Diphenhydramine, Topical

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antihistamine

Generic and brand names: antihistamines, topical; Banophen Cream; Benadryl Cream; Benadryl Cream, Extra Strength; Benadryl Gel, Extra Strength; Benadryl Spray; Benadryl Spray, Extra Strength; Benadryl Solution Stick, Extra Strength; Diphenhist Cream

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used to provide temporary relief from pain and itch caused by an allergic rash, poison ivy or poison oak, sunburn, minor cuts and scrapes, insect bites (nonpoisonous), and insect stings. It is available in cream, lotion, spray, solution, and gel forms. Usually you can buy it without a prescription.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine.

Do NOT give this medicine to a child less than 2 years of age. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine is for external use (on the skin) only. Follow the directions on the package or any directions your healthcare provider or pharmacist gives you.

Do not apply this medicine to blistered, raw, oozing skin or around your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not put this medicine in your eyes.

Do not use this medicine for more than 1 week. Do not use this medicine on chicken pox or measles without your healthcare provider's approval. Also, do not use it on large areas of your body. If your condition has not improved in a week, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I watch out for?

If the itching continues, if it comes back after a few days, or if new irritation develops, stop using the medicine and call your healthcare provider.

This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which may lead to painful sunburns. While you are taking this medicine, avoid long exposure to the sun. Wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen lotion when you need to be outdoors. Do not use a sunlamp. If you get a severe sunburn, contact your healthcare provider right away.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider): Skin infection (redness, warmth, and pus around a sore).

Other: Dry skin, mild rash, peeling, redness, burning when you first apply the medicine.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, do not use more than one of these medicines at a time, and do not take oral forms of this medicine while using this medicine on the skin.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.