What is this medicine?
DIPHENHYDRAMINE (dye fen HYE dra meen) is an antihistamine. It is used on the skin to treat pain and itching from insect bites, sunburns, rashes, and other minor skin conditions.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• drowsiness or dizziness
• dry mouth
• headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for external use only. Do not drink or use in the mouth. Follow the directions on the package. Wash your hands before and after use. Apply to the affected area as directed on the package or by your doctor or health care professional. Do not use this medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be used in children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?
Interactions are not expected. Do not use any other skin products on the affected area without asking your doctor or health care professional.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better within 7 days or if they get worse. You may have a skin infection or other more serious skin condition.

Do not use this medicine on large areas of the body or with other products that contain diphenhydramine. To do so may increase the risk of side effects.

Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse with plenty of water.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• chicken pox or measles
• an unusual or allergic reaction to diphenhydramine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.