In calamine, what role does ferric oxide play?

In calamine, what role does ferric oxide play?

• A. Antipruritic
• B. Pink color
• C. Antipruritic, pink color
• D. Emollient

Answer: (C)

Ferric oxide mainly serves as a pigment in calamine, giving the lotion its characteristic pink color. It doesn’t contribute to antipruritic or emollient effects; those come from the other components (like zinc oxide) that provide soothing and protective actions. Ferric oxide is an insoluble iron oxide pigment that stays in the suspension to provide the color without altering the medicinal activity. So, the pink color is the role ferric oxide plays in calamine.

Ferric oxide mainly serves as a pigment in calamine, giving the lotion its characteristic pink color. It doesn’t contribute to antipruritic or emollient effects; those come from the other components (like zinc oxide) that provide soothing and protective actions. Ferric oxide is an insoluble iron oxide pigment that stays in the suspension to provide the color without altering the medicinal activity. So, the pink color is the role ferric oxide plays in calamine.