What Is Australian Dream Pain Relief Arthritis Cream?

Australian Dream pain relief arthritis cream is an over-the-counter (OTC) product for people with minor aches and pain associated with arthritis or an athletic lifestyle. The Australian Dream cream gets absorbed into the skin and increases blood vessels’ size to temporarily promote circulation.

The active ingredient in the cream is histamine dihydrochloride. It is an FDA-approved active ingredient for use in topical pain relievers to alleviate aches and pains associated with arthritis.The cream is applied up to four times per day and can be paired with other medications.

Cream being rubbed on hand

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Australian Dream Ingredients

Before using any medication, you should be familiar with the ingredients. Discuss with your pharmacist or healthcare professional whether the medication is safe for you to use.

The Australian Dream cream has active and inactive ingredients working together to target and eliminate pain.

Active Ingredients

The active ingredient in Australian Dream is histamine dihydrochloride 0.025%. Very few studies have shown the efficacy of this ingredient. One study determined that histamine dihydrochloride is safe, but it didn’t ease oral pain more than placebo. It’s also being studied as a drug to use for acute myeloid leukemia or malignant melanoma.

Inactive Ingredients

Australian Dream also contains inactive ingredients, including:

How to Use Australian Dream

Before using the Australian Dream cream, talk to your healthcare provider. You may benefit from alternate therapies or could be allergic to an ingredient in this cream. It’s best to keep your healthcare provider in the know of what products you are using to prevent drug interactions as well.

Wash your hands before applying the cream. Apply a thin layer to the area where you feel pain. Massage the cream into the skin until it is completely absorbed. Wash your hands after application as well. You may repeat this up to four times daily.

Be sure to tighten the cap on the medication and store it in a safe place out of the reach of children.

Side Effects and Warnings

As with any medication, there are risks with using the Australian Dream cream. While side effects are uncommon, you should know what to look for in the event that they do happen. Discussing the product with a healthcare provider or pharmacist can determine if you are prone to an allergic reaction or negative effect when paired with other medications.

This product is for external use only and should not be used on open wounds, damaged skin, or the eyes. Stop using the cream if a rash appears, your condition worsens, or the symptoms go away but come back again.

Any additional symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider as well—for example, a sudden fever. Be careful to not use the medication more often or in larger amounts than directed since overuse may result in itching or irritation of the skin.

This medication is not for everyone. It’s recommended for use in adults and children over 12 years of age. Discuss with your healthcare professional if this is a good option for you if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

If swallowed by a child, call your local poison control center.

Other Arthritis Pain Creams

Australian Dream isn’t the only topical medication that offers arthritis pain relief. If you are allergic to an ingredient in this cream or it isn’t working for you, you can try other medications:

  • Voltaren: This topical gel is an over-the-counter medication, and its active ingredient diclofenac sodium is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
  • Myoflex: This topical medication is another popular option for easing pain. The active ingredient in this cream is trolamine salicylates.
  • Penetrex: This is a natural alternative with the active ingredient Arnica. Inactive ingredients are also natural, including Vitamin B6.
  • Tiger Balm: There are several natural ingredients in this cream, including camphor, menthol, cajuput oil, cassia oil, demythologized mint oil, and clove oil.
  • Icy Hot: This cream promotes pain relief by using icy feeling to dull pain and heat to relax the affected area. Its active ingredients are menthol 10% and methyl salicylate 30%.

A Word From Verywell

Most people living with arthritis pain are still expected to perform everyday tasks and keep up with responsibilities. Using a topical cream like Australian Dream can help to support other treatments and ease pain when it’s too much. It’s important to keep in mind that products like this may not offer pain relief. Discuss your options with healthcare professionals who know your medical history and medication list to make the best decision for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is histamine dihydrochloride?

    Histamine dihydrochloride is the active ingredient used in Australian dream cream. It is considered safe, but it may not actually be more effective than a placebo for easing oral pain. However, it is being studied for use in people with acute myeloid leukemia or malignant melanoma.

  • What are the active ingredients in Voltaren?

    The active ingredient in Voltaren is diclofenac sodium. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is often used as an topical pain reliever for arthritis.

4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Australiandream.com. How it works.

  2. Dailymed. Bakers best arthritis pain relief- histamine dihydrochloride cream.

  3. Elad S, Ackerstein A, Bitan M, et al. A prospective, double-blind phase II study evaluating the safety and efficacy of a topical histamine gel for the prophylaxis of oral mucositis in patients post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Bone Marrow Transplant. 2006;37(8):757-762.

  4. MedlinePlus. Diclofenac.

By Kimberly Charleson
Kimberly is a health and wellness content writer crafting well-researched content that answers your health questions.