Can You Use Benadryl Cream With Benadryl Tablets?

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.