Why is this medication prescribed?

Diphenhydramine injection is prescribed for several reasons:

• Allergic reactions: It is commonly used to treat allergic reactions, including severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). It helps relieve symptoms such as itching, rash, swelling, and difficulty breathing that can occur during an allergic reaction.
• Motion sickness: Diphenhydramine injection can help relieve nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness, making it useful for individuals who experience motion sickness during travel.
• Insomnia: Due to its sedative properties, diphenhydramine injection may be used to induce sleep in certain situations, particularly in a hospital or clinical setting.
• Pruritus (itching): It can also be prescribed to relieve itching associated with various conditions, such as allergic reactions, insect bites, or skin irritation.

Overall, diphenhydramine injection is primarily used to address acute allergic reactions and associated symptoms, but it can also serve other purposes depending on the individual’s medical needs and the recommendation of their healthcare provider.

How should this medicine be used?

Diphenhydramine injection is typically administered by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, such as a hospital or clinic. The dosage and frequency of administration will depend on the individual’s condition and response to treatment. It’s important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or on the prescription label carefully.

The injection is usually given into a muscle (intramuscularly) or a vein (intravenously) under medical supervision. It should not be self-administered without proper training and guidance from a healthcare professional.

It’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, as well as any medical conditions you have, before receiving diphenhydramine injection to avoid potential interactions or complications. Additionally, if you experience any adverse reactions or side effects while using diphenhydramine injection, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Other uses for this medicine

In addition to the primary uses mentioned earlier, diphenhydramine injection may also be used in certain situations for:

• Treatment of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS): Diphenhydramine injection can be administered to alleviate extrapyramidal symptoms, such as dystonia, akathisia, and acute dystonic reactions, which can occur as side effects of certain medications, particularly antipsychotic drugs.
• As a premedication: It may be given before surgeries or medical procedures to prevent allergic reactions to anesthesia or other medications used during the procedure.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions should be taken when using diphenhydramine injection, including:

• Medical supervision: Diphenhydramine injection should be administered by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, such as a hospital or clinic. It should not be self-administered without proper training and guidance.
• Monitoring: Patients receiving diphenhydramine injection should be closely monitored for any adverse reactions or side effects, especially during the initial administration.
• Dosage: The dosage and frequency of diphenhydramine injection should be determined by a healthcare provider based on the individual’s condition, response to treatment, and other factors such as age and weight.
• Allergies and medical history: Before receiving diphenhydramine injection, patients should inform their healthcare provider about any allergies they have, especially to diphenhydramine or similar medications, as well as their medical history, including any other medications they are taking and any underlying medical conditions.
• Potential interactions: Diphenhydramine injection may interact with other medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements. Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all medications they are taking to avoid potential interactions.
• Side effects: Common side effects of diphenhydramine injection may include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation. Patients should be aware of these potential side effects and report any unusual or severe symptoms to their healthcare provider.

By following these precautions and guidelines, patients can safely use diphenhydramine injection under the supervision of their healthcare provider for the intended purposes.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Regarding dietary instructions, there are typically no specific dietary restrictions associated with diphenhydramine injection. However, it’s always a good idea to maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated, especially if you’re experiencing side effects such as dry mouth or constipation. If you have any concerns or questions about dietary considerations, consult your healthcare provider.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget a dose of diphenhydramine injection, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider or follow their instructions. Do not try to “catch up” by taking extra doses, as this can increase the risk of side effects and complications. Your healthcare provider may adjust your dosing schedule or provide further guidance on how to proceed.

What side effects can this medication cause?

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

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Urinary retention (difficulty urinating)
• Confusion
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Nervousness or restlessness
• Excitability (especially in children)

These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if any of these symptoms persist or worsen, it’s essential to inform your healthcare provider.

In some cases, diphenhydramine injection can cause more severe side effects that require immediate medical attention. These can include:

• Allergic reactions, such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• Chest pain
• Seizures
• Difficulty urinating or inability to urinate
• Hallucinations or confusion
• Severe drowsiness or difficulty waking up
• Severe weakness or fainting

If you experience any of these severe side effects, seek medical attention right away. It’s crucial to report any unexpected or concerning side effects to your healthcare provider promptly. Additionally, if you have any questions or concerns about the side effects of diphenhydramine injection, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

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

Storage and disposal:

• Storage: Store diphenhydramine injection at room temperature away from light and moisture. Follow any specific storage instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
• Disposal: Dispose of unused diphenhydramine injection properly according to local regulations or guidelines. 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 information on how to safely dispose of medications.

In case of emergency/overdose

• In case of emergency: If you or someone else experiences a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or any other serious medical emergency after using diphenhydramine injection, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services (such as 911 in the United States) or going to the nearest emergency room.
• Overdose: If you suspect an overdose of diphenhydramine injection, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, irregular heartbeat, or difficulty breathing. Do not try to treat an overdose on your own without medical supervision.

What other information should I know?

• Follow-up: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider while using diphenhydramine injection to monitor your progress and response to treatment.
• Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements, to avoid potential interactions with diphenhydramine injection.
• Driving and operating machinery: Diphenhydramine injection can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid these activities until you know how diphenhydramine affects you.
• Medical identification: If you have a severe allergy or medical condition that requires diphenhydramine injection, consider wearing a medical identification bracelet or necklace to alert others in case of an emergency.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Consult your healthcare provider before using diphenhydramine injection if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, as it may not be suitable for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

By following these guidelines and staying informed about diphenhydramine injection, you can use it safely and effectively under the guidance of your healthcare provider.