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diphenhydramine / zinc acetate

Generic Benadryl Itch Relief
Used for Itching, Pain
Used for Itching, Pain

Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate) is a topical medication used directly on your skin to treat pain and itching. It's available as a cream and a spray.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on August 31, 2022
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostPricesMedicare
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What is Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate)?

What is Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate) used for?

Short-term relief of pain and itching from:

  • Insect bites

  • Minor burns

  • Sunburns

  • Minor skin irritations

  • Minor cuts

  • Scrapes

  • Rashs and oozing due to poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac

How Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate) works

Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate) is a combination of two medications.

  • Diphenhydramine (an antihistamine) blocks a chemical in your skin that causes inflammation (redness, swelling, itching, pain).

  • Zinc acetate can help soothe the skin, ease inflammation, and help with wound repair.

Are you looking for information on diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or zinc acetate (Galzin) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsBenadryl Extra Strength Itch Relief, Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Cooling
Drug ClassAntihistamine / skin protectant
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
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Avg retail price
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$4.47
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What are the side effects of Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Skin irritation

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate)

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Pros

Applied topically to your skin

Available over the counter

Both the spray and the cream are available as a lower cost, generic form

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Cons

Not recommended to be used together with other forms of diphenhydramine

Not for use on large areas of the body

Can't be used in children less than 2 years old

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate)

pharmacist

  • Stop using Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate) and contact your provider if your skin condition worsens or doesn't improve within 1 week. Also, let your provider know if your symptoms go away, but come back again within a few days. These could be signs of a serious underlying medical condition.

    • If you're taking diphenhydramine by mouth for other reasons, such as allergies or sleep, don't use Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate) until you've talked to your provider first to make sure it's safe for you.

      • Store the cream and the spray at room temperature away from light and heat.

        • If you're using the spray, please keep your can away from fire or flame. Also, do not puncture the can. This spray can is under pressure and can cause serious injury if punctured or is placed near high temperature.

          • Keep Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate) away from your eyes and mouth. Don't use it on large areas of the body.

            • If you or a loved one accidentally swallows Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate), get medical help right away or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate)

              What's the difference between Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate) cream and spray?
              There aren't really any major differences between the cream and the spray other than how the medication is delivered. Both products contain 2% of diphenhydramine and 0.1% of zinc acetate and are applied directly to your skin. You can pick either product based on your preference.
              Can I take diphenhydramine by mouth if I'm taking Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate)?
              No, don't use Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate) with diphenhydramine that's taken by mouth, unless your provider specifically said it was okay to do so. Using more than one products that contain diphenhydramine at the same time can raise your risk of side effects, such as sleepiness, dizziness, and headache.
              Can I use Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate) for all skin problems?
              No, Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate) should only be used for temporary minor skin pain and skin itching. Don't use Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate) on severe skin problems, or on chicken pox and measles, without talking to your provider first. Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate) isn't meant to be used over large areas of skin. Let your provider know if your skin problem covers over large areas of your body because you might need more medical attention.
              Can I use Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate) only when I need it?
              Yes, you can use Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate) as needed. Use the least amount of medication for the shortest amount of time possible to ease your symptoms.
              Why can't children younger than 2 years old use Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate)?
              Children younger than 2 years old can't use Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate) because the amount of active medication is too high for them. This medication can put them at risk for possibly deadly overdose. If your child is having skin pain and itching, ask your child's provider or pharmacist for other options.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate)?

              Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              For external use only

              Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate) is a topical medication that should only be applied directly on your skin. There have been reports of serious side effects when diphenhydramine topical products were accidentally swallowed or ingested. If this happens, get medical help right away or contact a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

              risk-warning

              Flammable (spray only)

              The topical spray form of Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate) is flammable (meaning it can catch fire easily). Keep this product away from active fire or flames.

              dosage

              Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate) dosage forms

              The average cost for 1 bottle of 59ml of 2%/0.1% of Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate) is $13.17 with a free GoodRx coupon.0
              bottle of spray
              Bottle of spray
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              59ml of 2%/0.1%1 bottle$13.17$13.17
              can of spray
              Can of spray
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              76g of 2%/0.1%1 can$7.71$7.71
              tube of cream
              Tube of cream
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              28g of 2%/0.1%1 tube$4.47$4.47

              Typical dosing for Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate)

              Each product might have specific instructions for use, so please refer to your product’s administration directions and talk to your provider or pharmacist.

              Diphenhydramine 2% and zinc acetate 0.1% cream or spray:

              • Adults and children 2 years and older: The typical dose is to apply to the affected area of skin no more than 3 to 4 times per day.

              • Children younger than 2 years old: Ask your child's provider.

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              Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate) (generic)
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