caladryl

This medication is used to treat itching and pain caused by minor burns/cuts/scrapes, sunburn, insect bites, minor skin irritations, or rashes from poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac. Diphenhydramine belongs to a class of drugs known as antihistamines. It works by preventing the effects of a certain natural substance (histamine) that causes itching. Calamine helps to dry the oozing and weeping caused by irritation from poisonous plants. Use of this medication is not recommended in children younger than 2 years unless directed by the doctor.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Use this medication on the skin only. Some products may need to be shaken well before use. Follow all directions on the product package, or use as directed by your doctor. Before applying, clean the affected area with soap and water. Gently pat dry. Apply to the affected area as directed, usually 3 to 4 times a day. Wash hands immediately after use, unless the area being treated includes the hands. Do not use on large areas of the body or apply more often than directed. Do not use on chickenpox or measles. Do not use with other products that contain diphenhydramine (e.g., allergy medication taken by mouth). Your condition will not clear faster, but side effects may be increased. Avoid getting the product in your eyes, nose, ears, or mouth. If the medication gets in these areas, rinse the area immediately with clean water. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after 7 days of treatment. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription/nonprescription medications you may use. Do not use with any other diphenhydramine product applied to the skin or taken by mouth because increased side effects may occur. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

This medication may stain clothes. Avoid contact with clothing.

This product may be harmful if swallowed. If overdose or swallowing 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. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: mental/mood changes, extremely dry mouth, slurred speech, trembling hands/feet, confusion, seizures.

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to diphenhydramine or calamine; or to other ingredients that may be in your brand (e.g., camphor, menthol); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: chickenpox, measles. Though very unlikely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed into your blood. Children using this drug for an extended time over large areas of the skin (especially areas with broken skin) may be at higher risk, especially if they also are using other diphenhydramine products taken by mouth or applied to the skin. Stop using this product and tell your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: enlarged pupils, face flushing, mental/mood changes, difficulty walking, difficulty urinating. During pregnancy, this product should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Refer to storage information printed on the package. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Mild stinging, redness, swelling, or dry/flaky skin may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.