Precautions
Those overdose symptoms include:
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Delirium
- Nervousness
- Tremor
- Unsteadiness
- Depression
What happens if you take too much diphenhydramine?
Diphenhydramine is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other cold or allergy symptoms. Diphenhydramine is also used to treat motion sickness, to induce sleep, and to treat certain symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Diphenhydramine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What's does diphenhydramine really like?
Common side effects. The most common side effect of diphenhydramine is feeling sleepy and tired. This happens in more than 1 in 10 people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if this side effect bothers you or won’t go away. Other common side effects of diphenhydramine happen in more than 1 in 100 people.
What are the Common side effects of diphenhydramine?
They are commonly used to treat allergies and are generally safe. However, one of these drugs, Benadryl (diphenhydramine), is commonly used in over-the-counter sleep agents. Taking an over-the-counter sleep aid with diphenhydramine once in a while is generally not going to cause problems, other than a possible hangover the next day.
Is diphenhydramine dangerous if taken nightly as a sleep aid?
Is diphenhydramine the same as Benadryl?
Diphenhydramine is marketed under the brand-name Benadryl, store brands, and generics. It is also available in combination with pain relievers, fever reducers, and decongestants.
What are the dangers of taking diphenhydramine?
Common diphenhydramine side effects may include:dizziness, drowsiness, loss of coordination;dry mouth, nose, or throat;constipation, upset stomach;dry eyes, blurred vision; or.day-time drowsiness or "hangover" feeling after night-time use.
When should you not take diphenhydramine?
Do not use diphenhydramine for longer than 2 weeks to treat sleep problems, or longer than 7 days to treat cold or allergy symptoms. This medicine can affect the results of allergy skin tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using diphenhydramine.
Is diphenhydramine good for sleep?
Diphenhydramine can also be used to help you relax and fall asleep. This medication works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction.
How much diphenhydramine can I take to sleep?
Dosage for short-term insomnia Diphenhydramine comes as 25mg and 50mg tablets. You'll usually take 50mg, 20 minutes before you go to bed.
How long does it take for diphenhydramine to kick in?
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) starts to work pretty quickly. You can expect to it to kick in within about 15 to 30 minutes. Its full effects can be felt around 2 hours after your dose. Can diphenhydramine (Benadryl) be used long-term?
What meds should not be taken with diphenhydramine?
Most frequently checked interactionsAspirin Low Strength (aspirin)CoQ10 (ubiquinone)Cymbalta (duloxetine)Fish Oil (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids)Flonase (fluticasone nasal)Lexapro (escitalopram)Lyrica (pregabalin)Metoprolol Succinate ER (metoprolol)More items...
Can diphenhydramine affect blood pressure?
Official answer. Increased blood pressure is not a typical side effect of diphenhydramine, a first-generation antihistamine that lowers the effects of histamines in your body. However, in rare cases, the drug may cause hypotension, or decreased blood pressure.
What medications should not be taken with diphenhydramine?
Examples of medications that may interact with Benadryl include:antidepressants.stomach ulcer medicine.cough and cold medicine.other antihistamines.diazepam (Valium)sedatives.
What is the strongest sleeping pill over-the-counter?
Doxylamine succinate is one of the most sedating antihistamines available over-the-counter (stronger than diphenhydramine).
What is the safest sleeping pill for the elderly?
In the elderly, nonbenzodiazepines such as zolpidem, eszopiclone, zaleplon, and ramelteon are safer and better tolerated than tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines. Pharmacotherapy should be recommended only after sleep hygiene is addressed, however.
What drug puts you to sleep instantly?
About zolpidem Zolpidem is a sleeping pill. It's used to treat insomnia (when you might have trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep). It helps you fall asleep more quickly and makes you less likely to wake up during the night.
What is diphenhydramine used for?
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergy, hay fever, and the common cold. These symptoms include rash, itching, watery eyes, itchy eyes /nose/throat, cough, runny nose, and sneezing. It is also used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting and dizziness caused by motion sickness. Diphenhydramine can also be used ...
How does diphenhydramine help you fall asleep?
Diphenhydramine can also be used to help you relax and fall asleep.This medication works by blocking a certain natural substance ( histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction.
How long before travel to take diphenhydramine?
Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed. To prevent motion sickness, take your dose 30 minutes before starting activity such as travel.
How to report diphenhydramine side effects in Canada?
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Before taking diphenhydramine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to dimenhydrinate; or if you have any other allergies.
Can you take drowsy pills while pregnant?
Drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion can increase the risk of falling. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.
Do you need a spoon to measure a single dose of a drug?
Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If you have a single-dose form of this medication (such as a single-use whistle), you do not need to measure the dose.
Why is diphenhydramine prescribed?
Why is this medication prescribed? Expand Section. Diphenhydramine is used to relieve red, irritated, itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; and runny nose caused by hay fever, allergies, or the common cold. Diphenhydramine is also used to relieve cough caused by minor throat or airway irritation.
What to do if you are allergic to diphenhydramine?
Before taking diphenhydramine, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to diphenhydramine, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in diphenhydramine preparations. Ask your doctor or pharmacist or check the package label for a list of the ingredients.
Can diphenhydramine cause sleepiness?
Diphenhydramine should not be used to cause sleepiness in children. Diphenhydramine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.
Can diphenhydramine make you drowsy?
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking diphenhydramine. you should know that this medication may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Can you take diphenhydramine with pain relievers?
Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor or directed on the label. Diphenhydramine comes alone and in combination with pain relievers, fever reducers, and decongestants.
Can you give diphenhydramine to children?
If you are giving diphenhydramine or a combination product that contains diphenhydramine to a child, read the package label carefully to be sure that it is the right product for a child of that age. Do not give diphenhydramine products that are made for adults to children.
How long does it take for diphenhydramine to work?
The duration of activity following an average dose of Diphenhydramine hydrochloride is from four to six hours. Diphenhydramine is widely distributed throughout the body, including the CNS.
What is the formula for diphenhydramine hydrochloride?
Diphenhydramine hydrochloride is an antihistamine drug having the chemical name 2- (diphenylmethoxy)-N,N -dimethylethylamine hydrochloride and has the molecular formula C 17 H 21 NO•HCI (molecular weight 291.82). It occurs as a white odorless, crystalline powder and is freely soluble in water and alcohol. The structural formula is as follows:
What is the term for the elderly who are unable to tolerate more potent agents?
Antiparkinsonism. For parkinsonism (including drug-induced) in the elderly unable to tolerate more potent agents; mild cases of parkinsonism (including drug-induced) in other age groups; in other cases of parkinsonism (including drug-induced) in combination with centrally acting anticholinergic agents.
Is diphenhydramine a sedative?
Diphenhydramine - Clinical Pharmacology. Diphenhydramine hydrochloride is an antihistamine with anticholinergic (drying) and sedative effects. Antihistamines appear to compete with histamine for cell receptor sites on effector cells. A single oral dose of Diphenhydramine hydrochloride is quickly absorbed with maximum activity occurring in ...
Where is diphenhydramine excreted?
Diphenhydramine is widely distributed throughout the body, including the CNS. Little, if any, is excreted unchanged in the urine; most appears as the degradation products of metabolic transformation in the liver, which are almost completely excreted within 24 hours.
Is diphenhydramine hydrochloride safe for asthma?
Diphenhydramine hydrochloride has an atropine-like action and therefore, should be used with caution in patients with a history of bronchial asthma, increased intraocular pressure, hyperthyroidism, cardiovascular disease or hypertension. Use with caution in patients with lower respiratory disease including asthma.
Is antihistamine therapy contraindicated?
Use in Nursing Mothers. Because of the higher risk of antihistamines for infants generally, and for neonates and prematures in particular, antihistamine therapy is contraindicated in nursing mothers.
What is diphenhydramine used for?
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that may be used for the treatment of allergies, motion sickness, to help induce sleep, and to relieve symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. Diphenhydramine treats allergic-type reactions by blocking histamine-1 (H1) receptors.
How long does diphenhydramine last?
The effects of diphenhydramine last from four to six hours. Sedative effects peak 1 to 3 hours after administration of a single dose. Antihistamine effects peak 1 to 3 hours and persist for up to 7 hours after administration. When used as a night-time sleeping aid, the usual dosage of diphenhydramine is 50mg at bedtime.
What medications interact with diphenhydramine?
Common medications that may interact with diphenhydramine include: antiepileptics, such as divalproex sodium, topiramate, or phenytoin. benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, oxazepam, and temazepam. bromocriptine.
How long before you take diphenhydramine for motion sickness?
Avoid alcohol. When using for motion sickness, take diphenhydramine 30 minutes before any exposure to motion. Take subsequent doses before meals or at bedtime for the duration of the exposure. Diphenhydramine should not be used as a nighttime sleep aid in children aged less than twelve.
What age can you take diphenhydramine?
Generic diphenhydramine is available. 3. Downsides. If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:
Can diphenhydramine be taken with food?
Sedation is a common side effect. 5. Tips. Diphenhydramine may be taken with or without food. Take exactly as directed.
Is diphenhydramine safe for children?
The safety and effectiveness of using diphenhydramine as a sleep aid in children under the age of 12 has not been established. There is a risk of overdosage and death if children under the age of 2 are given antihistamines such as diphenhydramine.
How to use Diphenhydramine Hcl Cream
Use this medication only on the skin as directed by your doctor. If you are self-treating, follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Some products may need to be shaken well before use.
Have you ever purchased Diphenhydramine Hcl Cream?
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What is diphenhydramine used for?
Diphenhydramine injection is an antihistamine used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions ( anaphylaxis) along with epinephrine and other treatments. It is also used to relieve symptoms of household allergies, hay fever and the common cold when medication cannot be given by mouth. Common allergy symptoms relieved by antihistamines include rash, itching, watery eyes, itchy eyes /nose/throat, cough, runny nose and sneezing .It is also used to treat nausea, vomiting and dizziness caused by motion sickness when medication cannot be given by mouth. Diphenhydramine works by blocking a certain natural substance ( histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction. Its drying effects on such symptoms as watery eyes and runny nose are caused by blocking another natural substance made by your body (acetylcholine).Diphenhydramine should not be used in newborns or premature infants because of an increased risk of side effects. It should not be used for common cold symptoms in children less than 6 years of age due to the risk of serious side effects, such as slow/shallow breathing. Cough -and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6.
Why is diphenhydramine not good for babies?
Its drying effects on such symptoms as watery eyes and runny nose are caused by blocking another natural substance made by your body (acetylcholine).Diphenhydramine should not be used in newborns or premature infants because of an increased risk of side effects.
What to do before taking diphenhydramine?
Precautions. Before using diphenhydramine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to dimenhydrinate; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
How fast can diphenhydramine be injected?
How to use Diphenhydramine Hcl Syringe. This medication is injected into a vein (IV) no faster than 25 milligrams per minute, or deeply into a muscle as directed by your doctor. Be very careful to inject into a vein or muscle and not into the skin or just under the skin. If this medication is injected into or just under the skin, ...
Can you take drowsy pills while pregnant?
Drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion can increase the risk of falling. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Medical uses
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergy, hay fever, and the common cold.
May Treat: Allergic rhinitis · Nasal congestion · Allergic conjunctivitis · Sneezing · Allergic reaction and more
Brand Names: Benadryl · Genahist · Naramin · Sominex · Children's Benadryl Allergy and more
Drug Class: Antihistamine - 1st Generation - Ethanolamines · Antihistamines - 1st Generation
Availability: No Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult your doctor
May Treat: Allergic rhinitis · Nasal congestion · Allergic conjunctivitis · Sneezing · Allergic reaction and more
Brand Names: Benadryl · Genahist · Naramin · Sominex · Children's Benadryl Allergy and more
Drug Class: Antihistamine - 1st Generation - Ethanolamines · Antihistamines - 1st Generation
Availability: No Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult your doctor
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
- Unless MD directs, do not use in kids less than 6
- May make you drowsy or dizzy. Drive with caution
- Reduce or avoid drinking alcohol
- Unless MD directs, do not use in kids less than 6
- May make you drowsy or dizzy. Drive with caution
- Reduce or avoid drinking alcohol
- Avoid other drugs that make you sleepy
- Check warnings on OTC medications.
- Call doctor if you are not getting better
- Use candy or gum for relief
- For tablet products : May cause dry mouth. Avoid other medicines containing the same drug.
- For tablet, disintegrating products : Before using tell Dr. if you have phenylketonuria. Place medicine on tongue to dissolve.
Side effects
Contraindications
Preparation
Use
- Diphenhydramine is used to relieve red, irritated, itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; and runny nose caused by hay fever, allergies, or the common cold. Diphenhydramine is also used to relieve cough caused by minor throat or airway irritation. Diphenhydramine is also used to prevent and treat motion sickness, and to treat insomnia (difficulty falling as...
Treatment
- Diphenhydramine will relieve the symptoms of these conditions but will not treat the cause of the symptoms or speed recovery. Diphenhydramine should not be used to cause sleepiness in children. Diphenhydramine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.
Prevention
- Nonprescription cough and cold combination products, including products that contain diphenhydramine, can cause serious side effects or death in young children. Do not give these products to children younger than 4 years of age. If you give these products to children 4 to 11 years of age, use caution and follow the package directions carefully. If you are giving diphenhy…
How It Works
- Before you give a diphenhydramine product to a child, check the package label to find out how much medication the child should receive. Give the dose that matches the child's age on the chart. Ask the child's doctor if you don't know how much medication to give the child.
Upsides
- If you are taking the dissolving strips, place the strips on your tongue one at a time and swallow after they melt. If you are taking the rapidly dissolving tablets, place a tablet on your tongue and close your mouth. The tablet will quickly dissolve and can be swallowed with or without water.
Downsides
- Diphenhydramine is usually taken as needed. If your doctor has told you to take diphenhydramine regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Bottom Line
- Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resista…
Tips
- Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that may be used for the treatment of allergies, motion sickness, to help induce sleep, and to relieve symptoms of Parkinson's Disease.
- Diphenhydramine treats allergic-type reactions by blocking histamine-1 (H1) receptors. This prevents histamine from having an effect on the airways, blood vessels, and the gastrointestinal tract, r...
- Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that may be used for the treatment of allergies, motion sickness, to help induce sleep, and to relieve symptoms of Parkinson's Disease.
- Diphenhydramine treats allergic-type reactions by blocking histamine-1 (H1) receptors. This prevents histamine from having an effect on the airways, blood vessels, and the gastrointestinal tract, r...
- Diphenhydramine belongs to the class of medicines known as first-generation antihistamines. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine of the ethanolamine class.
Response and Effectiveness
- Used to treat the symptoms of allergic-type reactions such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
- May be used for the treatment of allergies, insect bites, hay fever, allergic conjunctivitis, urticaria (hives), and in addition to epinephrine for anaphylactic reactions.
- May be used to relieve the symptoms of nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickne…
- Used to treat the symptoms of allergic-type reactions such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
- May be used for the treatment of allergies, insect bites, hay fever, allergic conjunctivitis, urticaria (hives), and in addition to epinephrine for anaphylactic reactions.
- May be used to relieve the symptoms of nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness.
- Can be used to help people relax or fall asleep.
Interactions
- If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. Drowsiness and sedation that may impair judgment and affect a person's ability to drive or operate machinery. Alcohol should be avoided because it can make this side effect worse. 2. Dizziness, low blood pressure, a head…
References
- Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that can be used to treat allergic reactions, relieve motion sickness, as a sleep aid, and to relieve some symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Sedation is a common side effect.
Further Information
- Diphenhydramine may be taken with or without food.
- Take exactly as directed. Do not take more than is recommended.
- Do not drive or operate machinery if diphenhydramine makes you drowsy or affects your judgment. Avoid alcohol.
- When using for motion sickness, take diphenhydramine 30 minutes before any exposure to …
- Diphenhydramine may be taken with or without food.
- Take exactly as directed. Do not take more than is recommended.
- Do not drive or operate machinery if diphenhydramine makes you drowsy or affects your judgment. Avoid alcohol.
- When using for motion sickness, take diphenhydramine 30 minutes before any exposure to motion. Take subsequent doses before meals or at bedtime for the duration of the exposure.