Dermarest cream

Generic name: diphenhydramine [ DYE-fen-HYE-dra-meen ]
Brand name: Examples include Benadryl and Dermarest

Dermarest cream is used for:

Temporarily relieving pain and itching associated with insect bites, minor burns, sunburn, minor skin irritations, minor cuts, scrapes, and rashes caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.

Dermarest cream is an antihistamine. It works by blocking the action of histamine, which reduces the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Do NOT use Dermarest cream if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Dermarest cream
• you use any other medicine that contains diphenhydramine, unless your doctor tells you to

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Dermarest cream:

Some medical conditions may interact with Dermarest cream. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have porphyria

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Dermarest cream. Because little, if any, of Dermarest cream is absorbed into the blood, the risk of it interacting with another medicine is low.

Ask your health care provider if Dermarest cream may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Dermarest cream:

Use Dermarest cream as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Dermarest cream is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes. Do not swallow Dermarest cream.
• Wash and completely dry the affected area. Gently rub the medicine in until it is evenly distributed. Apply to the affected area not more than 3 to 4 times a day.
• Wash your hands immediately after using Dermarest cream.
• If you miss a dose of Dermarest cream and you are using it regularly, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Dermarest cream.

Important safety information:

• Dermarest cream may cause harm if it is swallowed. If you have taken it by mouth, contact your poison control center or emergency room right away.
• If your symptoms do not get better within 7 days, if they get worse, or if they come back, stop using Dermarest cream and check with your doctor.
• Do not use on chickenpox, measles, or on large areas of the body, including large areas of poison ivy, sunburn, or broken, blistered, or oozing skin, unless advised to do so by your doctor.
• Dermarest cream has diphenhydramine in it. Before you start any new medicine, including one used on the skin, check the label to see if it has diphenhydramine in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Dermarest cream should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 2 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Dermarest cream while you are pregnant. Dermarest cream is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Dermarest cream, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Dermarest cream:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Skin irritation.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Dermarest cream may be harmful if swallowed. Symptoms after swallowing Dermarest cream may include confusion, hallucinations, or loss of consciousness.

Proper storage of Dermarest cream:

Store Dermarest cream at room temperature, between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Dermarest cream out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Dermarest cream, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Dermarest cream is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take Dermarest cream or any other medicine. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about Dermarest cream. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to Dermarest cream. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using Dermarest cream.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer