Doxepin Hcl (doxepin HCl)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Doxepin is a topical antipruritic.
Doxepin, a dibenzoxepin-derivative tricyclic compound, is a topical antipruritic. While the exact mechanism of antipruritic activity is unknown, doxepin exhibits potent histamine H1- and H2-receptor antagonist activity. Although the sedative effect of systemically absorbed doxepin may contribute to the drug's antipruritic activity, the antipruritic efficacy of doxepin reportedly does not appear to depend on a sedative effect.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided in the accompanying monograph was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. Readers are advised that decisions regarding use of drugs are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and that the information contained in the monograph is provided for informational purposes only. The manufacturer's labeling should be consulted for more detailed information.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information contained in the monograph is not a substitute for medical care.
Doxepin hydrochloride is used topically for the short-term (up to 8 days of therapy) relief of moderately severe pruritus associated with various forms of eczematous dermatitis, including atopic dermatitis and lichen simplex chronicus (circumscribed or localized neurodermatitis).
Generic name: doxepin HCl
Pronunciation: (dox-EH-pin)
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Doxepin Hcl
Indications
The following indications are listed for Doxepin Hcl:
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Lichen Simplex Chronicus
- Pruritus Of Skin
Also known as: Atopic Eczema, Circumscribed Neurodermatitis, Disseminated Neurodermatitis, Itchy Skin Eruption, Pruritic Dermatitis, Vidal's Disease.
Dosing
The manufacturer states that safety and efficacy of topical doxepin hydrochloride in children have not been established but that topical therapy with the drug in a limited number of children 12-18 years of age revealed no evidence of unusual adverse effect.
For the short-term relief of pruritus associated with various eczematous conditions in adults, a thin film of doxepin hydrochloride 5% cream is applied topically to affected areas of the skin 4 times daily, with an interval of at least 3-4 hours between applications.
Because clinically important amounts of the drug may be absorbed percutaneously into systemic circulation following topical application, patients should be cautioned about the risk of adverse systemic effects of doxepin, particularly drowsiness, and warned that CNS depressant effects of the drug can be exacerbated by alcohol, and the usual precautions of tricyclic antidepressant therapy should be considered. If excessive drowsiness occurs, it may be necessary to reduce the number of daily applications, the amount of cream applied, and/or the percentage of body surface area treated or to discontinue therapy with the drug. The risk of systemic toxicity is increased when the cream is applied to more than 10% of body surface area, and it is particularly important that patients receiving such dosages be cautioned about sedation and other potential adverse systemic effects of doxepin.
The manufacturer states that safety and efficacy of topical doxepin hydrochloride therapy have not been established beyond 8 days. Exceeding an 8-day course of topical therapy may result in increased systemic concentrations of the drug.
Doxepin hydrochloride is applied topically to the skin as a cream. The topical cream is intended for external use only and should not be applied to the eyes nor administered orally or intravaginally.
Because of the potential risk of enhanced percutaneous absorption, doxepin hydrochloride cream should not be used with occlusive dressings and patients should be warned that treated areas of the skin should not be bandaged or otherwise covered or wrapped as to be occlusive.
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Drug interactions
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There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
There are no severe interactions for this drug.
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
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There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
There are no severe contraindications for this drug.
There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.
Adverse reactions
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There are no severe adverse reactions for this drug.
There are no less severe adverse reactions for this drug.
Precautions
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ICD codes
No ICD codes are available for this drug.
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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