What is Benadryl?
Benadryl can be described as an antihistamine, which helps to reduce the effects of the natural chemical histamine within the body. Histamine may cause symptoms such as a running nose, itching eyes, watery eyes, and a running nose.
Benadryl is a medication used to treat sneezing and runny eyes, a watery nose, a skin rash, hives, itching, and other cold and allergy symptoms. Benadryl can also be used to combat motion sickness, induce sleep, and combat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Warnings
It is not recommended to use Benadryl to help a child fall asleep. When you take Benadryl, be sure to use caution when operating machinery, driving, or doing other activities that could be hazardous. Diphenhydramine can cause dizziness or sleepiness. If you feel dizzy or drowsy, stay away from these kinds of activities.
Be cautious when drinking alcohol. Alcohol can cause drowsiness as well as dizziness when taking Benadryl. Do not give this medicine to a child who is less than two years old. Always consult a physician prior to giving a cold or cough medicine to children. Death can occur due to the improper use of cold and cough medicines in very young children.
Before you take this drug
Benadryl is not recommended if you are allergic to diphenhydramine. Consult a pharmacist or doctor to determine if it's appropriate for you to take this medication in the event of any other medical conditions, including:
- Obstruction in the stomach (stomach or the intestines).
- Bladder obstruction or other issues.
- A colostomy or ileostomy.
- Kidney or liver disease.
- Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or another breathing disorder.
- Mucusy cough or a cough due to smoking, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis.
- Heart disease,low blood pressure.
- Glaucoma.
- A thyroid disorder.
- If you take potassium (Cytra, Epiklor, K-Lyte, and K-Phos), Kaon Klor-Con Polycitra, and Urocit K.
It is not clear if Benadryl can harm an unborn baby. Consult a physician before using this medication if you are pregnant.Diphenhydramine is a substance that can be absorbed into breast milk and can harm nursing babies. Antihistamines can also slow the production of breast milk. Talk to your doctor before taking this medication if you are breastfeeding.Senior citizens are more likely to experience adverse reactions from this medication.
How to take Benadryl?
Follow the directions for Benadryl on the label or as directed by your physician. Don't use it in greater quantities, in smaller quantities, or for longer periods than suggested. Medicines for allergies or colds are typically only used for a brief period of time until symptoms improve. Don't give this medication to children younger than two years old. Always consult a physician prior to giving an anti-cold or cough medicine to children. Death can occur because of the misuse of cold or cough medicine in very young children. Benadryl is not a good choice to induce sleepiness in children.
Measure the amount of liquid medicine using the dosing needle provided, a specially designed measuring spoon, or a medicine cup. If you don't have an instrument to measure doses, you can ask your pharmacist for one. To treat motion sickness, you should take Benadryl 30 minutes before you go into an environment that triggers motion sickness (such as an extended car ride or flight, amusement park rides, etc.). Take Benadryl at meals and also at night throughout the time you are experiencing motion sickness.
To aid in sleep, take Benadryl no later than 30 minutes prior to bedtime. Contact your physician if your symptoms don't improve after seven days of medication or if you suffer from a fever that causes a cough, headache, or an itch on your skin.The medication could alter the results of skin tests for allergies. Inform any physician who treats patients with allergies that you are taking Benadryl. Keep at room temperature.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Because Benadryl is prescribed when required, you might not be on a dose schedule. If you're following a routine, take the missed dose as quickly as you can remember. Avoid any missed doses if it's nearing the time for the next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed one.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Benadryl can cause blurred vision and affect your ability to think or react. Be cautious when driving or engaging in activities that require that you be aware and able to see clearly.
Drinking alcohol can intensify certain adverse effects of diphenhydramine. Consult a physician or pharmacist before taking any other cough, cold, or allergy medication. Antihistamines can be found in a number of combinations of medicines. When you combine certain medications, it can result in too much of this kind of medication. Look at the label to determine the presence of an antihistamine.
Side effects of Benadryl
See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergy reaction, like asthmatic breathing difficulties or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue.
Stop taking Benadryl and call your doctor immediately if you are suffering from:
- Beats of your heart, or the sound of fluttering your chest.
- Uncomfortable or difficult to urinate.
- Very little or no urine.
- Confusion, feeling like you might pass out.
- The tightness of your jaw, neck, or jaw, and uncontrollable movements of your tongue.
Common side effects of Benadryl include:
- Dizziness, drowsiness, and loss of coordination.
- Dry nose, mouth, or throat.
- Constipation, stomach upset.
- Eye dryness, vision blur.
- Drowsiness during the day as well as a "hangover" feeling after nighttime use.
This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other side effects could occur. Consult your doctor to seek any medical advice on adverse reactions. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
Consult a physician or pharmacist before taking this medication if you're taking any other medications that include prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or herbal products. Certain medicines may cause undesirable or even dangerous side effects when used together. Some interactions may not be included in this guideline for medications.
Mixing this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing could increase the severity of these effects. Talk to your doctor prior to taking Benadryl along with a sleeping drug, a narcotic pain medication, or muscle relaxer medications for depression, anxiety, or seizures.
