What is Diphenhydramine?
Diphenhydramine can be described as an antihistamine that helps reduce the effects of the natural chemical histamine within the body. Histamine is known to cause running noses, itching eyes, watery eyes, and nasal congestion. Diphenhydramine is a treatment for nasal congestion, sneezing, eyes that are watery, hives, itching, skin rash, and other allergy or cold symptoms. Diphenhydramine can also be used to treat motion sickness, promote sleep, and combat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Diphenhydramine is also used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.
Warnings
If you are taking diphenhydramine, be cautious when driving machinery, operating machinery, or engaging in other risky tasks. Diphenhydramine can cause dizziness or sleepiness. If you notice dizziness or drowsiness, stay away from these kinds of activities. Be cautious when drinking alcohol. Drinking alcohol can increase drowsiness as well as dizziness when taking diphenhydramine. Children under the age of two should not be given this medication. Always consult a physician prior to giving a cold or cough medicine to children. Death can occur due to the improper use of cold or cough medicine by very young children. Diphenhydramine is not a good choice to induce sleepiness in a child.
Before you take this drug
Diphenhydramine should not be used if you have an allergy to it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to determine if it's safe to take diphenhydramine when you are suffering from any other medical condition, particularly:
- Obstruction in the stomach (stomach and intestines).
- Bladder obstruction, or other issues.
- A colostomy or ileostomy.
- Kidney disease or liver failure.
- Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing problems.
- Cough that is mucusy or a cough due to smoking, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis.
- Heart disease and blood pressure levels that are low.
- A thyroid disorder.
- If you take potassium (Cytra, Epiklor, K-Lyte, K-Phos Kaon Klor-Con Polycitra Urocit-K).
It is not clear if diphenhydramine can harm an unborn baby. Consult a physician prior to taking this medication if you are expecting. Diphenhydramine could be found in breast milk and could cause harm to a nursing infant. Antihistamines can also reduce breast milk production. Consult a physician before using this medication if you are nursing. Adults who are older may be more susceptible to experiencing adverse reactions from this medication.
How to take Diphenhydramine?
Follow the directions for diphenhydramine on the label or as directed by your physician. Don't use it in greater quantities, in smaller quantities, or for a longer time than suggested. Medicines for allergies or colds are generally only taken for a brief period of time until symptoms improve. Don't give diphenhydramine to any child under two years old. Always consult with a physician before giving anti-cold or cough medication to children. Death can occur because of the improper use of cold and cough medicines in very young children. Diphenhydramine should not be used to cause a child to become sleepy. Take measurements of liquid medicines using an appropriate dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you don't own an instrument for measuring doses, request one from your pharmacist. one.
To prevent motion sickness, you should take diphenhydramine for 30 minutes prior to the time you are in a situation that can cause you motion sickness (such as an extended car ride as well as boat or airplane travel, amusement parks, etc.). Keep taking diphenhydramine during meals and before bed throughout the time you are experiencing motion sickness. To aid in sleep, take diphenhydramine at least 30 minutes before going to bed. Contact your physician if your symptoms don't improve after seven weeks of therapy or if you suffer from a fever that causes a cough, headache, or a rash on your skin. This medication may influence the results of skin tests for allergies. Be sure to inform any physician treating you that you're taking diphenhydramine. Place it in a cool, dry place free of heat and moisture.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Because diphenhydramine is only used when required, you might not be following a dosage schedule. If you're in a routine, you should take the dose you missed as soon as you can remember. Avoid any missed doses if you are nearing the time for the next dose. Do not take extra medication to make up for the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
The medication could cause blurred vision and a decrease in your ability to think or react. Be aware of this if you are driving or engaging in activities that require that you be aware and be able to clearly see. Alcohol consumption can cause an increase in diphenhydramine's side effects.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other cough, cold, or allergy medication. Antihistamines can be found in many combinations of medicines. Combining certain medicines could cause you to take too much of this kind of medication. Look at the label to determine the presence of an antihistamine.
Side effects of Diphenhydramine
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you notice any indications that indicate an allergic reaction, such as symptoms of hives, breathing difficulties, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue. Stop taking diphenhydramine immediately and call your doctor right away. If you suffer from:
- Heartbeats that pound or flutter in your chest.
- Urination that is painful or difficult.
- Minimal or no urination.
- Confusion, feeling like you might pass out.
- The tightness of your jaw, neck, or jaw, and uncontrollable movements of your tongue.
The most common diphenhydramine-related side effect is:
- Dizziness, drowsiness, and loss of coordination.
- Dry mouth, nose, or throat.
- Constipation, stomach upset.
- Dry eyes and blurred vision.
- Daytime drowsiness as well as a "hangover" feeling after nighttime use.
This isn't an exhaustive list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Consult with your doctor for medical advice on the consequences. You can report adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist prior to taking this medicine if you're also taking other medicines that include prescription or over-the-counter supplements, vitamins, or herbal products. Certain medicines may cause undesirable or even dangerous side effects when combined. There are not all interactions included in this guideline for medications.Combining this medication with other drugs that make you sleepy or cause breathing problems can cause more harm. Talk to your doctor prior to taking diphenhydramine along with a sleeping medication, painkiller, or narcotic medication such as muscle relaxers or medication for depression, anxiety, or seizures.
