Why is this medication prescribed?

Aler-Dryl, or generic diphenhydramine, is primarily prescribed for several medical purposes:

• Allergies: It is commonly used to relieve symptoms of hay fever (allergic rhinitis) such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes.
• Motion Sickness: Diphenhydramine can help alleviate symptoms of motion sickness, including nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
• Insomnia: Due to its sedative effects, diphenhydramine is sometimes used as a short-term treatment for insomnia (difficulty sleeping).
• Cough: It may be used to suppress coughing, particularly when it disrupts sleep or daily activities.
• Parkinson’s Disease: Diphenhydramine is sometimes prescribed to manage tremors and muscle stiffness associated with Parkinson’s disease.
• Pruritus (Itching): It can help relieve itching caused by allergic reactions, chickenpox, insect bites, sunburn, and other conditions.

Diphenhydramine works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance produced by the body during allergic reactions. This blockage helps alleviate symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose.

How should this medicine be used?

Aler-Dryl (Generic Diphenhydramine) should be used according to the directions provided by your healthcare provider or as indicated on the medication label. Here are some general guidelines for its use:

• Dosage: The dosage of diphenhydramine varies depending on the condition being treated and the formulation (e.g., tablets, capsules, liquid). Always follow the recommended dosage instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.
• Administration: It can be taken orally (by mouth) with or without food. If you are using the liquid form of diphenhydramine, use a measuring device to ensure the correct dose.
• Frequency: Diphenhydramine is typically taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed for symptoms of allergies, insomnia, or motion sickness. For insomnia specifically, it is often taken before bedtime.
• Duration: Use diphenhydramine for the shortest duration necessary to relieve symptoms. If your symptoms persist or worsen, consult your healthcare provider.
• Avoid Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol while taking diphenhydramine, as it can increase drowsiness and other side effects.
• Special Instructions: If you are taking diphenhydramine for allergies, it is best to take it before exposure to allergens to prevent symptoms. For insomnia, take it about 30 minutes before bedtime.
• Do Not Exceed Recommended Dose: Taking more than the recommended dose of diphenhydramine can increase the risk of side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and blurred vision.
• Consult Your Doctor: If you have any questions about how to use diphenhydramine or if you are unsure about its use, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.

Always store diphenhydramine according to the instructions on the packaging and keep it out of reach of children.

Other uses for this medicine

• Anxiety: In some cases, diphenhydramine’s sedative effects may be used to help manage anxiety.
• Cold Symptoms: It may be used to alleviate symptoms of the common cold, such as runny nose and sneezing.
• Vertigo: Diphenhydramine can sometimes be used to alleviate symptoms of vertigo, though this is less common and should be under medical supervision.
• Parkinson’s Disease: It can be used to manage tremors and muscle stiffness associated with Parkinson’s disease.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions for Aler-Dryl (Generic Diphenhydramine):

• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider if you have any allergies to diphenhydramine or any other medications.
• Medical Conditions: Before taking diphenhydramine, inform your doctor if you have any medical conditions, especially:
  • Asthma or other respiratory conditions
  • Glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
  • Enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating
  • Stomach or intestinal problems
  • Liver or kidney disease
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Diphenhydramine should be used with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before using it if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Children and Elderly: Use caution when giving diphenhydramine to children or elderly individuals, as they may be more sensitive to its effects. Follow age-specific dosage recommendations.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. Avoid these activities until you know how diphenhydramine affects you.
• Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Diphenhydramine can interact with certain medications, such as sedatives, tranquilizers, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol while taking diphenhydramine, as it can increase drowsiness and other side effects.
• Overdose: Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect an overdose of diphenhydramine, which can be serious and may include symptoms such as extreme drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or difficulty breathing.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice and instructions regarding the use of diphenhydramine to ensure safe and effective treatment.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with diphenhydramine. However, it is generally advisable to avoid consuming large amounts of caffeine while taking diphenhydramine, as caffeine can increase its side effects such as nervousness and insomnia.

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, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Aler-Dryl (Generic Diphenhydramine) can cause various side effects, ranging from mild to more severe. It’s essential to be aware of these potential side effects and to seek medical attention if they occur. Common side effects include:

• Drowsiness: Diphenhydramine is known for its sedative effects, which can cause drowsiness and sleepiness.
• Dry Mouth: This is a common side effect of diphenhydramine and may lead to discomfort.
• Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or dizzy can occur, especially when getting up quickly from a sitting or lying position.
• Blurred Vision: Diphenhydramine can affect vision temporarily, causing blurred vision or difficulty focusing.
• Constipation: Some people may experience constipation while taking diphenhydramine.
• Difficulty Urinating: This can occur, especially in men with prostate enlargement, due to diphenhydramine’s anticholinergic effects.

Less common but more severe side effects may include:

• Confusion: Especially in elderly individuals or at higher doses, diphenhydramine can cause confusion or disorientation.
• Hallucinations: Rarely, diphenhydramine can cause hallucinations or delirium, particularly in higher doses or susceptible individuals.
• Allergic Reactions: While uncommon, allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing may occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
• Severe Drowsiness: In some cases, diphenhydramine can cause profound drowsiness that affects daily activities or causes difficulty waking up.
• Seizures: Although rare, diphenhydramine can lower the seizure threshold in susceptible individuals, especially at high doses.
• Heart Problems: In rare cases, diphenhydramine can cause irregular heart rhythms or other heart-related issues.

If you experience any severe or concerning side effects while taking diphenhydramine, contact your healthcare provider immediately. It’s important to weigh the benefits of diphenhydramine against its potential side effects and to use it as directed to minimize risks.

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

Storage and Disposal of Aler-Dryl:

• Storage:
  • Store Aler-Dryl at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
  • Keep it in its original packaging or container to protect it from light.
  • Keep Aler-Dryl out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Disposal:
  • Dispose of unused or expired Aler-Dryl properly to prevent accidental ingestion. Follow any specific disposal instructions provided by your pharmacist or local waste disposal authority.
  • Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Overdose Symptoms: Symptoms of diphenhydramine overdose may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, seizures, or difficulty breathing.
• Emergency Action: If you suspect an overdose, call your local emergency services (911 in the US) immediately. If possible, provide them with information on the amount of diphenhydramine taken, when it was taken, and any symptoms observed.
• Poison Control: You can also contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 (US) for guidance on what to do in case of overdose.

What other information should I know?

• Medical Alerts: Inform all healthcare providers involved in your care (doctors, dentists, pharmacists) that you are taking diphenhydramine. This is especially important if you are undergoing any medical tests or procedures.
• Avoid Alcohol: Avoid alcohol while taking diphenhydramine, as it can increase drowsiness and other side effects.
• Driving and Activities: Diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. Use caution until you know how diphenhydramine affects you.
• Allergic Reactions: If you have a known allergy to diphenhydramine or any other medications, inform your healthcare provider immediately.
• Regular Monitoring: If you are taking diphenhydramine for a chronic condition, your healthcare provider may need to monitor you periodically to evaluate its effectiveness and check for any side effects.
• Storage of Information: Keep a record of your medication use, including dosages and schedules, to help you remember and to provide accurate information to healthcare providers if needed.

By following these guidelines, you can safely use and manage diphenhydramine while minimizing the risk of side effects or complications. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using Aler-Dryl or any other medication.