Diphenhydramine skin cream or solution
What is diphenhydramine skin cream or solution?
DIPHENHYDRAMINE (Benadryl®) is an antihistamine that gives temporary relief of pain and itching from insect bites or other minor itchy skin conditions. Generic diphenhydramine skin cream, lotion, gel, or aerosol spray are available.
What should my health care professional know before I use diphenhydramine?
They need to know if you if you have any serious illness or if you do not know the cause of your skin condition.
How should I use this medicine?
Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash your hands. Lightly apply to the affected area of skin. Wash your hands after use. Do not use more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. Do not use more than 3 or 4 times a day.
What drug(s) may interact with diphenhydramine?
The chances of an interaction between other medicines and diphenhydramine skin products are small. Other skin preparations may interact; do not use two skin products at the same time.
What side effects may I notice from using diphenhydramine?
You can get an allergic reaction. Stop using the product and call your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you get:
- itching, swelling, or rash at the place where you applied the cream, lotion, gel or aerosol
Skin preparations are unlikely to cause other side effects. However, serious side effects with diphenhydramine include:
- agitation, nervousness, excitability, not able to sleep (these are more likely in children)
- blurred vision
- dizziness or fainting spells
- irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or chest pain
- muscle or facial twitches
- pain or difficulty passing urine
- seizures (convulsions)
Call your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can if you get any of these.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- drowsiness, dizziness
- dry mouth
- headache
- loss of appetite
- stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea
What should I watch for while taking diphenhydramine?
If your skin condition has not got better after 7 days, or if it returns when you stop using diphenhydramine, see your prescriber or health care professional. You may have a skin infection or other more serious skin condition.
Diphenhydramine lotion can catch fire. Keep away from lighted matches, cigarettes and other naked flames.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
[ Last Revised: 1/5/2003 9:16:00 PM ]
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
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