Anthisan Bite and Sting Cream for Itch Relief (20g)

Product Summary

Anthisan Bite and Sting Cream contains the antihistamine mepyramine maleate.

It works by blocking histamine, the natural substance that your body produces during an allergic reaction.

What Anthisan Bite and Sting Cream is used for.

Pain, itching, and inflammation caused by insect stings, bites, and nettle rash.

Directions

• Apply the cream directly to the affected areas of skin.
• Do not apply the cream on eczema, larger areas of skin; cut, grazed, badly broken or sunburnt skin.
• Apply the cream two to three times a day for up to three days.
• For best results, use as soon as possible after the bite or sting.
• It is not recommended to use the cream repeatedly for longer than a few days.
• If your symptoms get worse or do not improve after 3 days, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Ingredients

• Active ingredients: Mepyramine maleate 20mg
• Other ingredients: Ceto-stearyl alcohol, Polyethene glycol 600 monostearate, Castor oil, Methyl hydroxybenzoate, Foin coupe (fragrance), Silicon antifoam, Purified Water

Warnings and Restrictions

Pregnancy and breastfeeding:

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if you are pregnant, might get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant.
• If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine.

Driving and using machines

• You may feel drowsy or sleepy while using this medicine.
• If this happens, do not drive or use any tools or machines.

Additional warnings

This medicine contains ceto-stearyl alcohol and castor oil, which may cause contact dermatitis. Symptoms may include redness, swelling and itching, pain, and/or a burning sensation.

This medicine also contains methyl hydroxybenzoate, which may cause an allergic reaction. This allergic reaction may be delayed sometime after using the medicine.

Do not use this medicine, and tell your doctor or pharmacist if:

• you are allergic (hypersensitive) to mepyramine maleate or any of the other ingredients of Anthisan Bite and Sting Cream (listed in Section 6 of the information leaflet).
• you have signs of an allergic reaction: rash, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of the lips, face, throat, or tongue.

Do not apply the cream on eczema, cut, grazed or badly broken skin, or areas of sunburnt skin.

Do not apply to large areas of skin.

Do not use this medicine if any of the above applies to you.

If unsure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Anthisan Bite and Sting Cream.

Taking other medicines

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines.

This includes medicines you can buy without a prescription, including herbal medicines.

Pharmacist FAQs

Is it safe to use Anthisan on children?

Yes, but only if they're over 2 years old. Below that age, and there's not much safety data on absorption rates. Always use a thin layer and avoid broken or inflamed skin.

Can I use Anthisan with antihistamine tablets?

You can, but don't think more antihistamines will bring quicker relief. Oral and topical antihistamines taken together can carry more risk of side effects - particularly drowsiness. Allow the cream to work locally unless the reaction is extensive.

Why must it be applied within minutes of the sting?

Histamine release starts immediately - within seconds. Mepyramine works by blocking histamine receptors before the symptoms escalate. Wait too long, and the itch and swelling will be in full bloom already, and you will be playing catch-up.

Can I apply it on wasps or bee stings?

Yes - but take the sting out first. Leaving the sting in still releases venom. When it's out, put Anthisan directly on and don't rub it in too hard.

Is the drowsiness warning serious? It's just a cream.

Yes, it's unusual - but no joke. Mepyramine is a first-generation antihistamine. Some of it does enter the bloodstream, and sedation is among the side effects. It won't knock you out cold, but it could slow your reactions - especially if you're taking other sedating drugs or using it on a more significant area than you should.

Can I use it with steroid creams?

It depends what you’re treating. If it’s a simple bite or sting - pick one. If there’s significant swelling or an allergic skin reaction, speak to a pharmacist before doubling up with a steroid cream like hydrocortisone. Using both can increase the risk of skin thinning or sensitisation over time with a steroid.

Can it be used on the face?

Avoid contact with eyes or mouth. Skin is thinner here, and absorption is quicker. Should accidental contact with the eyes occur, wash well and consult a physician if any irritation persists.