• U.S. Brand Names: BanophenT Anti-Itch [OTC];Benadryl® Extra Strength Itch Stopping [OTC];Benadryl® Itch Relief Extra Strength [OTC];Benadryl® Itch Stopping Extra Strength [OTC];Benadryl® Itch Stopping [OTC];Dermamycin® [OTC];Diphenhist® [OTC] [DSC]
• Canadian Brand Names: Benadryl® Cream;Benadryl® Itch Relief Stick;Benadryl® Spray
• Pharmacologic Category: Ethanolamine Derivative;Histamine H1 Antagonist;Histamine H1 Antagonist, First Generation;Topical Skin Product

• It is used to treat itching.
• Diphenhydramine lowers or stops the body's reaction to the allergen.

How to take

• Do not take this drug by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
• Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently.

Missed Dose

• Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not put on two doses or extra doses.
• Many times this drug is taken on an as needed basis.

Storage

• Store at room temperature.

Avoid

• If you have an allergy to diphenhydramine or any other part of this drug.
• Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• If you are breast-feeding.

Precautions

• Check all drugs you are taking with your doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Do not use with other products that have diphenhydramine.
• Use care when a large part of the skin is involved or where there are open wounds.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

Side Effects

• Skin irritation.

Monitoring

• Change in the health problem being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

Contact a healthcare provider

• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very bad skin irritation.
• Any rash.
• Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

General Statements

• If you have a very bad allergy, wear an allergy ID at all times.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Most drugs can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. You may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.

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