An antihistamine cream for insect bites and itch

Mepyramine

An antihistamine used mainly as a cream to ease the itch and irritation of insect bites and stings.

What is Mepyramine?

Mepyramine is an antihistamine used mainly as a cream applied to the skin to relieve the itch, redness and irritation of insect bites and stings. It works by blocking histamine, the chemical that causes itching and swelling in the skin. It is applied to the affected area, but should not be put on large areas or on broken or weeping skin, as more can be absorbed and skin reactions are more likely. It can occasionally make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so treated areas are best kept covered or out of strong sun. It is for short-term use.

Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Mepyramine — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.

Written by Meds Global Health Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS, Founder & Clinical Director · Last reviewed · How we review
Class: Antihistamine (applied to the skin for bites and itch) → Brands: Anthisan
Mepyramine (Antihistamine (applied to the skin for bites and itch)) — Meds Global Health reference card with 2D molecular structure
Mepyramine — Antihistamine (applied to the skin for bites and itch). The image shows the active ingredient's 2D molecular structure.

What it is

Mepyramine is an antihistamine. While antihistamines are often taken as tablets for allergy, this one is used mainly as a cream applied directly to the skin. It is used to soothe the itch, redness and irritation caused by insect bites and stings and similar itchy skin reactions. By acting on the skin where it is applied, it targets the local itch and inflammation. It is intended for short-term relief of a defined area rather than for spreading widely over the body, and is available to buy from pharmacies as well as on prescription.

How it works

When the skin reacts to an insect bite or sting, it releases histamine, which causes the itching, redness and swelling. Mepyramine cream blocks the action of histamine in the skin where it is applied, which calms the itch and irritation. Because it works locally, it is best suited to a defined bitten or stung area rather than large stretches of skin. Applying it only to the affected area, and not to broken skin, keeps the amount absorbed into the body low and reduces the chance of skin sensitivity reactions.

Company & origin

Originated / developed by: Generic (long-established).

An antihistamine used in the UK mainly as a cream to relieve insect bites, stings and itchy skin.

Practical use

How to take Mepyramine

General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.

  • Apply a thin amount to the affected area of skin only, as directed.
  • Do not use it on large areas of skin, as more can be absorbed that way.
  • Avoid putting it on broken, blistered or weeping skin, where it can cause more irritation.
  • Keep treated skin covered or out of strong sun, as it can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
  • Use it for a short time only, and get advice if the area spreads, looks infected or does not settle.

Weighing it up

Advantages & disadvantages of Mepyramine

Advantages

  • Eases the itch, redness and irritation of insect bites and stings where it is applied.
  • A handy short-term remedy available to buy from pharmacies.
  • Acts locally on the affected skin.

Disadvantages

  • Should not be used on large areas or on broken, blistered or weeping skin.
  • Can occasionally cause local skin reactions or make skin more sensitive to sunlight.
  • Intended for short-term use, not for widespread or long-term application.

Practical use

Good to know

The most important practical points with mepyramine cream are about where and how much to use it. It should be applied only to the affected area and not to large areas of skin, because more can then be absorbed; and it should not be used on broken, blistered or weeping skin, where it can cause more irritation. Used this way it is a handy short-term remedy for itchy bites and stings. It can occasionally make the treated skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it helps to keep treated areas covered or out of strong sun. If the area is widespread, looks infected, or does not settle in a few days, it is best to get advice rather than keep applying more.

Who should not take it / use with caution

  • People who have had a serious allergic reaction to mepyramine or similar antihistamine creams should not use it.
  • It should not be applied to large areas of skin or to broken, blistered or weeping skin.
  • If a reaction is widespread or looks infected, medical advice is better than continued use.

Monitoring

  • Checking that the bite, sting or itch is settling with short-term use.
  • Watching for local skin reactions or increased sensitivity to sunlight.
  • Seeking advice if the area spreads, looks infected or does not improve.

Side effects

  • Local skin reactions such as redness, stinging or a rash where it is applied.
  • Increased sensitivity of the treated skin to sunlight in some people.
  • Rarely, a more widespread allergic skin reaction with overuse on large areas.

Key interactions

  • Applied to the skin in the usual way, it has few significant interactions with other medicines.
  • Avoid using other strong creams on the same area at the same time unless advised.
  • Tell your pharmacist about other skin products you use on the area.

Available as: A cream applied to the skin.

Answers

Mepyramine: frequently asked questions

What is mepyramine cream used for?

It is an antihistamine cream used mainly to relieve the itch, redness and irritation of insect bites and stings.

Can I use it all over my body?

No. It should be applied only to the affected area and not to large areas of skin, as more can be absorbed that way.

Can I put it on broken skin?

No. Avoid using it on broken, blistered or weeping skin, where it can cause more irritation.

Does it affect sun exposure?

It can occasionally make the treated skin more sensitive to sunlight, so keep treated areas covered or out of strong sun.

How long can I use it?

It is for short-term use; if the area spreads, looks infected or does not settle in a few days, get advice.

The wider class

About Antihistamine (applied to the skin for bites and itch)

Mepyramine belongs to the antihistamine (applied to the skin for bites and itch) class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.

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Authoritative sources

  • BNF
  • NICE CKS

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