compounding HOTLINE

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:

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.

1. Calculate ingredient amounts required for the preparation.
2. Weigh/measure ingredients.
3. Dissolve the menthol and the phenol in the olive oil.
4. Add calcium hydroxide solution; shake well to form an emulsion.
5. Add the zinc oxide, stirring until smooth.
6. If emulsion is not achieved and is desired, add 2 to 3 drops of Oleic acid and stir well.

Alternative Formulation, Medicated Emollient Suspension

(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 .