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.
Histergan 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 it is and what it is used for
for Histergan Cream is intended for the relief of minor discomforts due to allergic conditions of the skin. Such conditions include rashes and itches, stings and insect bites. The active ingredient is diphenhydramine hydrochloride which is an antihistamine; it works by reducing the inflammatory response to histamine, which is an agent responsible for causing the pain associated with allergic responses.
What you need to know before you take it
e Histergan Cream Do not use Histergan Cream If you are allergic to Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride or any of the ingredients listed in section 6. Do not apply to eczema, or conditions where the skin is broken or producing any form of wet discharge. Do not use the cream at the same time as using other products that also contain diphenhydramine. In children under 6 years old. Warnings and precautions Keep away from the eyes, nose and mouth. Apply sparingly, avoiding prolonged or repeated applications especially to large areas. If burning or a rash develops or the condition does not improve seek medical advice immediately. You can remove the cream by washing with soap and water if required. Other medicines and Histergan Cream No interactions of concern are known for this product. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Histergan Cream is considered safe for use during pregnancy and when breastfeeding, however you should always consult with a healthcare professional before using any medicines at this time. Driving and using machinery This product is safe to use prior to driving or operating machinery. This medicine contains: Propyl hydroxybenzoate which may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed). What should I do if I accidentally swallow or use too much Histergan Cream? Accidental swallowing or excessive use may lead to drowsiness and sedation. If this occurs seek medical advice immediately and do not drive. When seeking medical advice you should, if possible, take the medicine and this leaflet with you provided it doesn't cause a delay.
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How to take it
Histergan Cream 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. 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 Histergan 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 Histergan 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
Histergan 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 Histergan 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 Histergan Cream looks like and contents of the pack. Histergan 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 Manufacturer: Laleham Health and Beauty Limited, Greenhalgh, Preston, PR4 3JA, UK. This Leaflet was revised October 2023 PL 00386/5000R H0128-7
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Frequently asked questions about Histergan 2% w/w Cream
How do I take Histergan 2% w/w Cream?
Histergan 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 Histergan 2% w/w Cream?
The active substance in Histergan 2% w/w Cream is diphenhydramine hydrochloride.
Are there equivalent medicines to Histergan 2% w/w Cream?
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Boots Bite, Sting & Itch Relief 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 Histergan 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 Histergan 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 →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
Symptomatic treatment of allergic conditions e.g.:- Urticaria, pruritus, allergic rashes, stings and insect bites.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Apply sparingly and infrequently (maximum twice daily) to the affected area. Short term treatment only - not more than three days.
Not recommended for children under six years old.
4.3. Contraindications
Known sensitivity to anti-histamines and benzoates. Do not apply to mucous membranes, eczematous conditions or where the skin is extensively broken or denuded, or in acute vesicular or exudative dermatoses. Do not use with any other product containing the same active ingredient.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
Apply sparingly. Avoid prolonged use or repeated applications especially to large areas. If burning or rash develops, or if the condition persists, medical advice should be sought immediately. If necessary remove by washing with soap and water. Wash hands after use, unless they are being treated.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
None recorded.
4.6. Pregnancy and lactation
Not applicable when used as directed. Medicament should only be used in pregnancy when anticipated benefits exceed the risks.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Not applicable.
4.8. Undesirable effects
May give rise to sensitisation reaction and photosensitivity. Rarely eczematous reactions have been reported, if this occurs, treatment should be discontinued.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme:
Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
4.9. Overdose
Accidental ingestion or excessive absorption may lead to dose related signs of diphenhydramine toxicity which includes drowsiness and sedation.
Treatment is by gastric lavage and aspiration. In cases of acute poisoning, activated charcoal may be useful.
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Histergan 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.