DIETHYLTOLUAMIDE (Topical)

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.?

• Backwoods Cutter
• Cutter Pleasant Protection
• Deep Woods OFF!
• Deep Woods OFF! For Sportsmen
• Muskol
• OFF!
• OFF! For Maximum Protection
• OFF! Skintastic
• OFF! Skintastic For Children
• OFF! Skintastic For Kids
• Ultra Muskol

In Canada?

• Deep Woods OFF!
• Muskol
• OFF!
• OFF! For Maximum Protection
• OFF! Skintastic

Other commonly used names are DEETand m-DET.

Category

• Insect repellent, topical

Description

Diethyltoluamide (dye-eth-il-toe-LOO-a-mide) is an insectrepellent used to keep insects away. This product is effective against mosquitoes,biting flies (gnats, sandflies, deer flies, stable flies, black flies), ticks,harvest mites, and fleas.

Diethyltoluamide is available without a prescription in the following dosageforms:

Topical
• Liquid (U.S. and Canada)
• Lotion (U.S. and Canada)
• Topical aerosol (U.S. and Canada)
• Topical spray solution (U.S. and Canada)
• Towelettes (U.S.)

Before Using This Product

If you are using this product without a prescription, carefully read andfollow any precautions on the label. For diethyltoluamide, the following shouldbe considered:

Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual orallergic reaction to diethyltoluamide. Also tell your health care professionalif you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives,or dyes.

Pregnancy?Diethyltoluamide has not been studied in pregnantwomen. However, studies in animals have shown that diethyltoluamide is passedon to the offspring. One animal study has shown diethyltoluamide to causedeath of the fetus. Before using diethyltoluamide, make sure your doctor knowsif you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding?Diethyltoluamide has not been reported to causeproblems in nursing babies.

Children?Children may be at increased risk of side effectsbecause of increased absorption of diethyltoluamide through their skin. Useonly products that have low amounts of diethyltoluamide and apply it sparinglyto the exposed skin of children.

Other medicines?Although certain medicines and products shouldnot be used together at all, in other cases two different products may beused together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctormay want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell yourhealth care professional if you are using any other prescription or nonprescription(over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Proper Use of This Product

Diethyltoluamide is for external use only.

For safe and effective use, read the directions on the label before usingany diethyltoluamide-containing preparations.

Use a product that contains low amounts (less than30%) of diethyltoluamide and apply it sparingly. Use just enough tocover the exposed area(s) of the skin. One application using a product thatcontains low amounts of diethyltoluamide will last about 4 to 8 hours.

If you are applying this product on your face, keepit away from your eyes, lips, or the inside of your nose. If you accidentallyget some in your eyes or onto your lips or the inside of your nose, immediatelyrinse these areas with plenty of water. Check with your doctor if irritation,especially of your eyes, continues. If you are using an aerosol or spray form,do not spray it directly on your face. Instead, spray the palm of your handand rub the repellent on, spreading it carefully on your face.

Do not apply this product to wounds or irritated orbroken skin. To do so may increase the chance of absorption throughthe skin and the chance of unwanted effects. Apply sparingly onto skin foldsbecause increased irritation is more likely to occur in these areas.

Wear long sleeves and long pants when possible and apply the repellentto clothing (shirts, pants, socks, and hats) instead of your skin to lessenexposure of your skin to diethyltoluamide. Do not apply it under clothing.(Diethyltoluamide will not damage clothing materials, such as cotton, wool,or nylon. However, it may damage acetate, rayon, spandex, or some other syntheticmaterials.) Wash treated clothing after use or when protection is no longerneeded.

Read the label very carefully to see if the product contains alcohol. Alcoholis flammable and can catch on fire. Do not use any productcontaining alcohol near a fire or open flame, or while smoking. Also, do notsmoke after applying one of these products and do not expose your treatedskin to fire or open flame until the diethyltoluamide on your skin has completelydried. In addition, keep your treated clothing away from fire, openflame, or smoke.

Do not keep the repellent on your skin any longer than necessary. Onceit is not needed, or after you return indoors, wash treated skin with soapand water.

Do not use the product on or near furniture, plastics, watch crystals,leather, or painted or varnished surfaces, including automobiles, becausediethyltoluamide may damage these materials.

To use the liquid or lotion forms of diethyltoluamide:

• Apply enough repellent to cover the exposed area(s) of skin, rubin gently, and allow it to dry.

To use the topical aerosol or topical spray forms of diethyltoluamide:

• Hold container 6 to 8 inches from skin or clothing. Spray in a slow,sweeping motion just enough repellent to cover exposed skin. Then spread evenlywith hands to moisten all exposed skin and allow it to dry.

To use the towelette form of diethyltoluamide:

• Wipe the towelette over the exposed skin and allow to dry.

Dosing?Follow your doctor's ordersor the directions on the label. The following information includesonly the average dose of diethyltoluamide.

• For topical dosage forms (lotion, topicalaerosol, topical spray solution, and towelettes):
  • To keep away insects, ticks, or mites:
    • Adults and children?Apply a small amount to exposed area(s)of skin. Reapply when needed.

Storage?To store this product:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Keep the product from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
• Do not keep outdated repellent or repellent no longer needed. Besure that any discarded repellent is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using This Product

Avoid breathing in diethyltoluamide.

Do not apply this product to the hands of young children. After applyingthis product to the skin of children, watch the childrencarefully to make sure that they do not get any of the repellent into theireyes or mouth. Do not apply the product under the diapers. Discouragechildren from licking the area of application. Diethyltoluamide can causeserious side effects, especially in children, if it gets into the mouth oris swallowed.

If you think that a side effect has occurred after application of thisproduct, wash the treated skin and check with your doctor. Take the container of diethyltoluamide with you for the doctor tosee.

Side Effects of This Product

Along with its needed effects, diethyltoluamidemay cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects mayoccur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following sideeffects occur:

Rare

Changes in facial skin color; clumsinessor unsteadiness; confusion; convulsions (seizures); fast or irregular breathing; loss of consciousness; mood or mental changes; muscle cramping; puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes; reddening of skin; shortness of breath,troubled breathing, tightness in chest, and/or wheezing; skin blisters; skin rash, hives, and/or itching; slow heartbeat; slurred speech; tremors; trouble in sleeping; uncontrolled jerking movement; unusualtiredness or weakness

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If younotice any other effects, check with your doctor.