Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) treats and prevents such symptoms as runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose and throat, and itchy, watery eyes, and relieving cough.
Benadryl is an antihistamine and anticholinergic. It works by blocking the action of histamine, reducing the symptoms of an allergic reaction. It also works in the brain to cause sedation.
It may also relieve itching of the skin and allergic skin reactions, also used to treat and prevent motion sickness, may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Use Benadryl as it is directed by your doctor according to a label on medicine for exact instructions of a doze. Use Benadryl exactly as directed on the package, unless instructed differently by your doctor. If you are taking Benadryl without a prescription, follow any warnings and precautions on the label.
- Take Benadryl at least 30 minutes before activity or travel for prevention of motion sickness.
- Take Diphenhydramine with food.
Do not pass any dozes. If you pass doze Benadryl, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and come back to your regular schedule of batching. Do not take 2 dozes at once. Benadryl should be stored with care! Keep away from children and pets. Store away from a heat, wetness, and light. Do not store in the bathroom.
Store Benadryl at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Do not expose to heat and moisture. Brief periods at temperatures of 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) are permitted.
Benadryl Safety information
Do not use Benadryl if:
- you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB);
- you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine or other similar medicines;
- you are currently taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (eg, phenelzine) in the past 14 days;
- you are breast-feeding. Intake of this medicine during pregnancy is not desirable.
Contact your doctor if any of these apply to you.
Remember:
- Benadryl can cause drowsiness, dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting. These effects can be worse, if you take it with alcohol, certain medicines or become overheated. Use Benadryl with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe while you do know how you react to it.
- Do not drink alcohol and do not use medicine which can cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you use Benadryl; it can add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions, on medicines which can cause drowsiness.
- If your symptoms persist for more than 1 week or if you develop a fever, contact your health care provider.
- Diphenhydramine can cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to it. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside.
- Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has Diphenhydramine in it too, because Benadryl has Diphenhydramine in it. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Different brands of Benadryl may have different dosing instructions for children. Follow the dosing instructions on the package labeling. If your doctor has given you instructions, follow those. If you are unsure of the dose to give a child, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Do not use Benadryl for a cough with a lot of mucous. Do not use it for a long-term cough (eg, caused by asthma, emphysema, smoking). However, you may use it for these conditions if your doctor tells you so.
- The elderly people use Benadryl with caution; they can be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness, sedation, and light-headedness upon standing.
- Do not breast-feed while you take Diphenhydramine. During pregnancy Diphenhydramine should be taken only if clearly needed.
- dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, throat, and nose;
- thickening of mucus in nose or throat.
Benadryl should be used only by the patient for whom it is offered. Do not share it with other people.
Benadryl Side Effects
Notify your doctor if any of these most common side effects of Diphenhydramine persist or become bothersome:
Seek medical attention right away if such severe side effect as hard allergic reaction occurs. The symptom of allergic reaction are: rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. Allergic reaction to Diphenhydramine is very unlikely. Other severe side effects may include convulsions; fast heartbeat or pounding in the chest; decreased alertness; hallucinations; tremor; wheezing. Call emergency if they occur.
