Bendil2%+0.1%

Bendil is a topical over-the-counter (OTC) combination indicated for the temporary relief of itching and minor skin irritation caused by:

• Insect bites and stings
• Minor cuts, scrapes, and burns
• Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac
• Minor skin irritations, rashes, and hives (urticaria) not caused by a serious underlying condition

Bendil is intended for short-term, external use only and is not a treatment for the underlying cause of a rash or skin condition.

Each application of Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride + Zinc Acetate topical preparation (cream, gel, or spray) typically provides Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride 2% w/w as the antihistamine component and Zinc Acetate 0.1% w/w as the astringent/skin-protectant component, in a suitable topical base.

Bendil is a fixed-dose topical combination of a first-generation antihistamine (diphenhydramine hydrochloride) and an astringent/skin-protectant salt (zinc acetate). It is formulated as a cream, gel, or continuous spray for external application to relieve itching and mild skin irritation. Diphenhydramine blocks local histamine-mediated itch and inflammation, while zinc acetate has a mild astringent, drying, and skin-protective action that helps soothe irritated skin.

Topical Antihistamine and Skin Protectant (Astringent) Combination

Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride is a first-generation H1-receptor antagonist. Applied topically, it competitively blocks histamine at H1 receptors in the skin, reducing the itching, redness, and swelling that result from local histamine release (e.g., after an insect bite or allergic skin reaction).

Zinc Acetate is an astringent and skin protectant. It precipitates surface proteins on broken or irritated skin, helping to dry weeping lesions, reduce local inflammation, and form a mild protective barrier that supports the skin's own healing process.

When combined in Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride + Zinc Acetate, the two components act together to relieve itching and soothe minor skin irritation. Systemic absorption through intact skin is generally minimal when used as directed, but can increase with application to large areas, broken skin, or prolonged use, particularly in young children.

For external use only. Clean and dry the affected area before application. Apply a thin, even layer of Bendil directly to the irritated or itching skin. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes. Wash hands after application unless the hands are the area being treated. Do not bandage tightly or apply occlusive dressings unless directed by a physician.

Because systemic absorption of Bendil is normally minimal with correct topical use, clinically significant drug interactions are uncommon. However, if used over large areas of skin, on broken skin, or for prolonged periods, enough diphenhydramine may be absorbed to interact with:

• CNS depressants (e.g., sedatives, opioids, alcohol) — additive drowsiness and sedation.
• Other anticholinergic drugs (e.g., other antihistamines, some antidepressants) — additive anticholinergic effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, and urinary retention.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) — may prolong and intensify the anticholinergic effects of absorbed diphenhydramine.

Inform your physician or pharmacist about all other topical or oral medicines in use, especially if applying Bendil to large areas or in children.

When used topically as directed, Bendil is generally well tolerated. Reported side effects include:

• Local application-site reactions: mild burning, stinging, dryness, or irritation at the site of application.
• Allergic contact dermatitis or rash with prolonged or repeated use.

If enough diphenhydramine is absorbed systemically (e.g., with use over large areas, broken skin, or in young children), anticholinergic-type effects may occur, including drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, or dizziness. Discontinue use and seek medical advice if a rash spreads, blistering occurs, or symptoms worsen.

There are no well-controlled studies of topical Bendil in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Systemic absorption through intact skin is normally low, but as a precaution, pregnant or breastfeeding women should use Bendil only if clearly needed, on the smallest area for the shortest time necessary, and should consult a physician before use, particularly before use on large areas of skin or for prolonged periods.

Observe the following precautions when using Bendil:

• For external use only; avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes.
• Do not apply to chickenpox, measles, deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns unless directed by a physician.
• Do not use over large areas of the body, especially in infants and young children, because of the risk of increased systemic absorption and anticholinergic toxicity.
• Discontinue use and consult a physician if the condition worsens, if a rash, redness, or irritation spreads, or if symptoms persist for more than 7 days.
• Avoid concurrent use of other diphenhydramine-containing or antihistamine products (oral or topical) unless directed by a physician, to prevent additive anticholinergic effects.
• Use with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy, or significant hepatic impairment if systemic absorption is a concern, as absorbed diphenhydramine shares the anticholinergic profile of oral antihistamines.
• Keep out of reach of children; accidental ingestion of topical Bendil can cause serious anticholinergic toxicity.

Topical overdose of Bendil from excessive or prolonged application, particularly over large body surface areas or in young children, may lead to systemic absorption of diphenhydramine and signs of anticholinergic toxicity, such as marked drowsiness, confusion, dry mouth, flushing, rapid heartbeat, dilated pupils, or, in severe cases, hallucinations, seizures, or loss of consciousness. If Bendil is accidentally swallowed or if signs of overdose appear after topical use, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center right away; do not attempt home treatment.

Store at room temperature (below 30°C), away from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of children.

Pediatric use: Do not use Bendil in children under 2 years of age unless directed by a physician, because of a higher risk of systemic absorption and anticholinergic side effects. Use in children 2 to 12 years should be supervised by an adult and limited to the smallest effective area.

Elderly: Older adults may be more sensitive to anticholinergic effects if diphenhydramine is systemically absorbed; use the smallest area and shortest duration necessary and consult a physician if in doubt.

Hepatic/Renal impairment: No specific dose adjustment is established for topical use; systemic absorption is expected to be minimal, but caution is advised with extensive application in patients with significant hepatic or renal impairment.

Bendil is intended for short-term use. Do not use continuously for more than 7 days for the same skin condition. If itching or irritation persists or worsens, stop use and consult a physician.

Antihistamine (H1-receptor antagonist, first generation); Astringent / Skin Protectant

Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride blocks H1 histamine receptors in the skin to reduce itching and local allergic inflammation, while Zinc Acetate acts as an astringent that precipitates surface proteins, dries weeping skin lesions, and forms a mild protective barrier that supports healing. Together in Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride + Zinc Acetate, these actions provide combined itch relief and skin-soothing benefit.

Bendil is not recommended for children under 2 years of age unless a physician directs otherwise, due to increased risk of systemic absorption and anticholinergic side effects in young children. For children 2 to 12 years, application should be limited, supervised by an adult, and restricted to a small affected area. Safety and efficacy of extensive or prolonged use in children have not been established.