Is it okay to use Benadryl cream and Benadryl tablets together?
By
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira is a Pharmacist and Doctor of Philosophy in Sciences from the University of São Paulo (USP). She has experience in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Milena’s Highlights:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration in the areas of Pharmacometrics and Population Pharmacokinetics, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
“Science can be translated, and it is essential that everyone has access to quality information to make informed decisions” – Dr Milena Oliveira, PhD.
Professional Experience:
With a decade-long career as a researcher, Dr Milena has amassed extensive experience in conducting research projects in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics.
Her expertise also extends to the preparation of technical and scientific reports, literature reviews, data analysis, and scientific communication, both oral and written.
Dr Milena has served as a Clinical Pharmacist, providing expert supervision and guidance to teams during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the ICUs of two reference hospitals for patient hospitalization.
In her most recent role, Dr Milena worked on the implementation of the deliberatives of the São Paulo State Government Pharmaceutical Assistance Coordination. These decisions were aimed at ensuring medication access within the Unified Health System.
A widely multidisciplinary background enabled Dr Milena to become a professional capable of integrating scientific knowledge into private initiatives, education, and healthcare, delivering consistent services in patient safety and population health.
Professional Memberships & Affiliations:
Dr Milena Oliveira is a member of the Regional Council of Pharmacy of the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Education:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
Relevant Published Work & Citations:
Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, Nardotto GHB, Pippa LF, Simões BP, Lanchote VL. Analysis of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in plasma and urine with application in the evaluation of total, renal and metabolic formation clearances in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. Nov 2020. 191:113-124.
Abstracts. CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology. 2020 Nov; 9 (S1).
Pippa LF, Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, de Andrade JM, Lanchote VL. Total, renal and hepatic clearances of doxorubicin and formation clearance of doxorubicinol in patients with breast cancer: Estimation of doxorubicin hepatic extraction ratio. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 2020 Jun 5; 185:113-231.
Godoy ALPC, De Jesus C, De Oliveira ML, Rocha A, Pereira MPM, Larangeira DF, Lanchote VL, Barrouin-Melo SM. Determination of Allopurinol and Oxypurinol in Dogs Plasma by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with an Ultraviolet Detector: Application for Pharmacokinetic Studies. J Chromatogr Sep Tech. 2017; 8 (4).
Clímaco EC, Oliveira ML de, Pitondo-Silva A, Oliveira MG, Medeiros M, Lincopan N, et al. Clonal complexes 104, 109 and 113 playing a major role in the dissemination of OXA-carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Southeast Brazil. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2013 Oct;19:127–33.
Conference Papers:
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B.; PIPPA, L. F.; ROCHA, A.; SIMOES, B. P.; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Daunorubicin metabolism and urinary excretion in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 84th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (DGPT) and the 20th Annual Meeting of the Association of the Clinical Pharmacology Germany (VKliPha), 2018, Göttingen. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Arch Pharmacol, 2018. v. 391. p. S76-S76.
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . The low contribution of urinary excretion in the elimination of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 49th Brazilian Congress of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics., 2017, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2017. p. 64-64.
Oliveira, M. L.; PIPPA, L. F. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Quantification of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in human plasma by LC-MS/MS. In: I International Meeting of Environmental Health and Toxicology (IMEHTOX), 2016, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2016.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. . PFGE typing of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from different University Hospitals. In: V International Postgraduate and Research Symposium, 2012.
Clímaco, E.C. ; SILVA, A. P. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. Relação clonal entre linhagens de Acinetobacter baumannii produtoras de carbapenemases da família OXA em quatro hospitais no Brasil. In: XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012, Santos. XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Dissemintion of OXA carbapenemases genes in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in University Hospital of Juiz de Fora, MG. In: 8th CIFARP – International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2011, Ribeirão Preto.
Clímaco, E.C. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Avaliação do sequenciamento parcial do gene rpoB e de seus flanqueadores para identificação de espécies de Acinetobacter na rotina laroratorial. In: 2° International Symposium on Clinical Microbiology, 2010, Florianópolis.
You can view some of Dr Milena’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dra-milena-locci-de-oliveira-28986042/?locale=en_US
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Milena-Oliveira-6
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/5394254/milena-locci-de-oliveira
Lattes: https://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/busca.do
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57199779361
Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=list_works&hl=pt-BR&user=1YUBDIQAAAAJ
Is it okay to use Benadryl cream and Benadryl tablets together?
Yes, it is considered safe to use Benadryl cream and Benadryl tablets together. Topical drug formulations are quite different as compared to oral dosage forms (1,2).
When you take Benadryl by mouth, it reaches your stomach and gets absorbed into your blood. Some part of the drug is lost, but the majority of the drug remains in your body (1).
Topical Benadryl works locally (2). Since it is applied directly to the affected area of your body, most of the drug remains in that local area and a small amount is absorbed in your blood (2).
If you use Benadryl cream and tablets together, the concentration of Diphenhydramine – the active ingredient present in Benadryl – won’t go much higher than the concentration achieved after using the tablet only. Therefore, you can safely use Benadryl cream and Benadryl tablets at the same time.
Potential benefits of using Benadryl cream and Benadryl tablets together
Using Benadryl cream and Benadryl tablets together can provide complementary benefits for managing allergy symptoms.
Benadryl cream, applied topically, can help soothe and relieve itching, redness, and swelling caused by skin allergies or insect bites. It provides targeted relief directly to the affected area, offering quick and localized comfort (1,2).
On the other hand, Benadryl tablets, taken orally, work internally to alleviate various allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. They can provide broader relief for allergy symptoms that affect multiple parts of the body (1,2).
When used together, Benadryl cream and Benadryl tablets can work synergistically to address both external and internal allergy symptoms more comprehensively, offering a more effective and well-rounded approach to allergy management.
However, it’s essential to follow the recommended dosage and usage instructions for each form of Benadryl and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any specific health conditions or concerns before using them together.
You can also crush Benadryl tablets for ease of administration. However, make sure you discuss such things with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Who should not use Benadryl formulations?
Benadryl formulations, including creams and tablets, may not be suitable for everyone. There are specific groups of people who should avoid using Benadryl or use it with caution due to potential risks and allergies (3).
Individuals who have known allergies to diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, should avoid using any Benadryl formulation. Allergic reactions can range from mild skin rashes to severe anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention (3).
It is also important to note that Benadryl is not recommended for children under the age of 2 without medical advice. It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider before giving any medication to young children (3).
Older adults, on the other hand, maybe more sensitive to the side effects of Benadryl, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion. It’s crucial to use it cautiously and follow the recommended dosage for their age group.
Benadryl may interact with certain medications, such as sedatives, tranquillizers, and other antihistamines. People taking these medications should consult their healthcare provider before using Benadryl to avoid potential adverse effects or reduced effectiveness (3).
If someone has never taken Benadryl before, they may not know if they are allergic to it. It’s essential to start with a low dose and observe for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
If any of these symptoms occur after taking Benadryl, they should seek immediate medical attention. Always ensure the safe and effective use of medications by sticking to the right dosage strength, dosage form, and frequency of use, and always check for drug expiry before you use it.
Final words
To sum up, using Benadryl cream and Benadryl tablets together is generally safe and can provide complementary benefits for managing allergy symptoms. However, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider if you have any underlying health condition.
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References
1.-
LABEL: BENADRYL- diphenhydramine hydrochloride tablet, film coated. DailyMed [Internet]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=702f9786-7ce9-43e4-921d-e1db09612127&type=pdf
2.-
Benadryl ® EXTRA STRENGTH ITCH STOPPING CREAM. DailyMed [Internet]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=a1c1b878-d58f-41ff-b7a8-477f28c52667&type=display
3.-
Sicari V, Zabbo CP. Diphenhydramine. 2022 Jul 11. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30252266. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526010
