Nytol

Diphenhydramine Topical



(dye fen hye' dra meen)

Afterbite with Antihistamine
Benadryl® Itch Stopping Gel
Allergic Itch Relief (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Zinc Acetate)
Anti-Itch Cream (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Zinc Acetate)
Anti-Itch Spray (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Zinc Acetate)
Banophen® Cream (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Zinc Acetate)
Benadryl® ReadyMist Spray (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Zinc Acetate)
Benadryl® Itch Relief Stick (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Zinc Acetate)
Benadryl® Itch Stopping Cream (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Zinc Acetate)
Bite and Itch Lotion (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Pramoxine)
Dermagesic® Liquid (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Phenol)

Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, is used to relieve the itching of insect bites, sunburns, bee stings, poison ivy, poison oak, and minor skin irritation.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Diphenhydramine topical comes in cream, lotion, gel, and spray to be applied to the skin. It is used three or four times a day. Follow the directions on the package or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use diphenhydramine exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than directed by your doctor.
Thoroughly clean the affected area, allow it to dry, and then gently rub the medication in until most of it disappears. Use just enough medication to cover the affected area. You should wash your hands after applying the medication.
Do not apply diphenhydramine on chicken pox or measles, and do not use it on a child younger than 2 years of age unless directed to do so by a doctor.

Before using diphenhydramine,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to diphenhydramine or any other drugs.

tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including vitamins.

tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using diphenhydramine, call your doctor.

plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Diphenhydramine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Diphenhydramine injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:



headache

dizziness

tiredness

confusion

restlessness

excitement (especially in children)

nervousness

irritability

difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

vision changes

stomach discomfort

nausea

vomiting

constipation

difficulty urinating

change in urinary frequency

ringing in the ears

dry mouth, nose, or throat

problems with coordination

uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:



rash

hives

chills

chest tightness

wheezing

seizures
Diphenhydramine injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from light, excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them.  However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community.  See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about diphenhydramine.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
§ These products are not currently approved by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, and quality. Federal law generally requires that prescription drugs in the U.S. be shown to be both safe and effective prior to marketing. Please see the FDA website for more information on unapproved drugs (http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/Transparency/Basics/ucm213030.htm) and the approval process (http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm054420.htm).
¶ This branded product is no longer on the market. Generic alternatives may be available.