What is Doxepin topical?
Doxepin is a tricyclic drug that is used to treat depression. Topical doxepin can relieve itching when applied to the skin. However, it does not treat symptoms of depression. Doxepin (for skin use) is used for the treatment of itchy, dry skin among adults who have eczema and other skin disorders, which can cause repeated scratching or thickened skin. Doxepin topical can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Doxepin topical
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat. While the risk of side effects when doxepin is applied topically is low, they can still occur if it is absorbed through your bloodstream. After applying this medication, you may feel drowsy. This is especially true if the skin treatment is large.
Doxepin can cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if:
- Severe sleepiness
- Confusion;
- Dry mouth.
- Urination that is painful or difficult
- Blurred vision
- Skin symptoms that are new or worsening
Some side effects are more common in older adults.
Some of the common side effects associated with doxepin topical include:
- The medicine may cause stinging or burning where it is applied.
- Mild drowsiness
- Dry mouth
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
prednisone, hydroxyzine, hydrocortisone topical, triamcinolone, benadryl, diphenhydramine, and lidocaine topical
Warnings
Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, your allergies, and the medicines you are using.
Before you take this drug
Do not use doxepin if:
- Untreated narrow-angle glaucoma
- Urination problems.
Tell your doctor of any medical conditions you may have before using the doxepin topical. This medicine is not known to harm unborn babies. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Doxepin topical may pass into breastmilk and cause side effects for the nursing infant. Inform your doctor if breastfeeding is a possibility. Doxepin topical is not recommended for anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Doxepin topical?
Do not alter the instructions on your prescription. Use this medication only as directed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or use it for longer. Take it only by mouth. Topical medicines are only to be used on the skin. This medicine should not be used on wounds that are open, sunburned, windburned, chapped, or have dry skin. Rinse with water if this medicine enters your eyes, nose, or mouth. Doxepin is normally applied four times per day. Do not apply the topical more than 3 hours apart. Apply a thin coating of the medication and gently rub it in. Avoid covering the treated area of skin with bandages or plastic. The bandaging may increase the amount of drugs absorbed by your skin and cause adverse effects. Do not use this medication for more than 8 days. If your symptoms don't improve, stop using the medicine immediately and contact your doctor. Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature. When not in use, keep the tube tightly sealed.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you recall, take the missed dose. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. If you absorb too much doxepin through your skin, serious overdose symptoms may occur. Overdose symptoms include dizziness, drowsiness, or extreme drowsiness. They can also include feeling cold or hot, nausea, confusion, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.
What should be avoided?
If this medication gets into your eyes, rinse with water. This medicine can cause serious side effects, such as impaired thinking and reactions. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness. Alcohol consumption can have side effects when taken with this medication.
Interaction with other drug
This effect can be worsened by using doxepin with other sleep-inducing drugs. Before taking sleeping pills, narcotic medications, muscle relaxers, or medication for anxiety, depression, or seizures, ask your doctor. Tell your doctor, before using doxepin, if you've used a MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days. Examples include isocarboxazid (linezolid), methylene blue injection (phenelzine), rasagiline (selegiline), tranylcypromine, and others. Tell your doctor if you are taking any new medications or if you will stop taking any of your current ones.
- Cimetidine;
- Heart rhythm medication
- Antidepressants are taken orally.
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as prescription and OTC medications, vitamins, and herbal products, may interact with Doxepin Topical. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.
