diphenhydramine / zinc acetate
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.
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.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Relief, Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Cooling |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Antihistamine / skin protectant |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Over-the-counter |
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
The following Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin
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Pros and cons of Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate)
Pros
- Applied topically to your skin
- Available over the counter
- Both the spray and the cream are available as a lower cost, generic form
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 for Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate)
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
Benadryl Itch Relief (diphenhydramine / zinc acetate) dosage
Typical dosage 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.
