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Brand Name :
Allegra Anti-Itch Intensive Relief Cream, Allegra Anti-Itch Cooling Relief Cream
Synonyms :
diphenhydramine/allantoin topical
Class :
Anesthetics, Topical; Dermatologics
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Topical cream
2%/0.5%
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Topical cream
2%/0.5%
Refer to the adult indication
Actions and Spectrum:
Actions
diphenhydramine works as an antihistamine by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical released during allergic reactions. It helps alleviate itching, redness, and swelling associated with various skin conditions, such as insect bites, rashes, and allergic reactions.
allantoin is a natural compound derived from plants with moisturizing, soothing, and healing properties. It promotes cell regeneration, exfoliation, and wound healing by stimulating the growth of healthy skin cells and increasing water content in the skin.
Spectrum
Topical products containing allantoin are widely used for dermatological conditions, including dry or irritated skin, minor cuts, burns, sunburns, acne, eczema, and other skin irritations.
Refer to the adult indication
Black Box Warning:
None
Contraindication/Caution:
Contraindications
Cautions
Pregnancy consideration:
Pregnancy Category: C
Breastfeeding warnings:
The excretion of this drug in breast milk is unknown.
Pregnancy category:
Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.
Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.
Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.
Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category.
Pharmacology:
diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that works by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical released by the body during an allergic reaction. It antagonizes histamine receptors, specifically H1 receptors, thereby reducing allergic symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling.
allantoin is a natural compound known for its skin-soothing and moisturizing properties. It helps promote skin healing, reduce irritation, and enhance the skin’s overall condition. allantoin stimulates cell proliferation and tissue regeneration, aiding in damaged or irritated skin repair.
Pharmacodynamics:
diphenhydramine blocks the effects of histamine by binding to and antagonizing H1 histamine receptors. This action helps alleviate allergic symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling.
allantoin stimulates cell proliferation and tissue regeneration, supporting the healing process of irritated or damaged skin. It can accelerate the closure of minor wounds and promote skin repair.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption
When applied topically, diphenhydramine can be absorbed through the skin and enter the systemic circulation to some extent. However, the absorption rate is generally low compared to oral administration. allantoin is generally well-absorbed through the skin when applied topically.
Distribution
After absorption, diphenhydramine is distributed throughout the body. It crosses the blood-brain barrier, leading to sedative effects.
After absorption, allantoin is distributed to the target tissues, primarily exerting its effects locally on the skin.
Metabolism
diphenhydramine undergoes hepatic metabolism primarily through the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, particularly the CYP2D6 pathway. It is metabolized into various metabolites, including N-desmethyl-diphenhydramine and diphenylmethoxyacetic acid.
allantoin is not extensively metabolized in the body and is primarily eliminated unchanged.
Elimination and Excretion
The metabolites of diphenhydramine are excreted primarily in the urine, with a half-life of approximately 2 to 9 hours. Renal impairment can prolong the elimination half-life.
allantoin is primarily excreted in the urine.
Administration:
diphenhydramine/allantoin topical products are applied externally to the affected skin area. The specific administration instructions may vary depending on the formulation and the treated condition. It’s important to carefully read and follow the instructions provided by the healthcare professional or the product labeling.
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: diphenhydramine/allantoin
Why do we use diphenhydramine/allantoin?
diphenhydramine/allantoin topical is commonly used for its combined therapeutic effects in addressing various skin conditions. The condition includes itch relief, skin inflammation, minor skin irritations, moisturization, and skin conditioning.