Diphenhydramine (Topical)

• It is used to ease pain.
• It is used to treat itching.

Use this medicine as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Do not take diphenhydramine by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Follow how to use as you have been told by the doctor or read the package insert.
• Wash your hands before and after use. Do not wash your hands after use if putting this on your hand.
• Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
• Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently.
• Some of these drugs may catch on fire. Do not use near an open flame or while smoking.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• If you use this medicine on a regular basis, put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not put on 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Many times diphenhydramine is used on an as needed basis. Do not use more often than told by the doctor.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very bad skin irritation.

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Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product

Cream, External, as hydrochloride:

Anti-Itch: 2% (28.4 g) [contains cetyl alcohol, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben]

Anti-Itch: 2% (28.4 g) [contains methylparaben, propylparaben]

Anti-Itch Maximum Strength: 2% (30 g)

Banophen: 2% (28 g) [contains cetyl alcohol, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben]

Benadryl Itch Stopping: 1% (28.3 g) [contains cetyl alcohol]

Benadryl Itch Stopping: 1% (28.3 g) [contains cetyl alcohol, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben]

Itch Relief: 2% (15 g, 30 g, 56.8 g)

Generic: 2% (28 g)

Gel, External, as hydrochloride:

Benadryl Itch Stopping: 2% (118 mL [DSC]) [contains alcohol, usp, methylparaben, propylparaben]

Solution, External, as hydrochloride:

Benadryl Maximum Strength: 2% (60 mL [DSC]) [contains alcohol, usp]

Stick, External, as hydrochloride:

Benadryl Itch Relief: 2% (14 mL) [contains alcohol, usp]

Concurrent use with any other product containing diphenhydramine (including oral); use on large area of the body

Relief of pain and itching: Topical: Children ≥2 years: Refer to adult dosing.

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Self-medication (OTC use): Topical products should not be used on large areas of the body, or on chicken pox or measles. Healthcare provider should be contacted if topical use is needed for >7 days. Topical products are not for OTC use in children <2 years of age. Do not use with other products containing diphenhydramine.

The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring.

To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval.

Do not use with any other diphenhydramine product applied to the skin or taken by mouth because increased side effects may occur.

This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.