Video originally created by FDA -- posted by Lawsuit.com on July 8th, 2009

FDA and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) recently reported on several cases where people swallowed Benadryl Itch Stopping Gel, an OTC product that’s supposed to be used topically. This has led to serious adverse reactions requiring hospitalization or emergency treatment.

Benadryl Gel contains the antihistamine diphenhydramine as well as camphor, which is toxic and potentially fatal if ingested. Camphor can cause a variety of symptoms, such as burning of the mouth and throat, nausea and vomiting, irritability, confusion, seizures, coma, and respiratory difficulties. It is not clear whether the adverse reactions experienced by the people who ingested Benadryl Gel were due to the camphor or to an overdose of Benadryl, since the symptoms can be similar.

FDA and ISMP suggest that the way the product is packaged may contribute to these errors. Instead of being packaged in a tube, like many topical products, the Benadryl Gel is available in a 4 ounce bottle. That means it can be mistaken as an oral liquid, particularly since the bottle has the same shape and size as other oral liquid products. And although the Benadryl brand now includes many combination products, most are intended for oral or parenteral use. ISMP also points out that although the words “external use” appear on the back of the bottle, the front of the bottle says “Topical Analgesic” in small letters that consumers could miss or not understand.

Here are some ways that pharmacists can help consumers avoid confusion:

• Keep topical products separated from the ones intended for ingestion.

• Advise consumers to keep topical and oral products separated when they store OTC products and prescription medicines at home.

• Remind consumers to read the drug facts label before using OTC products.