What Is Ivy Block?
Ivy Block (bentoquatam) is an over-the-counter (OTC) topical (applied to the skin) lotion used to prevent a rash before possible exposure to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac in adults and children 6 and older.
An itchy, blistering rash can occur after your skin comes in contact with urushiol oil, a sticky oil produced by poison ivy, oak, and sumac. This oil absorbs quickly into the skin, often causing a rash (Rhus dermatitis), a type of allergic contact dermatitis.
Ivy Block is a lotion that forms a protective coating, or barrier, on the skin to prevent it from absorbing the plants’ oils.
Ivy Block, a brand-name medication, contains the active ingredient bentoquatam. Another name for bentoquatam is quaternium-18-bentonite. It is made from a natural clay called bentonite clay.
Besides Ivy Block, other OTC products are available that contain bentoquatam. Specifically, a generic lotion containing the active ingredient bentoquatam is available, called bentoquatam 5% lotion.
However, this article will highlight brand-name Ivy Block and its administration as a lotion applied to the skin.
What Is Ivy Block Used For?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ivy Block to help prevent skin rashes from contact with the following poisonous plants in adults and children:
Drug Facts
Generic Name: Bentoquatam
- Poison ivy: A plant found throughout the United States (U.S.; except in Alaska and Hawaii). It is a small shrub or vine with shiny leaves that grow in three-leaf clusters.
- Poison oak: A low shrub found in the Southern, Eastern, and Pacific Coast areas of the U.S. Like poison ivy, this plant has leaves that grow in clusters of three.
- Poison sumac: A tall shrub or small tree that grows in swampy areas of the Midwest and Eastern U.S.
All three of these plants produce urushiol oil that often causes allergic contact dermatitis.
Applying Ivy Block lotion before gardening, hiking, or playing outdoors can help prevent an itchy, blistering rash.
How to Use Ivy Block
Before using Ivy Block, read the directions on the package label and ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions.
Shake the bottle well before using. Apply Ivy Block to the skin at least 15 minutes before possible contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac. Reapply the lotion at least once every four hours for as long as you are in possible contact with these plants.
Ivy Block lotion is flammable, so it is important to stay away from open flames while on your skin. Wash the lotion off once you are away from potential exposure.
Bentoquatam lotion is available OTC. However, you should ask a healthcare provider before applying bentoquatam lotion to a child younger than six.
Bentoquatam lotion is only meant for use on the skin. You should not swallow it. Avoid applying the lotion to areas of skin with open sores or rashes. If you get the lotion in your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with water.
Storage
Store Ivy Block at room temperature (between 68 F and 77 F) in its original container, out of reach of children and pets. Avoid storing it in areas with a lot of heat and moisture, like the bathroom.
If you’re traveling by plane, you’ll want to keep Ivy Block in your carry-on luggage so that you aren’t separated from it in case your checked baggage goes missing.
Do not leave your medicine in especially hot or cold temperatures for long periods, like overnight, in the car.
Off-Label Uses
Bentoquatam may be used off-label for purposes not specifically approved by the FDA.
One example is chronic (long-term) hand dermatitis (dry, itchy, and red skin that impacts the entire hand, including the fingers). The results of a small clinical study suggest that a moisturizing cream containing bentoquatam can improve this condition.
What Are the Side Effects of Ivy Block?
This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. A healthcare provider can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or a healthcare provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.
How Long Does Ivy Block Take to Work?
It takes 15 minutes for Ivy Block to form a protective coating on your skin. Therefore, you should apply it at least 15 minutes before going outdoors. Ivy Block should also be reapplied every four hours for as long as you remain outdoors and remain possibly exposed to poison ivy, oak, or sumac.
Common Side Effects
Ivy Block does not typically cause side effects. While rare, some users may experience mild redness of the skin.
Severe Side Effects
Call your healthcare provider right away if you feel like you are experiencing serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Currently, no known severe side effects have been reported with Ivy Block lotion.
Dosage: How Much Ivy Block Should I Take?
Modifications
The following factors may affect your treatment with Ivy Block:
Report Side Effects
Ivy Block may cause other side effects. Call your healthcare provider if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your provider may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program or by phone (800-332-1088).
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
For prevention of skin irritation from poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac (allergic contact dermatitis):
For topical dosage form (lotion):
Adults and children six years of age and older—Apply to the area(s) of skin that may be affected at least fifteen minutes before exposure. Reapply whenever dry film is not seen or every four hours as needed.
Children up to six years of age—Use must be determined by the doctor.
For topical dosage form (lotion):
Adults and children six years of age and older—Apply to the area(s) of skin that may be affected at least fifteen minutes before exposure. Reapply whenever dry film is not seen or every four hours as needed.
Children up to six years of age—Use must be determined by the doctor.
Adults and children six years of age and older—Apply to the area(s) of skin that may be affected at least fifteen minutes before exposure. Reapply whenever dry film is not seen or every four hours as needed.
Children up to six years of age—Use must be determined by the doctor.
Pregnancy: It is unknown whether taking Ivy Block while pregnant increases the risk of birth defects or miscarriage. Therefore, speak with your healthcare provider about whether the benefit of Ivy Block may be worth any risk they may pose to a pregnancy. If you become pregnant while using bentoquatam, call your healthcare provider.
Breastfeeding: Ivy Block is not present in human breast milk. Nonetheless, you may want to discuss with your healthcare provider if Ivy Block’s benefit is worth any potential risk while breastfeeding.
Children: Ivy Block is typically recommended for people over 6 years old. Speak with a healthcare provider before administering it to a younger child.
Missed Dose
Apply Ivy Block as needed to prevent the consequences of skin-to-skin contact with poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac.
However, it’s important to note that Ivy Block will not heal a rash that has already developed from contact with a poisonous plant.
When using, be sure to abide by the prescribing instructions exactly.
Overdose: What Happens If I Use Too Much Ivy Block?
Using too much Ivy Block on your skin should not be harmful as the lotion forms a protective barrier on your skin’s surface and does not absorb into your body.
If you think you applied too much, wash it off with soap and water. If you accidentally get the lotion in your eyes, rinse your eyes with plenty of water.
Ivy Block should not be swallowed. If someone swallows bentoquatam, call a healthcare professional or the Poison Control Center for advice.
Precautions
What Are Reasons I Shouldn’t Use Ivy Block?
Ivy Block may not be the right medication for you. Do not take it if you are hypersensitive to its ingredients (allergic reaction). You should not use bentoquatam lotion if you have had an allergic reaction to it.
What Happens If I Overdose on Ivy Block?
If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on Ivy Block, call a healthcare provider or the Poison Control Center (800-222-1222).
If a rash or irritation occurs, stop using bentoquatam and check with your health care professional.
Check with a healthcare provider before using bentoquatam lotion if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It is also recommended to check with a healthcare provider before applying the lotion to a child younger than six.
What Other Medications Interact With Ivy Block
There are no known drug interactions with bentoquatam.
However, tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you take or plan to take, including OTC nonprescription products, vitamins, herbs, supplements, and plant-based medicines.
What Medications Are Similar Ivy Block?
Other OTC products are available to help prevent rashes from poison ivy, oak, and sumac.
Examples of these products include:
I.C. Ivy Block: This skin protectant is similar to the original Ivy Block, but its main active ingredient is zinc acetate. It also contains bentonite, a natural clay. Like bentoquatam lotion, you apply it at least 15 minutes before possible exposure to poison ivy, oak, or sumac.
Soaps: Washing with soap and water as soon as possible after a potential exposure to poison ivy, oak, or sumac may help to prevent or lessen the reaction. Examples include dish soap and specialty soaps, like Zanfel and Tecnu.
The difference between soaps and Ivy Block is that you use soaps after you potentially come in contact with the poison, while Ivy Block is a barrier lotion that you apply 15 minutes before exposure.
How Can I Stay Healthy While Using Ivy Block?
To help avoid itchy, oozing rashes, it is important to wear protective clothing if you’ll be hiking, gardening, or doing anything outdoors that may cause you to come in contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I get Ivy Block?
- Ivy Block and its generic versions, such as bentoquatam 5% lotion, are available OTC. You can purchase it from pharmacies or other retailers without a prescription.
- How does Ivy Block work?
- Betoquatam lotion works by forming a protective barrier on your skin’s surface. When applied to the skin before exposure to poison ivy, oak, or sumac, it helps prevent urushiol oil, a chemical in the sap of these plants, from absorbing into your skin.
- If I use Ivy Block, can I still get a rash from poison ivy?
- Yes. Ivy Block lowers the chance of developing a reaction to poison ivy when used properly.However, you may still get a rash if any untreated areas of your skin come in contact with the oil from poisonous plants. Oil from poisonous plants is very sticky, so it can cling to unwashed gardening tools, clothing, and other objects for a long time.
Ivy Block and its generic versions, such as bentoquatam 5% lotion, are available OTC. You can purchase it from pharmacies or other retailers without a prescription.
Betoquatam lotion works by forming a protective barrier on your skin’s surface. When applied to the skin before exposure to poison ivy, oak, or sumac, it helps prevent urushiol oil, a chemical in the sap of these plants, from absorbing into your skin.
Yes. Ivy Block lowers the chance of developing a reaction to poison ivy when used properly.
You may want to opt for gloves, long sleeves, and long pants tucked into high socks or boots.
After potential exposure to poisonous plants, here are a few tips to help prevent a rash:
- Shower immediately, being careful to scrub under your fingernails.Machine-wash the clothes you wore right away. Wear disposable gloves to clean any tools you use or wipe them down with rubbing alcohol. This is important because the plants’ oils can cling to the surface of objects for a long time after contact. If your dog joined your outdoor adventure, bathe them afterward. Poison ivy, sumac, or oak oils can stick to animal fur, leading to a rash in those who pet the dog.
If preventive measures fail and you break out in a rash, many OTC treatment options can help ease your symptoms, such as calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, and antihistamines. Additionally, natural remedies, such as an oatmeal bath, can also be soothing.
Medical Disclaimer
Verywell Health’s drug information is meant for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a healthcare provider. Consult your healthcare provider before taking any new medication(s). IBM Watson Micromedex provides some of the drug content, as indicated on the page.
