Diphenhydramine, Topical

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antihistamine

Generic and brand names: antihistamines, topical; Benadryl Cream; Benadryl Cream, Maximum Strength; Benadryl Gel, Extra Strength; Benadryl Spray; Benadryl Spray, Maximum Strength; Caladryl Clear Lotion; Caladryl Cream; Caladryl Lotion ; Caladryl Spray; Dermarest; Dermarest Plus; Di-Delamine Gel; Di-Delamine Spray

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used to provide temporary relief from itching caused by an allergic rash, poison ivy or poison oak, sunburn, insect bites (nonpoisonous), and insect stings. It is available in cream, lotion (liquid), spray, 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.

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 should 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. 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 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.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. 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.