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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

• Allergic Itch Relief (containing Diphenhydramine, Zinc Acetate)
• Anti-Itch Cream (containing Diphenhydramine, Zinc Acetate)
• Anti-Itch Spray (containing Diphenhydramine, Zinc Acetate)
• Banophen® Cream (containing Diphenhydramine, Zinc Acetate)
• Benadryl® ReadyMist Spray (containing Diphenhydramine, Zinc Acetate)
• Benadryl® Itch Relief Stick (containing Diphenhydramine, Zinc Acetate)
• Benadryl® Itch Stopping Cream (containing Diphenhydramine, Zinc Acetate)
• Bite and Itch Lotion (containing Diphenhydramine, Pramoxine)
• Dermagesic® Liquid (containing Diphenhydramine, Phenol)