Diphenhydramine
Caladryl is a topical medication combining calamine and diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, designed to relieve itching, pain, and discomfort from various minor skin irritations. It is commonly used to soothe rashes, insect bites, poison ivy/oak/sumac, chickenpox, and mild burns or sunburns. The medication is applied directly to the affected skin area.
Caladryl is a topical antihistamine/anti-itch treatment for minor skin irritations like rashes, bites, and allergic reactions.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 215811
- Generic
- Caladryl
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Caladryl is used to relieve itching and discomfort associated with minor skin irritations, including rashes from poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac; insect bites and stings; chickenpox; eczema; and mild burns or sunburns.
The medication combines calamine, which provides a soothing cooling sensation and helps dry out minor skin irritations, with diphenhydramine, an antihistamine that blocks histamine receptors in the skin to reduce itching and allergic reactions.
Caladryl is for external use only and should not be applied to large areas of skin, broken skin, or mucous membranes. It should not be used without consulting a doctor in children under 2 years of age. Patients should avoid using it alongside other diphenhydramine products to prevent overdose. Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen after 7 days of use.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed September 3, 2026. · Read our editorial policy