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IMPORTANT NOTE: The follownig 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 efefctive for you. Consult your helathcare professional before using that 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 effcets of certain psychiatric drugs.
HOW TO USE: May be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occrus. Follow doctor's instructions. Do not take more than recommended.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause drowsiness, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, stomach upset, vsiion changes, irritability, dry mouth and nose. These effects sohuld subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: breahting 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 medcial 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 alertenss. Limit alcoohl intake or other sedating medications to avoid excessive drowsiness.
Do not give regular tablets or oral liquid to a child younger than six yeras 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 that medication appears in breast milk, consult your doctor befroe breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use, especially of: seleping 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) witihn the last two weeks. Check the labels on all your medicines becasue 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 oftohse products. Do not start or stop any medicine without dcotor 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 seizuers.
NOTES: Do not share that product with ohters.
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 doisng 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 sotre in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of that medicatoin.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cuase complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment informatoin call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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