Doxepin Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information

Skip navigation


Other drug names:	A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

Doxepin Topical

(dox' e pin)

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose?	What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? In case of emergency/overdose What other information should I know? Brand names

Why is this medication prescribed? Return to top

Doxepin topical is used to relieve itching of the skin caused by eczema. Doxepin is in a class of medications called topical antipruritics. It may work by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes certain symptoms, such as itching.

How should this medicine be used? Return to top

Doxepin comes as a cream to apply to the skin. It is usually applied four times a day, at least 3 to 4 hours apart, for up to 8 days. Use doxepin at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use doxepin topical exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

To use the cream, follow these steps:

Wash the affected skin with water and a mild soap or soapless cleansing lotion and pat dry with a soft towel.
Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected skin. Gently and thoroughly massage it into the skin. Be careful not to get the medication in your eyes or mouth. If you do get doxepin in your eyes, wash with plenty of water and call your doctor if your eyes are irritated.
Do not cover the affected area with any bandages, dressings, or wrappings.
Wash your hands with soap and water after you finish handling the medication.

Other uses for this medicine Return to top

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow? Return to top

Before using doxepin cream,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to doxepin (Adapin, Sinequan) or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: antidepressants (mood elevators); antihistamines; carbamazepine (Tegretol); cimetidine (Tagamet); medications for irregular heart beat, including encainide (Enkaid), flecainide (Tambocor), propafenone (Rythmol), and quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex); and medications for mental illness and nausea. Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the following medications or have stopped taking them within the past 2 weeks: monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, including isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma, benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlargement of the prostate), or urinary retention (inability to empty your bladder completely or at all).
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using doxepin, call your doctor. You should not use doxepin if you are breast-feeding.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using doxepin.
you should know that doxepin may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. If you become very drowsy from doxepin, talk to your doctor.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.

What special dietary instructions should I follow? Return to top

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose? Return to top

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply extra cream to make up for a missed dose.

What side effects can this medication cause? Return to top

Doxepin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

drowsiness
dry mouth
dry lips
thirst
headache
extreme tiredness
dizziness
mood changes
taste changes
burning or stinging at affected area
worsened itching
dryness and tightness of skin at affected area
tingling of the fingers or toes
swelling of the affected area

Doxepin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? Return to top

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose Return to top

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

drowsiness
unconsciousness
blurred vision
very dry mouth
difficulty breathing
dizziness
fainting
seizures
change in body temperature
fast or irregular heart beat
urinary retention
enlarged pupils (dark part of eye)

What other information should I know? Return to top

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names Return to top

Zonalon®

Prudoxin®

Last Reviewed - 09/01/2008

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer

AHFS^® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2009. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.