Diethyltoluamide (Topical)

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor must consider the risks of taking the medicine against the benefits it will provide. Here are some important points to think about for this medicine:

Allergies

Let your doctor know if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also inform your healthcare professional if you have any other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

Children may have a higher risk of side effects because they absorb diethyltoluamide more through their skin. Only use products that have low amounts of diethyltoluamide and apply it sparingly to the exposed skin of children.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction could occur. In these situations, your doctor may want to adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used around mealtime or with specific types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Diethyltoluamide is for external use only.

For safe and effective use, read the directions on the label before using any preparations that contain diethyltoluamide.

Use a product that has low amounts (less than 30%) of diethyltoluamide and apply it sparingly. Use just enough to cover the exposed area(s) of the skin. One application with a product that contains low amounts of diethyltoluamide will last about 4 to 8 hours.

If applying this product to your face, avoid your eyes, lips, or the inside of your nose. If you accidentally get some in your eyes or on your lips or the inside of your nose, rinse those areas immediately with plenty of water. Check with your doctor if irritation, especially in your eyes, continues. If you are using an aerosol or spray form, do not spray it directly on your face. Instead, spray it on your palm and rub the repellent on, spreading it carefully on your face.

Do not apply this product to wounds or irritated or broken skin. This may increase absorption through the skin and the chance of unwanted effects. Apply sparingly to skin folds, as irritation is more likely in these areas.

When possible, wear long sleeves and long pants, and apply the repellent to clothing (shirts, pants, socks, and hats) instead of your skin to reduce exposure to diethyltoluamide. Do not apply it under clothing. (Diethyltoluamide will not damage clothing materials like cotton, wool, or nylon, but it may damage acetate, rayon, spandex, or some other synthetic materials.) Wash treated clothing after use or when protection is no longer needed.

Read the label carefully to see if the product contains alcohol. Alcohol is flammable and can catch fire. Do not use any product containing alcohol near fire or open flames, or while smoking. Also, do not smoke after applying one of these products and do not expose your treated skin to fire or open flames until the diethyltoluamide on your skin has completely dried. Additionally, keep your treated clothing away from fire, open flames, or smoke.

Do not leave the repellent on your skin longer than necessary. Once it is no longer needed, or after you return indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.

Do not use the product on or near furniture, plastics, watch crystals, leather, or painted or varnished surfaces, including cars, as diethyltoluamide may damage these materials.

To use the liquid or lotion forms of diethyltoluamide:

• Apply enough repellent to cover the exposed area(s) of skin, rub in gently, and allow it to dry.

To use the topical aerosol or topical spray forms of diethyltoluamide:

• Hold the container 6 to 8 inches from your skin or clothing. Spray in a slow, sweeping motion just enough repellent to cover exposed skin. Then spread evenly with your hands to moisten all exposed skin and allow it to dry.

To use the towelette form of diethyltoluamide:

• Wipe the towelette over the exposed skin and allow it to dry.

Dosing

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

The amount of medicine you take depends on the strength of the medicine. The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses, and the duration of your treatment depend on the medical issue for which you are using the medicine.

• For topical dosage forms (lotion, topical aerosol, topical spray solution, and towelettes): To repel insects, ticks, or mites: Adults and children—Apply a small amount to exposed area(s) of skin. Reapply as needed.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not refrigerate. Keep it from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine you no longer need.

Avoid breathing in diethyltoluamide.

Do not apply this product to the hands of young children. After applying this product to a child's skin, closely monitor them to ensure they do not get any of the repellent in their eyes or mouth. Do not apply the product under diapers. Discourage children from licking the area where it was applied. Diethyltoluamide can cause serious side effects, especially in children, if ingested.

If you suspect a side effect has occurred after using this product, wash the treated skin and consult your doctor. Bring the container of diethyltoluamide with you for the doctor to review.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they may need medical attention.

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

Rare

• Changes in facial skin color
• clumsiness or unsteadiness
• confusion
• convulsions (seizures)
• fast or irregular breathing
• loss of consciousness
• mood or mental changes
• muscle cramping
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes
• reddening of skin
• shortness of breath, troubled breathing, tightness in chest, and/or wheezing
• skin blisters
• skin rash, hives, and/or itching
• slow heartbeat
• slurred speech
• tremors
• trouble in sleeping
• uncontrolled jerking movement
• unusual tiredness or weakness

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.

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