Zonalon Side Effects

Generic name: doxepin topical

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 2, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about doxepin topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Zonalon.

Applies to doxepin topical: topical cream.

Serious side effects of Zonalon

Along with its needed effects, doxepin topical (the active ingredient contained in Zonalon) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking doxepin topical:

More common

• Burning, crawling, or tingling sensation of the skin
• swelling at the site of application
• worsening of eczema and itching

Rare

• Fever

Symptoms of overdose

• Abdominal pain and swelling
• blurring of vision
• convulsions (seizures)
• decreased awareness or responsiveness
• difficulty in breathing
• difficulty in passing urine
• dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness
• drowsiness
• enlarged pupils
• excessive dryness of mouth
• extremely high fever or body temperature
• extremely low body temperature
• fast heartbeat
• increased or excessive unconscious or jerking movements
• incurable constipation
• irregular heartbeat
• unconsciousness
• vomiting
• weak pulse

Other side effects of Zonalon

Some side effects of doxepin topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Burning and/or stinging at the site of application
• changes in taste
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dryness and tightness of skin
• dryness of mouth and/or lips
• emotional changes
• headache
• thirst
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

• Anxiety
• irritation, tingling, scaling, and cracking of skin
• nausea

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to doxepin topical: topical cream.

Local

Very common (10% or more): Burning/stinging (23%)

Common (1% to 10%): Other application site reaction

Frequency not reported: Irritation, tingling^[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Drowsiness (up to 22%)

Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, taste perversion

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Headache

Frequency not reported: Lightheadedness, taste bitter, taste metallic^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Common (1% to 10%): Dry mouth

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Numbness of tongue, nausea

Frequency not reported: Dry lips, dry throat, thirst, indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus, eczema exacerbated

Frequency not reported: Localized rash, pruritus exacerbated

Postmarketing reports: Allergic contact dermatitis^[Ref]

General

The most frequently reported adverse effects were drowsiness and burning/stinging at application site.^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Frequency not reported: Urinary retention^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Frequency not reported: Type IV hypersensitivity reaction^[Ref]

Ocular

Frequency not reported: Blurred vision, dry eyes^[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue/tiredness, edema

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Fever

Frequency not reported: Vertigo^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Common (1% to 10%): Mental emotional changes

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nervousness/anxiety^[Ref]

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer