How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Doxepin cream belongs to the class of medications called topical anti-pruritics (anti-itch). It is used for the short term relief of moderately severe itching caused by conditions such as eczema. Doxepin cream works to block the action of histamine, which is produced when tissue is irritated, such as in an allergic reaction, resulting in the itching sensation.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Doxepin cream is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada and is no longer available under any brand names. This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using this medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.
How should I use this medication?
Apply enough cream to cover the affected area with a thin film. Massage it gently into the skin. This medication is usually applied three to four times daily, with at least 3 or 4 hours between applications. Doxepin cream should not be used for more than 8 days. Using the cream for a longer period of time may cause more severe side effects.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The cream should not be covered with a dressing that does not allow the area to breathe, such as plastic wrap or a diaper. Doing so may cause the medication to be absorbed into the body and make possible side effects worse.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not use double the amount of cream to make up for a missed dose. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not use doxepin cream if you:
- are allergic to doxepin or any ingredients of the medication
- are under 12 years old
- have glaucoma
- have difficulty urinating
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- burning, stinging, or irritation where the cream is applied
- diarrhea
- drowsiness
- dry eyes
- dry mouth
- headache
- heartburn
- nausea
- rash
- skin tingling
- thirst
- vomiting
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- blurred vision
- problems urinating
- rapid heart rate
- severe dizziness when rising from sitting or lying position
- symptoms of using too much medication (overdose) (e.g., severe sedation, blurred vision, severe thirst, fast heart rate, low blood pressure, unexpected limb movements)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: This medication may cause drowsiness, especially if you are using this medication for a large area. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other tasks that require you to be alert, until you have determined how this medication affects you. If this medication causes you to become excessively drowsy, you may need to reduce the amount of cream you are applying with each application or apply the cream to a smaller area of the body. Contact your doctor to discuss options.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if doxepin passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children less than 12 years of age.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may be an interaction between doxepin cream and any of the following:
- abiraterone
- alcohol
- alfuzosin
- amiodarone
- antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, dimenhydrinate, hydroxyzine)
- antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine, haloperidol, clozapine, quetiapine, risperidone)
- aspirin
- barbiturates (e.g.,butalbital, phenobarbital)
- beta2-agonists (e.g., formoterol, salbutamol, salmeterol, terbutaline)
- bupropion
- carbamazepine
- celecoxib
- cimetidine
- cinacalcet
- cisapride
- clonidine
- cyclobenzaprine
- desmopressin
- dexamphetamine
- dexmethylphenidate
- some diabetes medications (e.g., chlorpropamide, glyburide, tolbutamide)
- disopyramide
- divalproex
- dolasetron
- domperidone
- donepezil
- duloxetine
- epinephrine
- ergotamine
- flecainide
- galantamine
- imatinib
- ipratropium (oral inhalation)
- isoniazid
- linezolid
- lithium
- macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
- MAO inhibitors (e.g., methylene blue, moclobemide, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
- methadone
- methyldopa
- methylphenidate
- metoclopramide
- mifepristone
- methylergonovine
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs; diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)
- norepinephrine
- phenylephrine
- quinolone antibiotics (e.g.,levofloxacin, ofloxacin)
- ondansetron
- oxymetazoline
- peginterferon Alfa-2b
- pimozide
- protease inhibitors (e.g., darunavir, lopinavir, ritonavir)
- quiNIDine
- quinine
- rifabutin
- rifampin
- rivastigmine
- SAMe
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g., citalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline)
- sodium phosphates
- sotalol
- St John’s Wort
- ticlopidine
- tiotropium
- tizanidine
- tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine, nortriptyline)
- tramadol
- trazodone
- "triptan" migraine medications (e.g., eletriptan, sumatriptan)
- tryptophan
- xylometazoline
- valproic acid
- venlafaxine
- warfarin
- yohimbine
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Zonalon-cream
