Why is this medication prescribed?

Diphenhydramine is commonly prescribed for several medical conditions, including:

• Allergies: It is used to relieve symptoms such as itching, rash, sneezing, and runny nose associated with allergic reactions to substances such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or insect bites.
• Hay fever (allergic rhinitis): Diphenhydramine helps alleviate symptoms of hay fever, including sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and itchy or watery eyes caused by seasonal allergies.
• Common cold: It can provide relief from symptoms of the common cold, such as sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion.
• Motion sickness: Diphenhydramine is effective in preventing and treating motion sickness, including nausea, vomiting, and dizziness experienced during travel by car, boat, or airplane.
• Insomnia: Due to its sedative effects, Diphenhydramine is sometimes used to help people with insomnia or difficulty falling asleep.
• Parkinson’s disease: In mild cases of Parkinson’s disease, Diphenhydramine may be used to alleviate symptoms such as tremors and muscle stiffness.

How should this medicine be used?

Diphenhydramine is typically used as an over-the-counter medication for various conditions, including allergies, cold symptoms, and sleep disturbances. Here are some general guidelines on how diphenhydramine should be used:

• Follow the Directions: Always read and follow the directions on the product label or as provided by your healthcare provider. Dosage instructions may vary depending on the formulation and the condition being treated.
• Dosage: The appropriate dosage of diphenhydramine depends on factors such as age, weight, and the specific condition being treated. Adults and children over 12 years old usually take 25 to 50 milligrams every 4 to 6 hours as needed. However, dosages for children under 12 should be determined by a healthcare provider based on their weight and age.
• Administration: Diphenhydramine is commonly available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, liquid, and dissolvable strips. It can be taken orally with or without food. For liquid formulations, use a measuring device to ensure accurate dosage.
• Timing: If using diphenhydramine to relieve symptoms of allergies or cold, it’s best to take it at the onset of symptoms or as directed by your healthcare provider. If using it as a sleep aid, take it 30 minutes before bedtime.
• Avoid Overuse: Do not exceed the recommended dosage or frequency of use. Taking too much diphenhydramine can lead to adverse effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation.
• Caution with Other Medications: Diphenhydramine may interact with other medications, including sedatives, tranquilizers, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before using diphenhydramine if you are taking other medications.
• Use in Children: Diphenhydramine is not recommended for children under 2 years old unless directed by a healthcare provider. Use caution and follow dosage instructions carefully for children to avoid accidental overdose or adverse effects.
• Consult Healthcare Provider: If you have any questions or concerns about how to use diphenhydramine, its potential side effects, or its interaction with other medications, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.

Remember, diphenhydramine is intended for short-term relief of symptoms. If your symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment, seek medical advice.

Other uses for this medicine

Always follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or on the medication label when using diphenhydramine, and consult a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns about its use.

What special precautions should I follow?

When using diphenhydramine, it’s important to follow special precautions to ensure safe and effective use:

• Medical History: Inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you have, especially asthma, glaucoma, difficulty urinating (due to an enlarged prostate or other reasons), high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease. These conditions may affect the safety or efficacy of diphenhydramine.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before using diphenhydramine. While it is generally considered safe when used as directed, it’s important to weigh the potential risks and benefits.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impair cognitive function. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how diphenhydramine affects you.
• Alcohol and Other Sedatives: Avoid consuming alcohol or other sedating medications while taking diphenhydramine, as it can enhance drowsiness and impair coordination.
• Elderly Population: Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of diphenhydramine, including dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion. Use caution and follow dosage instructions carefully.
• Allergic Reactions: If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using diphenhydramine, especially if you are taking other medications or have underlying medical conditions.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Regarding special dietary instructions, there are typically no specific dietary restrictions associated with diphenhydramine. However, it’s always a good idea to follow a balanced diet unless directed otherwise by your healthcare provider.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a dose of diphenhydramine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you have any concerns or questions about missed doses, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Diphenhydramine, like any medication, can cause side effects. Common side effects of diphenhydramine may include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth, nose, or throat
• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Difficulty urinating

In addition to these common side effects, diphenhydramine may also cause more severe side effects in some individuals. These can include:

• Allergic reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions to diphenhydramine, which can include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction.
• Serious drowsiness: Diphenhydramine can cause significant drowsiness, which can impair your ability to concentrate and react quickly. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how diphenhydramine affects you.
• Paradoxical reactions: In rare cases, diphenhydramine may cause paradoxical reactions, such as agitation, hallucinations, or hyperactivity, particularly in children and older adults.
• Urinary retention: Diphenhydramine may cause difficulty urinating, especially in men with prostate problems. If you experience difficulty urinating or notice any changes in urination patterns, seek medical attention.
• Increased intraocular pressure: Diphenhydramine may increase pressure in the eye, which can be problematic for individuals with glaucoma. If you have glaucoma or are at risk for glaucoma, consult your healthcare provider before using diphenhydramine.
• Interaction with other medications: Diphenhydramine may interact with certain medications, leading to potentially serious side effects. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking diphenhydramine if you are currently taking any other medications.

It’s important to discuss any concerns or questions about side effects with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. If you experience any severe or concerning side effects while taking diphenhydramine, seek medical attention promptly.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal:

• Storage: Store diphenhydramine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal: Dispose of unused or expired diphenhydramine properly according to local regulations or medication take-back programs. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal facility for guidance on safe disposal methods.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of an overdose of diphenhydramine, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, seizures, or loss of consciousness. If possible, provide the healthcare professionals with information about the amount of diphenhydramine ingested.

What other information should I know?

• Avoid using diphenhydramine with other medications that can cause drowsiness or slow down breathing, such as opioid pain medications, muscle relaxants, or certain antidepressants, unless directed by your healthcare provider.
• Diphenhydramine may increase the risk of falls, especially in older adults. Take precautions to prevent falls, such as getting up slowly from a sitting or lying position and using handrails when climbing stairs.
• Inform healthcare providers about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before undergoing any surgical procedures or medical tests.
• Keep track of your medication usage and refill schedule to ensure you have an adequate supply of diphenhydramine on hand.
• If you have any questions or concerns about diphenhydramine, its use, side effects, or interactions, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.

Following these guidelines can help ensure the safe and effective use of diphenhydramine. Always use medications as directed and seek medical attention if you experience any adverse reactions or emergencies.