Doxepin cream

About doxepin cream

Eczema is sometimes called dermatitis, which means inflammation of the skin. If you have eczema, areas of your skin become dry, red and inflamed. These areas of inflamed skin are often itchy, making you want to scratch. Then when you scratch, your skin becomes even more inflamed.

Doxepin cream helps to reduce itching in people with eczema. It does this by blocking the action of a substance in your body, called histamine.

Before using doxepin cream

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using doxepin cream it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have a heart condition or an irregular heart rhythm.

• If you have increased pressure in your eye, a condition called glaucoma.

• If you have any difficulties passing urine.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works.

• If you have a mood disorder called mania.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to use doxepin cream

• Before you start using the cream, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about doxepin cream, and it will also provide you with a full list of side-effects which you could experience from using it.

• Apply a thin layer of doxepin cream to the itchy areas three or four times each day. It is recommended that you do not use more than 3 g of cream at any time, or more than 12 g of cream a day. As a rough guide, this means that you should never use so much that a 30 g tube of cream lasts less than three days.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Doxepin cream may make you feel sleepy, especially when you first start using it. If it happens to you, do not drive and do not use tools or machines while you are affected. If it continues to be a problem, apply less cream or, for a few days, reduce the number of times you apply it. You should not drink alcohol while you are using the cream as this can make the sleepiness worse.

• If the treated areas of your skin are covered (either with your clothing or a dressing), this can increase how much doxepin your skin absorbs and the risk of side-effects. Do not apply more of the cream than your doctor has told you to, and do not use any dressings over the cream unless your doctor has said to do so.

• Continue to use your emollients every day as this will also help to prevent your skin from becoming dry and itchy. Try to avoid extremes of temperature by wrapping up well in cold weather. Also, avoid wearing rough or irritating clothing which can make your itching worse.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take while you are using doxepin.

Can doxepin cream cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains the most common ones associated with doxepin cream. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the cream, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store doxepin cream

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines