diphenhydramine topical (OTC)

Brand and Other Names:Banophen Anti-Itch, Benadryl Itch Stopping, more...Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Stopping, Dermamycin, Diphenhydramine-D

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & 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%

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

Apply 1-2% topically to affected area; not to exceed 3-4 times daily

Not for use on large areas of the body

Dosage Forms & 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%

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

<2 years: Safety & efficacy not established

>2 years: Apply 1-2% topically to affected area; not to exceed 3-4 times daily

Not for use on large areas of the body

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Adverse Effects

Frequency Not Defined

Skin rash

Urticaria

Photosensitivity

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Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

Neonates or premature infants

Breast-feeding

Cautions

Not for use in large areas of the body; not to be taken with any other product containing diphenhydramine, including the ones administered orally

With physician approval may use on chickenpox or on measles

Avoid contact with eyes

Ask a healthcare professional if condition worsens or does not improve within 7 days, or symptoms persist for more than 7 days, or clear up and occur again

Keep out of reach of children; if swallowed, get medical help, or contact a poison control center right away

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Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category: B

Lactation: Unknown if topical diphenhydramine excreted in human breastmilk; orally administered diphenhydramine is excreted into human milk and regular use is known to inhibit lactation

Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek advice of health professional before using OTC drugs

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

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Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Histamine H1-receptor antagonist

Pharmacokinetics

Metabolism: Liver, first-pass

Excretion: Urine

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Images

No images available for this drug.
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Patient Handout

A Patient Handout is not currently available for this monograph.
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Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.