Version July 2025
Relief of pain and itching: Children ≥2 years and Adolescents: Topical cream, gel, or stick: Apply 1% or 2% concentration to affected area up to 3 to 4 times/day
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
(For additional information see "Diphenhydramine (topical): Drug information")
Relief of pain and itching: Topical: Apply 1% or 2% to affected area up to 3 to 4 times/day.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
There are no adverse reactions listed in the manufacturer's labeling.
Postmarketing: Dermatologic: Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (Hanafusa 2011)
OTC labeling: When used for self-medication, do not use concurrently with any other product containing diphenhydramine (including oral) or on large areas of the body.
Other warnings/precautions:
• Self-medication (OTC use): When used for self-medication, notify health care provider prior to use if you have chicken pox or measles. Discontinue use and notify health care provider if condition worsens, does not improve within 7 days, symptoms persist ≥7 days, or clear up and occur again within a few days. Topical products are not for OTC use in children <2 years of age.
Some dosage forms may contain propylene glycol; in neonates large amounts of propylene glycol delivered orally, intravenously (eg, >3,000 mg/day), or topically have been associated with potentially fatal toxicities which can include metabolic acidosis, seizures, renal failure, and CNS depression; toxicities have also been reported in children and adults including hyperosmolality, lactic acidosis, seizures and respiratory depression; use caution (AAP, 1997; Shehab, 2009).
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Cream, External, as hydrochloride:
Anti-Itch: Diphenhydramine 2% with zinc acetate 0.1% (15 g, 28.4 g) [contains cetyl alcohol, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben]
Anti-Itch: Diphenhydramine 2% with zinc acetate 0.1% (28.4 g) [contains methylparaben, propylparaben]
Banophen: Diphenhydramine 2% with zinc acetate 0.1% (28 g) [contains cetyl alcohol, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben]
Benadryl Itch Stopping: 1% (28.3 g); Diphenhydramine 1% with zinc acetate 0.1% (28.3 g) [contains cetyl alcohol, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben]
FT Anti-Itch Extra Strength: Diphenhydramine 2% with zinc acetate 0.1% (28.4 g) [contains cetyl alcohol, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben]
Itch Relief: 2% (15 g, 30 g, 56.8 g)
Generic: Diphenhydramine 2% with zinc acetate 0.1% (35 g)
Yes
Cream (Banophen External)
2-0.1% (per gram): $0.16
Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.
For external use only.
Cream, gel: Apply thin coat to affected area
Stick: Holding stick straight down press tip of stick on affected area repeatedly until liquid flows, then dab sparingly
Topical: For external use only; avoid contact with eyes.
Temporary relief of pain and itching associated with insect bites; sunburn; scrapes; minor cuts, minor skin irritations, and minor burns; or rashes due to poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac (OTC products: FDA approved in ages ≥2 years and adults)
DiphenhydrAMINE may be confused with desipramine, dicyclomine, dimenhyDRINATE
Benadryl may be confused with benazepril, Bentyl, Benylin, Caladryl
None known.
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program
Amezinium: Antihistamines may increase stimulatory effects of Amezinium. Risk C: Monitor
Benzylpenicilloyl Polylysine: Coadministration of Antihistamines and Benzylpenicilloyl Polylysine may alter diagnostic results. Management: Suspend systemic H1 antagonists for benzylpenicilloyl-polylysine skin testing and delay testing until systemic antihistaminic effects have dissipated. A histamine skin test may be used to assess persistent antihistaminic effects. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Betahistine: Antihistamines may decrease therapeutic effects of Betahistine. Betahistine may decrease therapeutic effects of Antihistamines. Risk C: Monitor
Certoparin: Antihistamines may increase therapeutic effects of Certoparin. Risk C: Monitor
Hyaluronidase: Antihistamines may decrease therapeutic effects of Hyaluronidase. Risk C: Monitor
Pitolisant: Antihistamines may decrease therapeutic effects of Pitolisant. Risk X: Avoid
When administered orally, diphenhydramine crosses the placenta. Diphenhydramine can also be measurable in the serum following topical administration to large areas of the body. Refer to the Diphenhydramine (Systemic) monograph.
