Antibiotics can reduce symptoms associated with infection. Oral antihistamines may provide symptomatic relief in histamine-related itching. A higher dose of antihistamines at bedtime may produce antipruritic and sedative effects. If one antihistamine is ineffective, one of another class may provide relief. Sedative or tranquilizing agents may be indicated, especially if relief is not provided by other agents.
Antidepressants can have strong antihistamine and antipruritic effects.
Cholestyramine is not always effective and does produce gastric side effects. Aspirin seems to have reduced pruritus in some individuals while increasing pruritus in others. Thrombocytopenic cancer patients should be cautioned against using aspirin. Cimetidine alone or in combination with aspirin has been used with some effectiveness for pruritus associated with Hodgkin's disease and polycythemia vera. Application of a cool washcloth or ice over the site may be useful.