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 dietary instructions, there are no specific dietary restrictions associated with diphenhydramine. However, it’s important to stay hydrated, especially if diphenhydramine causes dry mouth as a side effect. Drinking water or other fluids can help alleviate dry mouth.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget a dose of diphenhydramine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled 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 are unsure about what to do, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Diphenhydramine, like any medication, can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects of diphenhydramine include:

• Drowsiness: Diphenhydramine is known for its sedative effects and can cause significant drowsiness, which may impair your ability to perform tasks requiring alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.
• Dry Mouth: Diphenhydramine can reduce saliva production, leading to dry mouth. Drinking water or using sugar-free lozenges or gum may help alleviate this side effect.
• Blurred Vision: Some individuals may experience blurred vision while taking diphenhydramine, which can affect visual acuity and depth perception.
• Dizziness: Diphenhydramine can cause dizziness, especially when standing up quickly from a sitting or lying position. Take care when changing positions to avoid falls or injury.
• Constipation: Diphenhydramine can slow down bowel movements, leading to constipation in some individuals. Maintaining adequate hydration and dietary fiber intake may help alleviate this side effect.
• Urinary Retention: Diphenhydramine may cause difficulty urinating or urinary retention, particularly in individuals with prostate enlargement or other urinary tract issues.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Some people may experience nausea or vomiting as a side effect of diphenhydramine.
• Confusion or Delirium: Especially in older adults, diphenhydramine can cause confusion, delirium, or cognitive impairment.
• Increased Heart Rate: In some cases, diphenhydramine may cause a temporary increase in heart rate or palpitations.
• Allergic Reactions: Although rare, allergic reactions to diphenhydramine can occur. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

It’s essential to be aware of these potential side effects when taking diphenhydramine. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, or if you have concerns about any symptoms you’re experiencing, consult your healthcare provider for advice. Additionally, if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications, discuss the potential risks and benefits of diphenhydramine with your healthcare provider before using it.

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

Storage and Disposal:

Storage:

• Keep in a Safe Place: Store diphenhydramine out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion. Consider storing it in a locked cabinet or high shelf.
• Protect from Light and Moisture: Store diphenhydramine in its original container, tightly closed, and away from light and moisture. Avoid storing it in the bathroom, where moisture levels can fluctuate.
• Room Temperature: Store diphenhydramine at room temperature between 20-25°C (68-77°F), unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.
• Check Expiration Date: Do not use diphenhydramine past its expiration date. Dispose of any expired or unused medication properly.

Disposal:

• Follow Guidelines: Dispose of unused or expired diphenhydramine according to local guidelines or recommendations from your pharmacist. Do not flush medications down the toilet unless instructed to do so.
• Medication Take-Back Programs: Many communities offer medication take-back programs or events where you can safely dispose of medications. Check with your local pharmacy, hospital, or law enforcement agency for information on disposal options in your area.
• Dispose in Trash: If a take-back program is not available, you can dispose of diphenhydramine by mixing it with an undesirable substance (such as coffee grounds or cat litter) in a sealable bag and throwing it in the household trash. Remove any personal information from the medication packaging before disposal.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: If you suspect an overdose of diphenhydramine or experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, hallucinations, seizures, loss of consciousness, or severe drowsiness, call emergency services (911 in the US) or your local poison control center immediately.
• Do Not Wait: Do not wait for symptoms to worsen before seeking help. Prompt medical attention is crucial in cases of overdose.

What other information should I know?

• Avoid Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol while taking diphenhydramine, as it can enhance drowsiness and impair coordination.
• Driving and Machinery: Be cautious when driving or operating machinery while taking diphenhydramine, as it can cause drowsiness and impair cognitive function.
• Allergies and Medical History: Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies you have and your medical history before taking diphenhydramine. This includes any pre-existing conditions and medications you are currently taking.
• Keep Away from Children: Keep diphenhydramine and other medications out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.

By following these guidelines for storage, disposal, and emergency situations, you can use diphenhydramine safely and effectively. If you have any questions or concerns about its use, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.