Pronunciation:

BEN-toe-kwa-tam

Brand Names:

• Ivy Block

Dosage Forms:

• Lotion
• Suspension

Classifications:

Therapeutic—

Protectant, Dermatological

Uses of This Medicine:

Bentoquatam protects the skin like a shield against poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac by physically blocking skin contact with their resin. The best protection against getting these conditions is to avoid contact with these plants. This medicine does not dry oozing and weeping caused by the rash of poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac.

Bentoquatam is available without prescription.

Before Using This Medicine:

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies—

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Children—

Although there is no specific information comparing use of bentoquatam in children 6 years of age or older with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in these children than it does in adults. Use is not recommended for children up to 6 years of age.

Older adults—

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of bentoquatam in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Other medicines—

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other interactions—

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems—

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Contact dermatitis, allergic, due to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac—Bentoquatam should not be applied to the rash of poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac and should be discontinued if such a rash develops

Proper Use of This Medicine:

Although this medicine provides some protection, avoiding contact with poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac is best.

Do not use this medicine in or near the eyes. If this medicine does get into your eyes, wash them out immediately for 20 minutes with large amounts of cool tap water. If your eyes still burn or are painful, check with your doctor.

To use bentoquatam lotion:

• Shake the lotion well before using.
• Rub on enough lotion to leave a smooth wet film on skin.
• Allow the medicine to dry on the skin at least 15 minutes before being exposed to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac.
• Maximum protection lasts for 4 hours but lotion must be reapplied whenever the dried film on the skin cannot be seen.
• Remove medicine with soap and water when it is no longer needed.

Dosing—

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For prevention of skin irritation from poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac (allergic contact dermatitis):
  • For topical dosage form (lotion):
    • Adults and children six years of age and older—Apply to the area(s) of skin that may be affected at least fifteen minutes before exposure. Reapply whenever dry film is not seen or every four hours as needed.
    • Children up to six years of age—Use must be determined by the doctor.

Storage—

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Precautions While Using This Medicine:

If a rash or irritation occurs, stop using bentoquatam and check with your health care professional.

Side Effects of This Medicine:

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Mild redness of skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.