Diphenhydramine

[lrpolo]

Does anybody know why diphenhydramine was discontinued in the UK? Its an ingredient in a cream for baby's made in Japan (Baby Mopiko) marketed for nappy rash, prickly heat eczema and insect bites. I bought it, but then remembered diphenhydramine was stopped here and wondered if that was because of some adverse effect, eg maybe hypersensitivity with the cream.

[johnep]

Diphenhydramine is not discontinued AFAIK, still marketed as a hypnotic in NYTOL.
Benadryl was a Parke Davis introduction as an antihistamine and included in their popular Benylin cough mixtures.
It was overtaken by non sedating antihistamines. Benadryl Cream used extensively in the 50s, 60s but tended to cause sensitisation. Anthisan was a superior product IMO.
Topical antihistamines superseded by steroid creams.
Sales not worth the product licence fee.
johnep

[minisini]

Is there still an antihistamine cream on the market? I havent seen anthisan in quiet a while.

[lrpolo]

Ah. I realise now I got it confused with dimenhydrinate which was in Dramamine which was discontinued, and I don't know why. I used to use Dramamine and thought it was pretty good. It would seem more logical for dramamine to contain diphenydramine due to the 'dram' ending of its name. I also got confused as I couldn't find it in the BNF.

[johnep]

Do not do any dispensing if you are so easily confused. Quinine and Quinidine are very different meds but name similar.
johnep

[lrpolo]

?? What was that for? Unlike your patronising example of quinine and quinidine diphenhydramine and dimenhydrinate are both sedating antihistamines with a very similar mode of action. Do you want people to use this website or not?

[johnep]

I was only illustrating that confusion re correct name could be dangerous.
johnep

[shonap87]

Is there still an antihistamine cream on the market? I havent seen anthisan in quiet a while.

I have it in my OTC section. Pop over if you need a tube.