Benadryl has a short half-life, so it is typically eliminated from the body within a few hours. In this post, leading addiction rehabilitation specialists, Avenues Recovery, discuss how long Benadryl stays in your system, how long it takes to work, and helpful tips for getting Benadryl out of your system faster.
What Is Benadryl?
Benadryl is an over-the-counter antihistamine that contains diphenhydramine. It treats allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Benadryl also causes drowsiness and is commonly used as a short-term sleep aid or to prevent motion sickness. In addition, Benadryl can also be used as a cream or a gel to relieve itching from insect bites, rashes, and other irritations.
In higher doses, Benadryl can cause hallucinations and dissociative effects. Some individuals may misuse the medication in an attempt to experience altered states of consciousness. Furthermore, due to its sedative nature, some people may misuse Benadryl as a way to self-medicate for anxiety or stress. They may use it to calm nerves or alleviate feelings of tension.
Benadryl Half-Life
When examining the duration that Benadryl remains in the system, it’s important to understand the concept of its half-life. The half-life of a drug is the time it takes the body to reduce the drug's quantity by half. Half-life serves as an indicator of the rate at which the body metabolizes and eliminates the drug.
What Is the Half-Life of Benadryl?
The half-life of Benadryl (diphenhydramine) ranges from 2.4 to 9.3 hours. Most of the drug is eliminated within 24 hours, but elimination may take longer in older adults or people with liver conditions.
How Long Does Benadryl Last in Each Part of Your System?
Detection times for Benadryl can vary based on the part of your body that is tested. Here are general estimates for detection times according to each of the different drug tests:
How Long Does Benadryl Stay in Your Urine?
Benadryl is typically detectable in urine for 1 to 2 days after use. It’s important to note that individual factors such as metabolism, hydration, and dosage can influence detection times.
How Long Does Benadryl Stay in Your Blood?
Benadryl is usually detectable in blood up to 24 hours after use.
How Long Does Benadryl Stay in Your Saliva?
Saliva testing is less common for Benadryl, but it is usually detectable for approximately 24 hours.
How Long Does Benadryl Stay in Your Hair?
Benadryl can stay in your hair for up to 90 days. Hair follicle tests may detect diphenhydramine weeks to months after use, depending on dosage, frequency, and hair growth rate.
How Long Does Children’s Benadryl Stay in Your System?
Children’s Benadryl stays in the system for up to 24 hours. Its half-life is similar to adult Benadryl, ranging from 2.4 to 9.3 hours. The drug clears faster in children due to higher metabolic rates, but effects typically last 4 to 6 hours.
Factors Affecting How Long Benadryl Stays in Your System
Several factors can influence how long Benadryl stays in your system. Here are some key examples:
Metabolism
The rate at which an individual’s body metabolizes Benadryl can vary. Metabolism is influenced by factors such as age, genetics, liver function, and overall health. A person with a faster metabolism may eliminate Benadryl more quickly from their system.
Liver Function
Benadryl is primarily metabolized in the liver. Individuals with liver impairments may metabolize Benadryl more slowly.
Age
Age can impact drug metabolism. Older individuals may experience a slower metabolism, potentially leading to a longer duration of Benadryl in their system.
Kidney Function
While the liver primarily metabolizes Benadryl, the drug and its metabolites are eliminated through the kidneys. Kidney function can affect the clearance of Benadryl from the body.
Dosage and Frequency
The amount and frequency of Benadryl use can influence how long it stays in the system. Higher doses or frequent use may lead to the accumulation of the drug and its metabolites.
Drug Interactions
Other medications or substances taken concurrently with Benadryl can impact its metabolism. Drug interactions may either increase or decrease the clearance of Benadryl from the body.
Hydration
Adequate hydration supports kidney function and can aid in the elimination of drugs from the body. Dehydration may slow down the excretion of Benadryl.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body composition, including factors like body fat percentage, can influence the distribution and elimination of drugs. Individuals with higher body fat may experience a prolonged presence of Benadryl.
Urinary pH
The pH of urine can affect the elimination of drugs. Changes in urinary pH may impact the excretion of Benadryl.
How Long Does Benadryl Take to Work?
The onset of action for Benadryl can vary depending on the specific formulation (such as oral tablets, liquid, or topical creams). Here are some general guidelines:
- Oral Benadryl (Tablets or Liquid): Typically, oral Benadryl starts to take effect within 30 minutes to 1 hour after ingestion. The onset may be faster for some individuals, especially if taken on an empty stomach.
- Topical Benadryl (Creams or Gels): Applying medication topically means administering the medication directly onto the skin. When applied topically, Benadryl can provide relief from itching and irritation relatively quickly, often within 15 to 30 minutes.
How to Get Benadryl Out of Your System Faster
Generally, the body naturally metabolizes and eliminates drugs like Benadryl over time. There isn’t a specific method to “flush” it out of your system quickly. However, here are some general tips:
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help support your body’s natural detoxification processes. However, excessive water intake can be harmful, so it’s important to maintain a balanced fluid intake.
- Healthy Diet: Eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet can support overall health, including the body’s natural processes of metabolizing and eliminating substances.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity may help enhance metabolism and circulation, which can contribute to the body’s natural elimination processes.
Treatment for Benadryl Addiction
If an individual is struggling with Benadryl addiction, the first step would be for them to reach out to a medical professional. This professional can conduct a thorough medical assessment to evaluate the extent of the addiction, any potential physical health complications, and the overall health of the individual. At Avenues Recovery, we always conduct a comprehensive evaluation before initiating treatment.
Following an initial assessment, detoxification may be necessary to help the individual safely withdraw from Benadryl. This process should be conducted under medical supervision, as sudden withdrawal can lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety, that may require medical intervention.
Depending on the severity of the addiction, individuals may undergo inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programs. Inpatient programs require individuals to stay at a treatment facility, while outpatient programs enable individuals to participate in treatment sessions while living at home.
Avenues Recovery Can Help You Get Benadryl Out Of Your System
If you were wondering how long Benadryl stays in your system, and think you may be struggling with Benadryl addiction or know someone who is, the team at Avenues Recovery can help. Our expert staff will be glad to talk you through the recovery options available, based on your individual needs.
We use a comprehensive approach and a wide array of therapies to help people recover from substance abuse. Our highly skilled and experienced staff have helped thousands of people turn their lives around and they can help you too. Take the first step of your journey toward a life free from addiction. Contact Avenues Recovery today to experience a world of support, guidance, and care as you begin your journey towards a meaningful, happy, and sober life.
FAQs About How Long Benadryl Stays in Your System
How Long Does IV Benadryl Stay in Your System?
IV (intravenous) Benadryl usually works within minutes and its effects typically last 4 to 6 hours. However, traces of the medication can remain in your system for about 1 to 2 days, depending on your metabolism, age, liver function, and overall health.
How Long Does Benadryl Cream Stay in Your System?
Benadryl cream is used topically, which means it’s applied to the skin and doesn’t enter your bloodstream in significant amounts. That said, if large areas are used frequently or on broken skin, some absorption can occur. In those cases, any small amount that gets into your system is usually processed within a day.
How Long Does Liquid Benadryl Stay in Your System?
Liquid Benadryl (diphenhydramine) acts quickly, often within 15–30 minutes, and the effects can last around 4 to 6 hours. Like other forms, it may stay detectable in your system for 24–48 hours depending on your body’s clearance rate.
Does the Form of Benadryl (Pill, Liquid, Cream, IV) Affect How Long It Stays in Your System?
Yes, the delivery method plays a big role. IV is the fastest-acting and is cleared relatively quickly. Liquid and pills are processed through your digestive system, so they act a little slower but still have similar durations. Cream is mostly local unless heavily absorbed, so its systemic effect is minimal.