Ivy Block (Topical)

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

Bentoquatam is available without a prescription.

If you develop a rash or irritation, stop using bentoquatam and consult your health care professional.

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

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicine. Also, let your health care professional know if you have any other allergies, like to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For over-the-counter products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

There is no specific information comparing the use of bentoquatam in children 6 years of age or older to its use in other age groups, but it is not expected to cause different side effects or issues in these children than in adults. It is not recommended for children under 6 years of age.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been specifically studied in older adults. Therefore, it may not be clear if they work in the same way as they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing the use of bentoquatam in older people to other age groups, it is not expected to cause different side effects or issues in older adults than in younger adults.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while others can be used together even if an interaction may happen. In these cases, your doctor may need 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]) medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken at or around the time of eating, or with certain types of food, because interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines can also cause interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, especially:

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

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine can 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

• Mild redness of skin

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

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

In the U.S.

• Ivy Block

Available Dosage Forms:

• Lotion
• Suspension

Therapeutic Class: Protectant, Dermatological

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.