Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Search research articles

Related Experiment Videos

Topical diphenhydramine toxicity.

D T Bernhardt¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin Children's Hospital.

Wisconsin Medical Journal

|August 1, 1991

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Topical diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can cause acute delirium and hallucinations in children, even with over-the-counter use. This case highlights the importance of considering medication toxicity in children with infectious illnesses.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Athletes Test Positive for Morphine.

The Physician and sportsmedicine·2016

Same author

Creatine supplementation in high school football players.

Clinical journal of sport medicine : official journal of the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine·2001

Same author

Organized sports for children and preadolescents.

Pediatrics·2001

Same author

Strength training by children and adolescents.

Pediatrics·2001

Same author

Football: a case-based approach to mild traumatic brain injury.

Pediatric annals·2000

Same author

General principles in treating soft-tissue injuries.

Pediatric annals·1997

Same journal

The diagnosis of malaria.

Wisconsin medical journal·2010

Same journal

Folic acid in the anemias.

Wisconsin medical journal·2010

Same journal

Physical examination of school employees with special reference to tuberculosis.

Wisconsin medical journal·2010

Same journal

Treatment of undulant fever with streptomycin.

Wisconsin medical journal·2010

Same journal

Treatment of allergic conditions with pyribenzamine and benadryl.

Wisconsin medical journal·2010

Same journal

Benzyl penicillin.

Wisconsin medical journal·2010

See all related articles

Area of Science:

Pediatrics
Toxicology
Pharmacology

Background:

Chickenpox (varicella) is a common childhood illness.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an over-the-counter antihistamine used for allergies and itching.
Topical application of diphenhydramine is generally considered safe, but systemic absorption and toxicity can occur.

Observation:

An 8-year-old boy with chickenpox developed acute mental confusion and hallucinations.
Symptoms were associated with vigorous topical application of Caladryl lotion and Benadryl spray.
The patient exhibited delirium, including disorientation and misperceptions.

Findings:

The case illustrates potential toxicity from topical diphenhydramine, mimicking symptoms of varicella encephalitis.
Distinguishing between drug toxicity and central nervous system infection is crucial in pediatric patients.

Related Experiment Videos

Over-the-counter medication ingestions, even topical, should be considered in differential diagnoses.

Implications:

Healthcare providers must consider topical diphenhydramine toxicity in children presenting with altered mental status during infections.
Awareness of potential adverse effects from over-the-counter topical medications is essential.
This case underscores the need for vigilance regarding medication safety in pediatric populations.