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Diphenhydramine Topical

(dye fen hye' dra meen)

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Diphenhydramine topical is used to relieve itching from insect bites, sunburns, bee stings, poison ivy, poison oak, and minor skin irritation. Diphenhydramine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Diphenhydramine topical comes in cream, lotion, gel, and spray to be applied to the skin. It is used up to three or four times a day. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms worsen, continue for more than 7 days, or if they get better, but reoccur within a few days.

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 apply the medication. Use just enough medication to cover the affected area. Do not use on large areas of your body. You should wash your hands after applying the medication.

Do not use it on a child younger than 2 years of age unless directed to do so by a doctor. Talk to your doctor before using this medication to treat chicken pox or measles.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before using diphenhydramine,

tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this drug, any part of this drug, or any otherdrugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and whatsymptoms you had.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
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.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take 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 extra medication to make up for a missed one.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Diphenhydramine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

rash

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of 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.

Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

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 to do so.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.

Brand Name(s): Afterbite Outdoor, Benadryl^® Itch Stopping Gel, Banophen^® Cream (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Zinc Acetate), Benadryl^® ReadyMist Spray (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Zinc Acetate), Benadryl^® Itch Relief Stick (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Zinc Acetate), Benadryl^® Itch Stopping Cream (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Zinc Acetate), Bite and Itch Lotion (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Pramoxine); also available generically

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS^® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2025. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: August 15, 2025.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

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