Antipruritics and Topical Local Anaesthetics

NHSL Medicines Guidance
NHS Lanarkshire

Topical Antipruritic

Preferred list (P)

MENTHOL 1% IN AQUEOUS CREAM

Total list (T)

CROTAMITON 10% cream

Oral Antihistamine: NON-SEDATING

Preferred list (P)

CETIRIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE

Total list (T)

FEXOFENADINE HYDROCHLORIDE 180mg tablet

  • Note: 120mg strength is not licensed for urticaria.

Oral Antihistamine: SEDATING

Topical Local Anaesthetics

Preferred list (P)

LIDOCAINE WITH PRILOCAINE (EMLA®) cream

NHSL Joint Adult Formulary Key

To indicate the category of a formulary medicine, updated sections adopt the following key:

Preferred list (P): First-line formulary choices.

Total list (T): Alternative choices when preferred list options not effective/not tolerated, or not indicated.

Specialist initiation (S1): Specialist initiation, or on the advice of a Consultant or Specialist Practitioner in this therapeutic area. Continuation in primary care is acceptable.

Specialist use only (S2): Supply via hospital, Homecare Service or a hospital based prescription (HBP) for dispensing by community pharmacy. Not prescribed in primary care setting.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 31/01/2022

Next review date: 31/01/2025

Author(s): NHSL.

Version: Please refer to the introduction section for an explanation of the review dates above.

Approved By: ADTC

Reviewer name(s): ADTC.