Benadryl Extra Strength topical: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD (2024)

FAQs

What are the side effects of Benadryl topical gel? ›

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects.

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: Chicken pox or measles. An unusual or allergic reaction to diphenhydramine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives. Pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Though very unlikely, it is possible this medication could be absorbed into your blood.

Benadryl has poor specificity for its targets, and can therefore affect many different body systems. It also crosses the blood-brain barrier, which is why it is known to cause such significant sedation. While you will likely fall asleep if you take Benadryl, it does not lead to quality sleep.

For adults and children over 12 years of age, the maximum dosage is 300 mg each day. For children ages 6 to 12 years, the maximum is 150 mg each day. Adults or children should not apply Benadryl products, such as the cream, gel, and spray, to their skin more than four times per day.

Diphenhydramine overdose is more likely to occur with oral use, however, prolonged topical use over extensive areas of the skin can result in sufficient systemic absorption to result in an overdose.

Benadryl and older antihistamines

Because as we age, it's harder for our bodies to properly get rid of them. And higher doses may be needed for them to work. That can greatly raise your risk of side effects, including confusion.

Key takeaways: Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) aren't known to raise blood pressure when used alone. Antihistamines are part of many combination over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold products. They may be combined with a medication that can raise your blood pressure.

Hydrocortisone cream works in many ways to help itching. The three main effects that help with itching include: It prevents inflammation (swelling). Corticosteroids, like hydrocortisone, lessen or stop the release of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.

The bottom line

In the most severe causes, too much Benadryl can lead to life-threatening heart arrhythmias or kidney damage. For people ages 65 and over, there's a higher risk for confusion, falls, and kidney damage when taking Benadryl. So it's best to avoid taking it if you're in this age group.

How long does Benadryl cream stay in your system? ›

For most individuals, diphenhydramine will be almost completely eliminated from the body within 1-2 days. However, various factors can influence how quickly the drug is metabolized, such as age, liver function, dosage, and more.

“They can be treated with antifungal or antibiotic creams placed in or on the vagin* and vulva, or by oral medications. “When itching disrupts one's life, use an over-the-counter Benadryl cream (not gel, because the gel contains alcohol; that stings), or a soothing oil,” Greenleaf continues.

This drug can often cause excitement in young children instead of drowsiness. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, constipation, or trouble urinating. Drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion can increase the risk of falling.

Despite the antihistamine Benadryl not being impacted by the FDA committee's vote, this isn't to say that OTC Benadryl isn't without controversy. Outside the U.S., in many jurisdictions, including Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden, Benadryl is only available with a prescription.

Clotrimazole reduces vagin*l burning, itching, and discharge that may occur with this condition. This medication is an azole antifungal. It works by stopping the growth of yeast (fungus) that causes the infection. The vagin*l product comes in 2 forms (a vagin*l cream or tablet).

Drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, stomach upset, blurred vision, or dry mouth/nose/throat may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To relieve dry mouth, suck (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.