Sometimes, an itchy skin rash can be unbearable, right? Especially if you have a condition like eczema, this itch can be a daily nuisance. So, a special cream that doctors prescribe for such cases is Doxepin. In this article, we will talk in detail about how to use it properly, what to be careful about, and possible side effects.
What actually happens with Doxepin cream?
Okay, let's see how this works. Simply put, when our body has an allergic reaction, a chemical called 'histamine' is produced. This histamine is often responsible for things like itching and redness. Doxepin cream blocks the action of this histamine on the surface of the skin. Then, after a while, the itching you feel will decrease and you will get relief.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
This is very important. Before your doctor prescribes Doxepin cream for you, you should definitely tell them if you have any of the conditions below.
- If you have a mental illness such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia .
- If you have difficulty urinating.
- If you have glaucoma.
- If you have heart disease.
- If you are a regular drinker.
- If you have a liver disease.
- If you have lung diseases such as asthma or sleep apnea.
- If you have prostate problems.
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to Doxepin or any other medicine, food, or preservative.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
Giving this information to your doctor will help him choose the safest treatment option for you.
How exactly do you use this cream?
Keep these points in mind when using this medicine.
- Just apply it to the skin: This is not a medicine to drink. It is only to be applied to the skin.
- Apply a thin layer: As the doctor said, apply a thin layer only to the affected area of skin. Don't apply too much.
- Do not apply bandages: Do not cover the area where the cream was applied with a bandage or other dressing.
- Do not let it get into your eyes: This is very harmful to your eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes thoroughly with clean water.
- Use at the right time: Use it at the right intervals, no matter how many times a day your doctor tells you to use it. Don't use it more than you need.
- If giving to children: Children need special care when using this, so be sure to consult a doctor about it.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. There should be at least a 3-4 hour gap between two doses. Never take more than two doses at once.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
When you use Doxepin, it may interact with the following drugs. So tell your doctor if you are using these drugs.
- Alcohol
- Any medicine that makes you sleepy (e.g., allergy pills, tranquilizers, anticonvulsants , muscle relaxants)
- Cimetidine
- Dextromethorphan, found in some cough syrups
- Linezolid (an antibiotic)
- Medication to regulate heart rate
- Some medications for depression, especially MAOIs (e.g., Carbex, Marplan, Nardil)
- Methylene blue
This list is not complete. It's best to tell your doctor about every medication, vitamin, and traditional medicine you use.
Things to consider when using Doxepin
- Do not use for more than 8 days: Do not use this cream for more than 8 consecutive days without consulting a doctor.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: You may feel a little drowsy and dizzy when using this cream. Therefore, do not do anything that requires attention, such as driving or operating machinery, while applying this cream.
- Don't stand up suddenly: Be careful when you suddenly stand up from standing or sitting, especially if you are elderly. Otherwise, you may get dizzy and fall.
- No alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol can make you more sleepy.
Should we also be aware of side effects? (Side Effects)
Like any medication, Doxepin can cause some side effects. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to inform your doctor immediately | |
| Serious allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Skin inflammation | Inflammation, excessive itching, peeling skin, or crusting where the cream was applied. |
| Vision changes | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing rings around lights, and loss of vision. |
| Difficulty urinating | Difficulty urinating or not urinating at all. |
| It's usually not serious, but if it persists, tell your doctor. | |
| Drowsiness/dizziness | These are common things to see. If they persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. |
| Dry mouth | You may feel dry mouth. Drink more water. |
| Change in taste | The taste of food may seem to have changed. |
Take-Home Message
- This cream is for you only. Use it as directed by your doctor, for the duration prescribed.
- This is for topical use only. Never take it by mouth.
- As the medication may cause drowsiness, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving.
- Do not use for more than 8 consecutive days without consulting a doctor.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction (swelling of the face, difficulty breathing) or changes in vision.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What is Doxepin Cream / Zonalon, Prudoxin?
Doxepin is actually a 'depression/mental' pill that is given orally, but when it is made into a cream, it instantly and completely blocks/stops the 'unbearable itching and inflammation (Severe Pruritus)' caused by severe skin diseases (Eczema / Atopic Dermatitis / Lichen Simplex).
💬 How can this cream made from a psychiatric drug (Doxepin) stop severe skin itching instantly?
In some severe itching diseases, our skin releases a large amount of a chemical called 'Histamine' (which is why we itch). When this cream is applied to the skin, it acts as one of the 'strongest Antihistamines' (H1 and H2 receptor blockers) in the world, closing and locking all the allergic receptors in the skin 100%. Since there is no way for the message to pass, the itching disappears immediately.
💬 Even though it's a cream, don't apply it too much (Systemic absorption) / Why do you say don't drive?
That's the biggest danger! This cream is absorbed very quickly through the skin and directly into our bloodstream. If the cream is applied to too much/large areas, it can cause the patient to become numb like a rock and fall into an unbearable 'coma-like sleepiness (Severe Drowsiness)'! Therefore, it is forbidden to drive vehicles/machines after applying this. Also, it is not good to use this cream continuously for more than 8 days.
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