FDA: Don't Swallow Benadryl Gel

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Agency Warns of Serious Side Effects in People Who Mistakenly Swallow Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Stopping Gel

By Miranda Hitti
WebMD Health News

Reviewed By Laura J. Martin, MD

May 12, 2010 -- The FDA today warned people about potentially serious side effects from mistakenly swallowing Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Stopping Gel, an over-the-counter (OTC) product that should only be used on the skin.

The FDA has received reports of serious side effects in people who have mistakenly swallowed the product.

Some OTC Benadryl products are intended to be swallowed. But Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Stopping Gel is only safe and effective when used, as directed, on the skin.

People swallowing the gel can ingest a dangerous amount of the active ingredient, diphenhydramine. Large doses of diphenhydramine can result in serious side effects such as unconsciousness, hallucinations, and confusion.

"Consumer confusion and incorrect product use are serious public health issues," Carol Holquist, RPh, director of the FDA's Division of Medication Error Prevention and Analysis, says in a news release. "FDA is advising consumers and pharmacies to store products for the skin separately from products that should be swallowed."

The FDA notes that many pharmacies and grocery stores sell diphenhydramine topical gels that look very similar in packaging to Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Stopping Gel. Don't swallow those products, either.

To help consumers recognize that Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Stopping Gel is meant for use on the skin, the manufacturer, Johnson & Johnson, has taken the following actions:

• Changed the product label to add a new, prominent statement "For Skin Use Only."
• Attached a sticker to the cap of the product that says "For Skin Use Only."
• Initiated consumer studies to better understand factors that may contribute to consumers mistakenly swallowing Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Stopping Gel.

The FDA encourages makers of similar products to adopt similar changes to their labeling and packaging.

The repackaged product is currently stocked in retail stores. The FDA reminds consumers and health care professionals to always read the "Drug Facts" box to identify active ingredients, directions for use, and warnings before using any OTC drug product.

SOURCES: News release, FDA.

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