Diphenhydramine Topical

Diphenhydramine topical is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used for temporary relief of pain and itching associated with insect bites, minor skin irritations, and rashes due to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac.

Diphenhydramine topical is an over-the-counter (OTC) product used for temporary relief of pain and itching associated with insect bites, minor skin irritations, and rashes due to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac.

Diphenhydramine topical is available under the following different brand names: Banophen Anti-Itch, Benadryl Itch Stopping, Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Stopping, Dermamycin, and Diphenhydramine-D.

Common side effects of Diphenhydramine Topical include:

• Skin rash
• Hives
• Skin sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out.

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

Dosages of Diphenhydramine Topical:

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Cream

• 2% plus zinc acetate 0.1%
• 1% plus zinc acetate 0.1%

Gel

• 2%

Spray

• 2% plus zinc acetate 0.1%
• 2% with menthol 1%

Stick

• 2% plus zinc acetate 0.1%

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Itching (Pruritus)

• Indicated for temporary relief of pain and itching associated with insect bites, minor skin irritations, and rashes due to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac
• Adults and children over 2 years: Apply 1-2% topically to the affected area; not to exceed 3-4 times daily
• Children under 2 years: Safety and efficacy not established
• Not for use on large areas of the body

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Diphenhydramine Topical has no listed severe interactions with other drugs.
• Diphenhydramine Topical has no listed serious interactions with other drugs.
• Diphenhydramine Topical has no listed moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Diphenhydramine Topical has no listed mild interactions with other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drugs interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use.  Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist.  Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings

This medication contains diphenhydramine. Do not take Banophen Anti-Itch, Benadryl Itch Stopping, Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Stopping, Dermamycin, or Diphenhydramine-D if you are allergic to diphenhydramine topical or any ingredients contained in this drug.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity
• Neonates or premature infants
• Breastfeeding

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information is available.

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Diphenhydramine Topical?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Diphenhydramine Topical?"

Cautions

• For external use only
• Not for use on large areas of the body
• Do not use with any other product containing diphenhydramine
• Use on chicken pox or measles only if directed by a physician

Pregnancy and Lactation

Use diphenhydramine topical caution during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies are not available or neither animal nor human studies were done.

Diphenhydramine topical may be acceptable for use during pregnancy. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies are not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies were done and showed no risk.

It is unknown if topical diphenhydramine is excreted in human breast milk. Orally administered diphenhydramine is excreted into human milk and regular use is known to inhibit lactation. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek the advice of a health professional before using over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.