The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications as recommended by your doctor, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your doctor.

The following medications may be recommended or prescribed by your doctor to treat eczema. In particular, consult with your doctor before giving any medicine to infants or younger children.

Prescription Medications

]]>Corticosteroids]]>

  • Triamcinolone (Aristocort, Delta-Tritex, Flutex, Kenac, Kenalog, Kenonel, Tidreferm)
  • Hydrocortisone valerate (Westcort)
  • Clobetasol (Temovate)
  • Multiple others

]]>Nonsteroidal immunomodulators]]>

  • Pimecrolimus (Elidel)
  • Tacrolimus (Protopic)

]]>Antibiotics]]>

  • Cephadroxil (Duricef)
  • Dicloxacillin (Dynapen)

]]>Antihistamines]]>

  • Hydroxyzine (Atarax)
  • Levocetirizine (Xyzal)
  • Doxepin

]]>Prescription Moisturizers]]>

  • Atopiclair
  • Mimyx

Prescription or Over-the-Counter Medications

]]>Antihistamines]]>

  • Diphenhydramine (AllerMax, Aller-Med, Banophen, Benadryl, Compoz, Diphen Cough, Diphenhist, Dormarex 2, Genahist, Hyrexin, Nervine, Nytol, Siladryl, Sleep-Eze D, Sominex, Twilite, Unisom)
  • Clemastine (Contac, Tavist)
  • Cetrizine (Zyrtec)
  • Loratadine (Claritin)

Prescription Medications

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Corticosteroids

There are many different corticosteroid ointments and creams available in a variety of strengths. In general, ointments are used for dry skin and creams for moist or “oozy” rashes. The following are among the most commonly used corticosteroids:

Common names include:

Corticosteroids are a type of steroid medication used to help relieve swelling, itching, and redness of skin. They are usually used topically as creams or ointments, but can be used orally as pills or even intravenously (into a vein) in extreme rare cases. Carefully follow directions for use, and do not use this medication for longer than prescribed.

Possible side effects include:

  • Thinning of the skin
  • Skin infections
  • Growth suppression in children (with long-term oral prednisone)
  • Stretch marks on the skin

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Nonsteroidal Topical Immunomodulators

Common names include:

These nonsteroidal topical medications are used for the short-term and intermittent or long-term treatment of mild to moderate eczema in patients age two and older. These topicals may be used on all parts of the body, including delicate areas such as your face, neck, and skin folds, where corticosteroids are usually not recommended long-term.

Possible side effects include:

  • Temporary mild warmth, burning, or itching

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Antibiotics

Common names include:

If you develop a bacterial skin infection, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. These may be given orally, topically, or even intravenously for severe infections requiring hospitalization. The type of drug and dosage will depend on your skin infection.

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Antihistamines

Common names include:

Your doctor may recommend an antihistamine to help relieve itching. Since they cause drowsiness, they are especially useful at night.

Side effects include:

  • Drowsiness (Do not drive a car or operate heavy machinery until you know how these drugs affect you.)
  • Dry mouth, nose, or throat

Prescription or Over-the-Counter Medications

]]>

Antihistamines

Common names include:

  • Diphenhydramine]]> (AllerMax, Aller-Med, Banophen, Benadryl, Compoz, Diphen Cough, Diphenhist, Dormarex 2, Genahist, Hyrexin, Nervine, Nytol, Siladryl, Sleep-Eze D, Sominex, Twilite, Unisom)
  • ]]>Clemastine]]> (Contac, Tavist)

Your doctor may recommend a nonprescription antihistamine to help relieve itching. Since they cause drowsiness, they are especially useful at night.

Side effects include:

  • Drowsiness (Do not drive a car or operate heavy machinery until you know how these drugs affect you.)
  • Dry mouth, nose, or throat

Special Considerations

Whenever you are taking a prescription medication, take the following precautions:

  • Take them as directed— not more, not less, not at a different time.
  • Do not stop taking them without consulting your doctor.
  • Don’t share them with anyone else.
  • Know what effects and side effects to expect, and report them to your doctor.
  • If you are taking more than one drug, even if it is over-the-counter, be sure to check with a doctor or pharmacist about drug interactions.
  • Plan ahead for refills so you don’t run out.