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OTC Insect Bite Q&A – Pharmacist Answers

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“I got a mosquito bite and it’s so itchy—what can I use?”
Pharmacist: For quick relief, apply one of these to the bite:

  • Hydrocortisone 1% cream (Cortizone-10): Thin layer 1–3 times daily.

  • Calamine lotion: As needed to soothe and dry.

  • Diphenhydramine cream (Benadryl Itch Relief): Up to 3–4 times daily.

👉 Hydrocortisone calms inflammation, calamine soothes irritation, and diphenhydramine blocks itch at the skin level.

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“Are there non-medicated options to stop the itch?”
Pharmacist: Yes—several natural remedies work well:

  • Cold compresses: 10–15 minutes at a time.

  • Baking soda paste: Apply for ~10 minutes.

  • Aloe vera gel: Directly on the skin to cool.

  • Witch hazel wipes: Dab gently on bite.

  • Colloidal oatmeal bath (Aveeno): 15–20 minutes soak.

  • Bug bite suction tools or heat pens: Follow instructions.

👉 These reduce swelling and itch without side effects, safe for kids too.

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“My bite is really swollen—what should I take?”
Pharmacist: Oral antihistamines help with swelling and allergic reactions:

  • Adults:
    • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): 25–50 mg every 4–6 hrs (max 300 mg/day).
    • Cetirizine (Zyrtec): 10 mg once daily (non-drowsy).

  • Children:
    • Diphenhydramine: 1 mg/kg every 6 hrs (max 50 mg/dose).
    • Cetirizine: Ages 2–5 → 2.5–5 mg once daily; Ages 6+ → 5–10 mg daily.

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“The sting is painful—what can I use for pain?”
Pharmacist: Pain relievers help with stings or larger bites:

  • Adults:
    • Ibuprofen (Advil): 200–400 mg every 4–6 hrs (max 1,200 mg/day OTC).
    • Acetaminophen (Tylenol): 500–1,000 mg every 4–6 hrs (max 3,000–4,000 mg/day).

  • Children:
    • Ibuprofen: 5–10 mg/kg every 6–8 hrs (max 4 doses/day).
    • Acetaminophen: 10–15 mg/kg every 4–6 hrs (max 5 doses/day).

“How can I prevent bug bites in the future?”

  1. Pharmacist: The best prevention is insect repellent:

  • DEET-based repellents (Off!): Safe ≥2 months old, up to 30% DEET for children.

  • Picaridin-based (Sawyer): Odorless, gentle on skin.

  • Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (Repel): Plant-based, for ages ≥3 years.

👉 These protect against mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects.

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“What’s something quick I can carry with me?”
Pharmacist: Try After Bite Stick, StingEze, or itch relief patches.
They often contain soothing agents like ammonia, baking soda, or tea tree oil.

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“When should I see a doctor?”
Pharmacist: Seek care immediately if you have:

  • Severe swelling of the face, lips, or throat

  • Trouble breathing, dizziness, or fainting

  • Signs of infection: worsening redness, pus, or fever

👉 These could signal a serious allergic reaction, venomous sting, or infection that needs urgent treatment.

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Alway check drug inserts for individualized doses, drug interaction and side effects.​​

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