Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Boots Bite, Sting & Itch Relief 2% w/w Cream
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Diphenhydramine hydrochloride may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What you need to know before you take it
e You can remove the cream by washing Boots Bite, Sting & Itch Relief Cream with soap and water if required.
How to take it
Boots Bite, Sting & Itch Relief Other medicines and Boots Bite, Sting & Cream Itch Relief Cream 4. Possible side effects No interactions of concern are known for 5. How to store Boots Bite, Sting & Itch Relief this product. Cream 6. Contents of the pack and other information Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Boots Bite, Sting & Itch Relief Cream is 1. What Boots Bite, Sting & considered safe for use during pregnancy and when breastfeeding, however you Itch Relief Cream is and should always consult with a healthcare what it is used for professional before using any medicines Boots Bite, Sting & Itch Relief Cream is at this time. intended for the relief of minor discomforts Driving and using machinery due to allergic conditions of the skin. Such This product is safe to use prior to driving conditions include rashes and itches, or operating machinery. stings and insect bites. The active ingredient is diphenhydramine This medicine contains: hydrochloride which is an antihistamine; it Propyl hydroxybenzoate which may cause works by reducing the inflammatory allergic reactions (possibly delayed). response to histamine, which is an agent responsible for causing the pain What should I do if I accidentally associated with allergic responses. swallow or use too much Boots Bite, Sting & Itch Relief Cream? 2. What you need to know Accidental swallowing or excessive use may lead to drowsiness and sedation. If before you use Boots Bite, this occurs seek medical advice Sting & Itch Relief Cream immediately and do not drive. When seeking medical advice you should, if Do not use Boots Bite, Sting & Itch possible, take the medicine and this Relief Cream leaflet with you provided it doesn't cause
- If you are allergic to Diphenhydramine a delay. Hydrochloride or any of the ingredients listed in section 6.
- Do not apply to eczema, or conditions
Always take this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist have told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Check the tube seal is not broken before first use. If it is, do not use the cream. Pierce tube seal with end of cap. Apply sparingly to the affected area. Do not use more than twice daily or for longer than three days. FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY Wash your hands after use unless they are being treated. If you forget to use Boots Bite, Sting & Itch Relief Cream If you have missed a treatment then you can use the cream immediately provided you do not apply it more than twice daily.
Possible side effects
Although not common the following side effects have been reported to the ingredients of Boots Bite, Sting & Itch Relief Cream:
- Allergic reactions, e.g. skin rash and/or swelling at or near the site of application.
- The skin may become sensitive to sunlight.
- Very occasionally, eczema. If you experience any severe side effects including eczema, or have a side effect which isn't listed, then discontinue use and seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
Reporting of side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
How to store it
Boots Bite, Sting & Itch Relief Cream
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date which is shown on the label. Store below 25°C. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste.
Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
Contents of the pack and other information
What Boots Bite, Sting & Itch Relief Cream contains
- The active substance is diphenhydramine hydrochloride 2.0% w/w.
- The other ingredients are propyl hydroxybenzoate, liquid paraffin, emulsifying wax and purified water.
What Boots Bite, Sting & Itch Relief Cream looks like and contents of the pack.
Boots Bite, Sting & Itch Relief Cream is a smooth white cream supplied in packs of 25g. Marketing Authorisation Holder: Norma Chemicals Ltd., 51-53 Stert Street, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England OX14 3JF Manufactured for The Boots Company PLC Nottingham NG2 3AA by: Laleham Health and Beauty Limited, Greenhalgh, Preston, PR4 3JA, UK. This Leaflet was revised June 2025 PL 00386/5000R If you would like any further information about this medicine, please contact The Boots Company PLC Nottingham NG2 3AA
Other formats
To request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge:0800 198 5000 (UK only) Please be ready to give the following information: Product name: Boots Bite, Sting & Itch Relief 2% w/w Cream Reference number: PL 00386/5000R This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People.
BRANDING
Frequently asked questions about Boots Bite, Sting & Itch Relief 2% w/w Cream
How do I take Boots Bite, Sting & Itch Relief 2% w/w Cream?
Boots Bite, Sting & Itch Relief 2% w/w Cream comes as cream. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
What is the active substance in Boots Bite, Sting & Itch Relief 2% w/w Cream?
The active substance in Boots Bite, Sting & Itch Relief 2% w/w Cream is diphenhydramine hydrochloride.
Are there equivalent medicines to Boots Bite, Sting & Itch Relief 2% w/w Cream?
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Histergan 2% w/w Cream. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Boots Bite, Sting & Itch Relief 2% w/w Cream, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Boots Bite, Sting & Itch Relief 2% w/w Cream without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: diphenhydramine hydrochloride
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Boots Bite, Sting & Itch Relief 2% w/w Cream. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.