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Diphenhydramine
Diphenhydramine
Pronunciation
(dye fen HYE dra meen)
Brand Names
AllerMax® Oral [OTC]; Banophen® Oral [OTC]; Belix® Oral [OTC]; Benadryl®
Injection; Benadryl® Oral [OTC]; Benadryl® Topical; Ben-Allergin-50® Injection;
Benylin® Cough Syrup [OTC]; Bydramine® Cough Syrup [OTC]; Compoz® Gel Caps
[OTC]; Compoz® Nighttime Sleep Aid [OTC]; Dihyrex® Injection; Diphenacen-50®
Injection [OTC]; Diphen® Cough [OTC]; Diphenhist [OTC]; Dormarex® 2 Oral [OTC];
Dormin® Oral [OTC]; Genahist® Oral; Hydramyn® Syrup [OTC]; Hyrexin-50®
Injection; Maximum Strength Nytol®[OTC]; Miles Nervine® Caplets [OTC]; Nordryl®
Injection; Nordryl® Oral; Nytol® Oral [OTC]; Phendry® Oral [OTC]; Siladryl® Oral
[OTC]; Silphen® Cough [OTC]; Sleep-eze 3® Oral [OTC]; Sleepinal®[OTC]; Sleepwell
2-nite®[OTC]; Sominex® Oral [OTC]; Tusstat® Syrup; Twilite® Oral [OTC];
Uni-Bent® Cough Syrup; Winks®[OTC]
Canadian/Mexican Brand Names
Allerdryl® (Canada); Allernix® (Canada)
Therapeutic Categories
Antidote, Hypersensitivity Reactions; Antihistamine, H1 Blocker; Sedative
What is this medicine used for?
- This medicine relieves symptoms (runny nose; sneezing; throat irritation
and itching; watery, irritated, itchy, red eyes) from allergies.
- It is used for the treatment of hives and angioedema.
- It is also used for motion sickness, sleep disturbance, Parkinson's
disease, cough (colds/allergy), drug-induced extrapyramidal reactions, and skin
disorders causing itching.
How does it work?
- Diphenhydramine, if taken before coming in contact with the material that
causes the allergy, blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing/preventing the
body's reaction to the allergen.
- For motion sickness, it interferes with messages between the vomiting
center in the brain and other control centers.
- One of its side effects is drowsiness which aids in sleep.
- In Parkinson's disease, it helps balance a chemical problem.
How is it best taken?
Oral:
- Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset
stomach.
- A liquid (elixir, syrup) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those
who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before
and after medicine is given.
- If you are taking this medicine for motion sickness, take 30 minutes before
travel.
- If you are taking this medicine for an allergy, it is most effective if
started before contact with the allergen. Take at least 1-3 hours before.
- Diphenhydramine needs to be taken an hour before going to bed if you are
taking this medicine to help you sleep.
Skin:
- Do not take by mouth. For skin only. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes (may
burn).
- Clean affected area before use.
- Use in a small amount over the area affected as a light film. Rub in
gently.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your
regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this
medicine?
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to
tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about
rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face,
lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved. pregnant.
- Do not use if you are breast-feeding.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
Oral:
- If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects. You could feel
sleepy, confused, constipated, or be unable to pass urine.
- Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and other medicines that
slow your actions and reactions. This includes sedatives, tranquilizers, mood
stabilizers, or pain medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
- Increased activity or inability to sleep may be seen in children.
Skin:
- Use caution on skin where a large area is involved or where there are open
wounds. The medicine can get into your system and cause side effects.
What are the common side effects of this
medicine?
Oral:
- Feeling sleepy, tired, dizzy, or unable to think clearly. Avoid driving,
doing other tasks or hobbies that require you to be alert until you see how this
medicine affects you.
- Constipation. More liquid, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may
help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
- Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may
help.
- Unable to pass urine. Go to the bathroom before taking medicine. Talk with
healthcare provider if it becomes a problem.
Skin:
- Burning, itching, redness.
What should I monitor?
- Watch for effectiveness of medicine in preventing and treating
symptoms.
Reasons to call healthcare provider
immediately
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in
the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face,
lips, tongue, or throat.
- Too tired or sleepy.
- Any rash.
- No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
- Store in a tight container at room temperature.
General statements
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including
over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).
Copyright © 1978-2000 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved
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