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GENERIC NAME: ANTIHISTAMINES - TOPICAL

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is an antihistamine used on the skin to relieve itching associated with various skin disorders such as insect bites, sunburn or poison ivy.

HOW TO USE: This medication is for topical use only. Clean and dry the affected area as directed. Then apply a small amount of the medication on the skin. A thin layer is all that is needed. Cover with a bandage if directed to do so. Do not use large amounts or apply this more often than directed. Your condition will not clear faster, but side effects may be increased. Use carefully if applying to the face. Avoid contact with the eyes, nose and mouth.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause burning, redness, or a rash. Notify your doctor if you develop any of these symptoms occur. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: other illnesses, other infections, any allergies. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication is found in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may use, especially of: skin products containing hydrocortisone. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. Symptoms of overdose may include abnormal eye movements, dry mouth, change in amount of urine, fever, hyperactivity, bizarre behavior, or seizures.




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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Suggested Reading by Our Doctors
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  • Poison Ivy - Read about poison ivy, oak and sumac (plants that cause an itchy skin rash and blisters) contact dermatitis symptoms, treatment, prevention and facts (it isn't contagious).

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antihistamines-topical

What causes the rash?

Poison ivy is a common cause of contact dermatitis, an allergic reaction to something that comes in direct contact with the skin. This condition can be quite unpleasant but does not pose serious health risks. Prevention is better than treatment but can be hard to achieve.

Poison ivy is one of many plants that produce a resin called an urushiol that can cause an allergic rash. Related plants include the familiar poison oak and sumac, which are found in different geographical distributions. (Poison ivy is more common in the eastern U.S. and poison oak in the Southeast.) The rashes that each of these plants produce have a similar appearance. In addition, the same urushiols are also found in the mango, cashew, and gingko trees. In the case of mangos, peeling the fruit prevents dermatitis. People who press the whole fruit, including the rind, against their skin can develop a severe reaction around the mouth. Those downwind from...

Read the Poison Ivy article »



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