What is Sleepinal?
Sleepinal is a powerful antihistamine used to treat cold and allergy symptoms such as sneezing. Sleeping can also be used to treat motion sickness and induce sleep. It is also prescribed to treat some symptoms of Parkinson's disease. This sleep medicine is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
Diphenhydramine is available in many different brands and forms. This leaflet does not list all brands. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for Sleepinal.
Side effects of Sleepinal
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Sleeping can cause serious side effects. Sleeping should be stopped immediately, and you should consult your doctor if:
- Severe sleepiness
- Urination that is painful or difficult
In older adults, side effects like dryness of the mouth and constipation may be more common.
Sleeping can cause the following side effects:
- Drowsiness;
- Dry eyes and blurred vision
- Dry mouth, nose, or throat
- Reduced urination
- Constipation;
- Feeling restless or excited, especially in children
- After nighttime use, you may feel drowsy or have a "hangover".
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Lorazepam, Melatonin, Zolpidem, Diphenhydramine, Ativan, and Ambien
Warnings
Sleepinal should be used exactly as instructed. Too much sleep may cause serious heart problems or seizures. It can even lead to death. This medicine should not be used to induce sleep in children under 12 years of age.
Before you take this drug
Sleepinal should not be used if you have an allergy to it.
If you have had any of the following:
- Urination or prostate problems;
- Asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), or other breathing disorders;
- Glaucoma;
- A thyroid disorder.
Before using this medication, consult your doctor if you're pregnant or nursing. This medicine may reduce breast milk production.
How to take Sleepinal?
Sleepinal should only be used as prescribed by a doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Sleeping should only be used for a short time until symptoms are resolved. Too much sleep may cause serious heart problems.Epilepsy can lead to seizures, comas and even death. Follow the directions on the label when giving. Sleepinal as a medicine to children. Do not use this medicine to put a child to sleep. Misuse of antihistamines can lead to death in young children.
Take Sleepinal for motion sickness. 30 minutes prior to a situation where you may experience motion sickness. (For example, a long ride in a car, an airplane or boat trip, rides at amusement parks, etc.) Take this medicine at mealtimes and before bedtime until you are no longer in a situation that causes motion sickness. Sleepinal can be taken 30 minutes prior to bedtime as a sleep aid.
The chewable tablet must be chewed before it can be swallowed. Measuring liquid medicine is important. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon). Only remove an oral disintegrating tablet when you're ready to use it. Place the tablet in your mouth without chewing. As the tablet dissolves, you should swallow it several times.
If you experience a persistent condition that is not improving after using Sleepinal, or if you develop a fever, a headache, or a skin rash, call your doctor. Sleepinal should not be used for more than two weeks to treat sleep disorders or seven days to treat allergy or cold symptoms. Sleep can interfere with allergy skin tests. Inform any doctor that you see about Sleepinal. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Sleepinal can be taken as needed, and there is no set schedule. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip any missed dose. Never take two doses in one go.
What happens if I overdose?
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. A diphenhydramine overdose can be fatal. Overdose symptoms include agitation and hallucinations.
What should be avoided?
Sleeping can affect your reaction time. Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are sure how they will affect you. You may be unable to react properly. Diphenhydramine can be exacerbated by alcohol.
Before using any other medication that contains Sleepinal, consult your doctor or pharmacist. These include medicines used to treat sleep problems, allergy symptoms, or colds, and anti-itch creams applied directly to the skin. Overdosing on this medication can lead to death.
Interaction with other drug
Before using Sleepinal, consult your doctor or pharmacist. This is especially important if you are taking any medications that may cause drowsiness, such as an opioid, a sleep medication, a muscle relaxation medicine, or medication for anxiety or seizures. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you have started or stopped using. Included are prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions.
