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Zonalon - Uses And Side Effects for Zonalon

Generic Name: Doxepin

Brand Name: Adapin, Sinequan, Zonalon

What is Zonalon and for what Zonalon is used ?

Zonalon (Doxepin) relieves the itching that is associated with certain types of skin disorders. Generic doxepin skin cream is not yet available. Topical doxepin (DOX-e-pin) is used to relieve itching in patients with certain types of eczema. It appears to work by preventing the effects of histamine, which is a substance produced by the body that causes itching.

Zonalon (Doxepin), an antidepressant (mood elevator), is used to treat depression and anxiety. Zonalon also is used occasionally to treat chronic pain, peptic ulcer disease, and some skin conditions. Generic Zonalon capsules are available.

How to Take Zonalon

Zonalon (Doxepin) skin cream is for external use only; do not take by mouth. Follow the direction on the prescription label. Apply a thin film of cream to the affected area as often as directed. Do not cover the area. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.

Use Zonalon (Doxepin) medicine exactly as directed . Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for more than 8 days. Also, do not apply it to an area of skin larger than recommended by your doctor. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

The dose of topical Zonalon (Doxepin) will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . Generic Zonalon capsules is taken orally and may be taken with food to avoid stomach upset. Do not stop taking Generic Zonalon capsules abruptly without consulting with your doctor.

What are the Side Effects of Zonalon

Some common side effects reported with Zonalon Cream include:

• Burning, crawling, or tingling sensation of the skin.
• Worsening of eczema and itching.
• Swelling at the site of application.

Some common side effects reported with Generic Zonalon capsules include

• Headache
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Blurred vision or eye pain
• Pain or difficulty passing urine
• Fever or chills, with increased sweating.
• Fatigue.
• Insomnia

Warnings and precautions for Zonalon

• Zonalon should not be taken while taking any other antidepressant, particularly an MAOI.
• Patients should be warned that the effects of other drugs acting on the central nervous system, such as alcohol, barbiturates and other CNS depressants, may be potentiated by Zonalon.
• Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of Zonalon in children with use in other age groups.
• Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to Zonalon. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
• If your skin problem does not improve after 8 days or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.
• Zonalon has not been studied in pregnant women. However, doxepin has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in animal studies.
• Drinking alcohol or using these medicines with topical Zonalon may cause increased CNS depressant effects such as drowsiness.

What drugs may interact with Zonalon

Zonalon (Doxepin) can interact with many other medicines. An interaction can be very important or fairly insignificant. Make sure your prescriber or health care professional knows about all other medicines you are taking. The most important medicines are listed below:

• Any medicine that makes you drowsy or helps you sleep (such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, barbiturates, seizure medicine, muscle relaxants and others).
• Dextromethorphan (included in some cough medicines).
• Medicines for treating depression, especially monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
• Cimetidine.

What to do if you take Overdose of Zonalon medicine?

If you take overdose of Zonalon the seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your local or regional poison control center.

What if you miss a dose of Zonalon?

If you miss a dose of Zonalon, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

How to Store Zonalon

• Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open
• Store at room temperature below 27 degrees C (80 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed.
• Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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