Diphenhydramine Topical (patient information)
Why this medication is prescribed
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.
How this medication should be used
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 infected 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.
Special precautions
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.
What to do if you forget a dose
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.
Side effects
Diphenhydramine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- skin rash
- sunburn
- increased sensitivity to sunlamps and sunlight
Storage conditions needed for this medication
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 excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). The spray is flammable. Keep it away from flames and extreme heat. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
Other information
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Diphenhydramine is for external use only. Do not let diphenhydramine get into your eyes, nose, or mouth, and do not swallow it. Do not apply dressings, bandages, cosmetics, lotions, or other skin medications to the area being treated unless your doctor tells you.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Tell your doctor if your skin condition becomes severe or does not go away.
Brand names
- Benadryl® Itch Relief Stick Extra Strength
- Benadryl® Itch Stopping Cream Extra Strength
- Benadryl® Itch Stopping Cream Original Strength
- Benadryl® Itch Stopping Extra Strength Spray
- Benadryl® Itch Stopping Gel Extra Strength
- Benadryl® Itch Stopping Gel Original Strength
- Benadryl® Itch Stopping Original Strength Spray
- Dermamycin®
Brand names of combination products
- Dermamycin® Spray containing Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride and Menthol
- Dermarest® Maximum Strength containing Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride and Resorcinol
- Dermarest® Plus containing Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride and Menthol
- Di-Delamine® containing Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride and Tripelennamine