Oleic acid and stir well.
Alternative Formulation, Medicated Emollient Suspension
Menthol | 600 mg |
Phenol | 400 mg |
Zinc oxide | 20 g |
Olive oil qs ad | 120 mL |
Calcium hydroxide solution (lime water)* | 120 mL |
(Note that total volume is >240 mL.)
Further modification increased the phenol concentration
considerably—"full-strength" Schamberg's Lotion has phenol
4 g.
Package in tight, light-resistant containers. Label: "shake
well" and "external use."
E-mail your compounding questions to .