What is Anthisan? A Guide to Its Use, Benefits, and Safety

October 6, 2025 •

3 min read

With over 50 years of history as a trusted household staple, Anthisan bite and sting cream offers fast-acting relief for the itching, pain, and inflammation associated with insect bites, stings, and nettle rash. Its active ingredient is a topical antihistamine that works directly on the affected skin to calm the allergic reaction.

Quick Summary

Anthisan is a topical antihistamine cream containing mepyramine maleate for fast relief from the itching, pain, and inflammation of insect bites, stings, and nettle rash. It works by blocking histamine receptors to calm the body's allergic response.

Key Points

Active Ingredient: Anthisan contains mepyramine maleate, a topical antihistamine that blocks the effects of histamine at the site of application.
Fast-Acting Relief: It is most effective when applied immediately after an insect bite, sting, or contact with nettles to inhibit the inflammatory response.
Primary Uses: Provides symptomatic relief from the itching, pain, and inflammation associated with insect bites, stings, and nettle rash.
Safe Topical Application: The cream is applied directly to the affected area, which minimizes systemic side effects common with oral antihistamines.
Precautions for Use: Do not use Anthisan on eczematous, broken, or sunburnt skin, and it is not recommended for children under 2 without medical advice.
Distinction from Steroids: Unlike hydrocortisone, which suppresses overall inflammation, Anthisan specifically targets the histamine-driven allergic response.

Understanding Anthisan

Anthisan is a topical medication used to treat skin reactions from insect bites, stings, and nettle rash. Its active ingredient is mepyramine maleate, a first-generation antihistamine that acts as an H1-receptor antagonist. Insect bites or stings cause the body to release histamine, leading to inflammation, swelling, and itchiness. Mepyramine maleate blocks histamine's effects at the cellular level, providing localized relief. Anthisan is typically available as a cream and is most effective when applied quickly after a bite or sting.

Mechanism of Action: The Science Behind the Soothing Effect

Histamine released by mast cells in the skin binds to H1 receptors, causing allergic reaction symptoms. Mepyramine maleate in Anthisan blocks these H1 receptors, preventing histamine from triggering swelling, redness, and itching. Its topical application concentrates its effect at the site, reducing systemic side effects.

When and How to Use Anthisan

Anthisan is a useful first-aid treatment for various minor skin irritations, including insect bites (like mosquitoes and midges), bee and wasp stings (after stinger removal), nettle rash, mild sunburn, unbroken chilblains, and mild burns.

Application Guidelines:

Clean and dry the affected area.
Apply a thin layer of cream.
Gently massage the cream into the skin.
Follow the application frequency and duration as directed by the product instructions or a healthcare professional.
Wash hands after use.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Anthisan is generally well-tolerated, but some side effects and precautions apply. Rare allergic reactions at the application site may occur, requiring discontinuation. Applying to large skin areas can rarely cause drowsiness or disorientation due to systemic absorption. Do not apply Anthisan to broken, cut, grazed, eczematous, or sunburnt skin. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and those using it on children under 2 should consult a doctor.

Anthisan vs. Hydrocortisone: A Comparative Look

Anthisan and hydrocortisone creams are both used for inflammatory skin reactions but differ in action:


Feature	Anthisan (Mepyramine Maleate)	Hydrocortisone Cream
Classification	Topical Antihistamine	Mild Topical Steroid (Corticosteroid)
Primary Mechanism	Blocks histamine receptors to prevent allergic response	Suppresses the entire inflammatory response in the area
Best For	Itching, pain, and swelling specifically driven by histamine release (e.g., insect bites, nettle rash)	Inflammatory skin conditions like mild eczema, dermatitis, and some rashes
Speed of Action	Fast-acting, most effective when applied immediately	Provides longer-term inflammatory suppression
Safety Profile	Generally mild, localized side effects; rare drowsiness with large area use	Long-term or extensive use can lead to skin thinning, increased risk of infection, and other side effects
Use on Broken Skin	Not recommended for use on broken or extensively damaged skin	Avoid use on broken or infected skin unless directed by a doctor

Conclusion: The Role of Anthisan in First Aid

Anthisan effectively targets the pain, itching, and swelling from insect bites, stings, and nettles by addressing histamine release. Its topical application offers fast relief with minimal systemic side effects when used correctly. It's a valuable part of a first-aid kit, but for severe reactions, persistent symptoms, or reactions on the face or neck, seek immediate medical attention. For detailed product information, refer to the patient information leaflet available from the eMC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Apply Anthisan cream as directed by the product instructions or a healthcare professional.

Anthisan is suitable for children aged 2 years and over. It is not recommended for children under 2 unless advised by a healthcare professional.

If you experience any side effects such as an increase in skin redness, swelling, or itching, you should stop using the cream. If you experience a severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling of the face, difficulty breathing), seek immediate medical attention.

Anthisan is effective for common insect bites and stings from sources like mosquitoes, bees, and wasps. For bee stings, remember to remove the stinger first.

No, you should not apply Anthisan to cuts, scrapes, or extensively broken skin, as this can increase absorption and irritation.

Anthisan is an antihistamine that blocks histamine, targeting allergic reactions, while hydrocortisone is a steroid that reduces general inflammation. Anthisan is best for bites and stings, while hydrocortisone is often used for conditions like eczema.

If your symptoms do not improve or worsen after the recommended period of use, you should stop using Anthisan and consult a doctor or pharmacist. Prolonged, repeated use is not recommended.