Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

DIPHENHYDRAMINE - ORAL

(dye-fen-HI-druh-meen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Benadryl, Genahist, Sominex, Uni-Hist

Uses

This medication provides relief of symptoms of allergic reactions such as rash, hives, watery eyes, runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing. Also used to treat motion sickness, anxiety, tension, sleeplessness or involuntary movements due to the side effects of certain psychiatric drugs.

How To Use

May be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Follow doctor's instructions. Do not take more than recommended.

Side Effects

May cause drowsiness, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, stomach upset, vision changes, irritability, dry mouth and nose. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: breathing difficulties, pounding or irregular heartbeat, ringing in the ears, difficulty urinating. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Do not take for several days before allergy testing as test results can be affected. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: asthma, glaucoma, ulcers, difficulty urinating (due to an enlarged prostate gland), heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, an overactive thyroid gland. Change from a seated or lying position slowly to avoid dizziness. Use caution in performing activities requiring alertness. Limit alcohol intake or other sedating medications to avoid excessive drowsiness. Do not give regular tablets or oral liquid to a child younger than six years of age unless directed to do so by a doctor. This drug should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Because this medication appears in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use, especially of: sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, medication for depression, anti-seizure drugs, narcotic pain medication (e.g., codeine), other medications for colds/hay fever/allergies. Do not take if you have taken any MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within the last two weeks. Check the labels on all your medicines because they may also contain diphenhydramine. This includes diphenhydramine either taken by mouth or applied to the skin (e.g., anti-itch cream, ointment, or spray). Ask your pharmacist about the safe use ofthose products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, flushing, fever, weakness, tremor, muscle twitching, loss of consciousness, and seizures. In children, excitement may occur first followed by loss of coordination, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, and seizures.

Notes

Do not share this product with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).