The Food and Drug Administration is telling people not to drink Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Stopping Gel after reports of people consuming it. It should be applied on the skin.
It was mistaken for Benadryl products that can be taken internally. The FDA received reports of serious side effects in 2001 and 2009. The ingredient, diphenhydramine, causes confusion, numb lips, unconsciousness and hallucinations. A man picked-up the wrong bottle.
“One small swig and he knew he had made a mistake,” explained the patient safety site www.consumermedsafety.org.
Johnson and Johnson, the manufacturer, has taken actions to help the public.
They changed the label: “For Skin Use Only.” A sticker on the cap displays the words too.
Johnson and Johnson will research it. Question: Why would people drink a lotion that is a skin application.
