Medical Information Only: This medication is not sold on this site. The information provided is for reference purposes only. Please consult your local physician or pharmacist for treatment.

IvyBlock: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

IvyBlock - General Information

IvyBlock is a topical medication intended to act as a shield against exposure to the irritating substance urushiol, found in plants such as poison ivy or poison oak. IvyBlock contains bentonite, a clay, and is only effective as long as the film is visible on the skin.

 

Pharmacology of IvyBlock

IvyBlock protects the skin like a shield against poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac by physically blocking skin contact with their resin. The best protection against getting these conditions is to avoid contact with these plants. This medicine does not dry oozing and weeping caused by the rash of poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac.

 

IvyBlock for patients

Do not use this medicine in or near the eyes. If this medicine does get into your eyes, wash them out immediately for 20 minutes with large amounts of cool tap water. If your eyes still burn or are painful, check with your doctor.

To use bentoquatam lotion:
  1. Shake the lotion well before using.
  2. Rub on enough lotion to leave a smooth wet film on skin.
  3. Allow the medicine to dry on the skin at least 15 minutes before being exposed to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac.
  4. Maximum protection lasts for 4 hours but lotion must be reapplied whenever the dried film on the skin cannot be seen.
  5. Remove medicine with soap and water when it is no longer needed.

 

IvyBlock Interactions

May interact with other creams, lotions, or skin medicines when placed on the same areas of your skin that you are using bentoquatam.

 

IvyBlock Contraindications

Bentoquatam should not be applied to the rash of poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, and should be discontinued if such rash develops.

 

Additional information about IvyBlock

IvyBlock Indication: Used to prevent or reduce the severity of allergic contact dermatitis due to urushiol, the allergenic resin of poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Mechanism Of Action: The mechanism of action is unknown. It is thought topically applied bentoquatam acts as a physical barrier that interferes with the adsorption of antigens onto the skin and reduces absorption of antigens into the skin. It probably does not work by modifying the systemic allergic response. Drug Interactions: Not Available Food Interactions: Not Available Generic Name: Bentoquatam Synonyms: Not Available Drug Category: Skin protectant, barrier (topical) Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved Other Brand Names containing Bentoquatam: Bentone 34; Ivy Block; IvyBlock; Absorption: Not Available Toxicity (Overdose): Rare side effects include mild erythema (mild redness of skin). Protein Binding: Not Available Biotransformation: Not Available Half Life: Not Available Dosage Forms of IvyBlock: Not Available Chemical IUPAC Name: dioxosilane; oxo-oxoalumanyloxyalumane; hydrate Chemical Formula: Al2H2O6Si Bentoquatam on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bentoquatam Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals