Doxepin (Topical)

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Doxepin cream is indicated for the short-term (upto 8 days) management of moderate pruritus in adult patients with atopic dermatitis or lichen simplex chronicus.

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Patients with untreated narrow-angle glaucoma or a tendency to urinary retention because doxepin has an anticholinergic effect. Individuals who have shown previous sensitivity to any of its components

Doxepin hydrochloride is one of a class of agents known as dibenzoxepin tricyclic antidepressant compounds. Although doxepin HCl does have H1 and H2 histamine receptor blocking actions, the exact mechanism by which doxepin exerts its antipruritic effect is unknown. It can produce drowsiness in significant numbers of patients, and this sedation may reduce awareness, including awareness of pruritic symptoms.

Concomitant use of tricyclic antidepressants with drugs that can inhibit cytochrome P450 2D6 like MAO inhibitors, cimetidine, alcohol may require lower doses than usually prescribed for either the tricyclic antidepressant or the other drug. MAO inhibitors should be discontinued at least two weeks prior to the cautious initiation of therapy with Doxepin cream.

Drowsiness, local burning, stinging, irritation, tingling, rash; systemic side-effects such as antimuscarinic effects, headache, fever, dizziness, gastro-intestinal disturbances has been reported.

If overdosage with topical application of Doxepin cream occur, the signs and symptoms may include cardiac dysrhythmias, severe hypotension, convulsions, and CNS depression, including coma. Changes in the electrocardiogram, particularly in QRS axis or width, are clinically significant indicators of tricyclic antidepressant toxicity. Other signs of overdose may include confusion, disturbed concentration, transient visual hallucinations, dilated pupils, agitation, hyperactive reflexes, stupor, drowsiness, muscle rigidity, vomiting, hypothermia, hyperpyrexia.

Pregnancy category B. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Doxepin is excreted in human milk after oral administration. It is possible that doxepin may also be excreted in human milk following topical application of Doxepin cream.

Cautions should be exercised if there is susceptibility to angle-closure glaucoma, urinary retention, severe liver impairment, mania and also in pregnancy and breast-feeding. Drowsiness may affect performance of skilled tasks (e.g. driving) so patient should be careful.