Can You Use Benadryl Cream With Benadryl Tablets?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not it is safe to use topical Benadryl products with oral Benadryl products.
How long after taking oral Benadryl can you safely switch to using Extra strength Benadryl cream for hives? I don't want to have the two interact. Is approximately 24 hours enough time?
Jul 28, 2022- Benadryl cream and Benadryl tablets can be used together safely because the cream is absorbed minimally through the skin and does not significantly enter the bloodstream. If you are allergic to oral Benadryl, you should not use the topical cream as it can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Store topical and oral Benadryl products separately to prevent accidentally taking the cream by mouth, which could cause serious problems.
You can safely use Benadryl (diphenhydramine) cream and oral dosage forms of Benadryl (e.g. tablets, liquid, softgels) together.
Topical Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is not thought to be absorbed systemically in a significant amount.
Various studies have shown the absorption of topical Benadryl is minimal and unlikely to produce any effects outside the local application area. Therefore, it is considered safe to use, even if you are using oral Benadryl products. There is no need to space topical Benadryl products and oral Benadryl products.
However, there are two important things to note about topical Benadryl:
- Dermatological adverse effects of topical Benadryl have been reported, which may include rash, itching, or photosensitivity. The topical application of diphenhydramine can cause allergic-type contact dermatitis through a T-cell-mediated response. So, if you are allergic to oral Benadryl, do not use topical Benadryl.
- To decrease the likelihood of an administration route error, store topical preparations separately from oral products. In 2010, the FDA released a patient safety warning regarding topical Benadryl products mistakenly being ingested, which could cause serious adverse events. Benadryl products intended for external use only should not be ingested.
Final Words
Thanks so much for reaching out to us and please feel free to do so again in the future.
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Topical
- Applied directly to the skin or outer surface of the body rather than taken by mouth or injected.
- Systemically
- Affecting or acting on the entire body rather than just the local area where a medicine is applied.
- Absorption
- The process by which a substance enters the bloodstream or body tissues.
- Diphenhydramine
- The active ingredient in Benadryl, an antihistamine medication used to treat allergies and itching.
- Dermatological
- Related to the skin or skin diseases.
- Photosensitivity
- An increased sensitivity or reaction to sunlight that can cause skin irritation or rash.
- Contact dermatitis
- Skin inflammation caused by direct contact with an irritating or allergenic substance.
- Adverse events
- Harmful or unwanted reactions or side effects that occur from taking a medication.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
More answers from Brian →