Bentoquatam

Bentoquatam, also known and sold under the trade name of Ivy Block, is a product which is used in cases where there is a skin rash present because of a contact with poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac or when there is a need to prevent a skin rash for the contact with poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac.

The doctor and you, together, will make the decision if the treatment with Bentoquatam is needed. For the decision to be made, it is important the beneficial effects to outweigh the potential side effects and risks. In the decision-making process it is important that you inform the doctor about:

• Allergies – Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medication, prescribed or no prescribed. Also, inform the healthcare professional about any allergies to any specific food, dye, fabric and etc.
• Pediatric – There are no studies which would confirm if there are any risks regarding pediatric patients. But, it is not considered that there are any different age-connected risks from the usage of this medicine within children of 6 years old and older. However, it is not recommended to be used within children younger than 6 years of age.
• Geriatric – There are no studies which confirm that this medicine is safe to be used within geriatric patients. Although, it is considered that there are no age-connected risks, it should be considered to be used with extra caution because of the sensitivity and the medical problems and conditions which are very often present within geriatric patients.
• Pregnancy – Inform your doctor if you are pregnant. Although there are no studies which confirm that this medication is safe to be used during pregnancy, let your doctor known if you are currently pregnant so that the doctor could decide if you should or should not use this medication.
• Breastfeeding – Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Although there are no studies which confirm that this medication is safe to be used within nursing mothers, let your doctor known if you are currently breastfeeding so that the doctor could decide if you should or should not use this medication.
• Drug interactions – Inform your doctor about any other medication that you are currently using, prescribed or no prescribed, even vitamins and herbal tea. This could change the decision of the doctor to recommend this medication to you. This is mainly because certain medications should not be used in a combination with others, but sometimes this combinations are recommended to be used because of the beneficial effects that could appear within your condition.
• Other interactions – Certain medications should not be used in a combination with certain food, tobacco or alcohol. Get advised if there is any special diet that you need to follow or if there is a need to discontinue the usage of tobacco or alcohol.
• Other medical problems – Inform your doctor about your medical history, other medical problems and conditions that you have experienced in the past, or are present at the moment. Especially, inform the doctor if there is contact dermatitis, allergic reaction, due to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac present.

For proper use, follow the directions from the doctor. Avoid the contact with eyes. This product is in a form of a lotion. How to be used:

• Shake the bottle
• Gently apply the lotion to the rash site
• Let the medication soak in the skin for the next 15 minutes, before being exposed to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac.
• The effect of the medication is maximum around four hours. If it is needed longer than four hours, it is needed to be reapplied again.
• After it is no longer needed, wash the skin with hot water and soap.

The dosage is determined by the doctor based on your condition, straight of the medication and your age. The dosage is individual for every patient. Do not change it unless it is directed by the doctor. It is usually applied 15 minutes before being exposed to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac. Since Bentoquatam is used as needed there is no specific schedule that needs to be followed regarding the dosage. Do not apply extra lotion if you forget to apply it. The possibility that an overdose will happen is not likely, but if you use too much of this medication seek medical help.

Inform your doctor about any allergic reactions that you have had in the past to any medication, prescribed or no prescribed. This is important because this product may contain an inactive substance that may cause interactions to occur. Inform your doctor if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, because this information could change the decision of the doctor to treat you with this medication. This medication is not recommended to be used within children younger than 6 years of age. It is important to use this medication at least 15 minutes before being exposed to a possible contact with poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac. Remember to wear protective clothing even when you use this product. Avoid eye-contact when applying this medication. If this medication does enter the eyes, wash them out for 20 minutes with cold water. If your eyes still burn or are painful, check with the doctor. If a rash or irritation appears, stop applying the lotion and contact your doctor for further directions.

Along with the beneficial effects, there is a possibility that side effects could appear as well. Not all people experience side effects, also the side effects could be mild or serious. It is important to get acknowledged about the possible side effects so that you would be able to notice its presence and inform your doctor. Get emergency medical help if you notice any of the following signs of allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of the face, tongue, feet, or hands. Stop using the medication if you have any type of severe skin reaction after applying the lotion.