Why is this medication prescribed?

Diphenhydramine is commonly used for various medical purposes, and its primary indications include:

• Allergic Reactions: Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine, and it is often prescribed to relieve symptoms of allergic reactions, such as itching, hives, and sneezing.
• Insomnia: Due to its sedative effects, diphenhydramine is sometimes used as a sleep aid to treat temporary insomnia. It can be found in some over-the-counter sleep medications.
• Motion Sickness: Diphenhydramine is also used to alleviate symptoms of motion sickness, including nausea and dizziness.
• Cough and Cold: It may be included in some over-the-counter cough and cold medications to help relieve symptoms like a runny nose and sneezing.
• Parkinson’s Disease: In some cases, diphenhydramine is used to manage symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease, particularly for its anticholinergic properties.

How should this medicine be used?

Some general guidelines for using Diphenhydramine:

• Dosage: Follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s instructions regarding the correct dosage for your specific condition. The dosage may vary depending on age, weight, and the condition being treated.
• Administration: Diphenhydramine is typically taken orally in the form of tablets, capsules, or liquid. It can be taken with or without food.
• Timing: If it’s being used as a sleep aid, it’s often taken about 30 minutes before bedtime.
• Avoid alcohol: It’s advisable to avoid alcohol while taking diphenhydramine, as alcohol can enhance the sedative effects of the medication.
• Caution while driving or operating machinery: Diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness, so it’s important to exercise caution when engaging in activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery.
• Consult your doctor: Inform your doctor about any other medications or medical conditions you have, as diphenhydramine may interact with certain drugs or exacerbate certain health conditions.

Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice, and do not self-prescribe or exceed the recommended dosage.

Other uses for this medicine

Diphenhydramine has various uses beyond its primary indications. Some additional uses include:

• Itching associated with skin conditions: Diphenhydramine’s antihistamine properties can help alleviate itching associated with various skin conditions, such as eczema or insect bites.
• Anaphylaxis: In emergency situations, diphenhydramine may be administered as part of the treatment for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), though it is not the first-line treatment.
• Mild anxiety or tension: Due to its sedative effects, diphenhydramine may be used in some cases to help manage mild anxiety or tension.

What special precautions should I follow?

As with any medication, it is crucial to take special precautions when using diphenhydramine. Here are some general precautions:

• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies you have, especially if you are allergic to diphenhydramine or similar medications.
• Medical Conditions: Disclose your complete medical history, especially if you have conditions such as glaucoma, enlarged prostate, urinary retention, asthma, hyperthyroidism, cardiovascular disease, or high blood pressure.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult with your healthcare provider before using diphenhydramine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Alcohol and Other Medications: Avoid consuming alcohol while taking diphenhydramine, and inform your healthcare provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
• Drowsiness: Diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness, so it’s important to avoid activities requiring alertness, such as driving, until you know how the medication affects you.
• Children and Elderly: Use caution when giving diphenhydramine to children or elderly individuals, as they may be more sensitive to its effects.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and ask any questions you may have about the medication. If you experience severe side effects or if symptoms persist, seek medical attention promptly.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with diphenhydramine. However, it’s essential to take it with a full glass of water and follow any instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

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’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, is commonly used to relieve symptoms of allergies, hay fever, and the common cold. However, like any medication, it may cause side effects. Here are some common side effects associated with diphenhydramine:

• Drowsiness: One of the most common side effects, diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness, fatigue, and reduced alertness.
• Dry Mouth and Dry Eyes: Anticholinergic effects of diphenhydramine may lead to dry mouth and dry eyes.
• Blurred Vision: Some people may experience blurred vision or difficulty focusing while taking diphenhydramine.
• Constipation or Urinary Retention: Diphenhydramine can affect the digestive and urinary systems, potentially leading to constipation or difficulty urinating.
• Dizziness: This medication may cause dizziness or lightheadedness, particularly when standing up quickly. It’s important to rise slowly from a sitting or lying position to minimize this risk.
• Nausea or Upset Stomach: Some individuals may experience nausea or an upset stomach as a side effect of diphenhydramine.
• Confusion or Agitation: In some cases, especially in older adults, diphenhydramine may cause confusion or agitation.
• Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some people may experience allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any signs of a serious allergic reaction.
• Increased Heart Rate or Palpitations: Diphenhydramine can affect the cardiovascular system and may lead to an increased heart rate or palpitations in some individuals.

It’s important to note that individual responses to medications vary, and not everyone will experience these side effects. If you are concerned about the side effects of diphenhydramine or if you experience severe or persistent symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. Additionally, let your healthcare provider know about all the medications, supplements, and health conditions you have before starting diphenhydramine to avoid potential interactions or complications.

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

Storage and Disposal of Diphenhydramine:

• Storage: Store diphenhydramine at room temperature away from light and moisture. Avoid storing it in the bathroom. Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal: Dispose of expired or unused medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet unless instructed to do so. Check with your local pharmacy or healthcare provider for information on safe medication disposal methods.

In case of emergency/overdose

If you suspect an overdose or experience severe symptoms, seek emergency medical attention or contact your local poison control center immediately. Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, hallucinations, seizures, shallow breathing, or unconsciousness.

What other information should I know?

• Avoid Alcohol: It’s advisable to avoid alcohol while taking diphenhydramine, as it may increase the risk of drowsiness and other side effects.
• Interactions with Other Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
• Medical and Laboratory Tests: Diphenhydramine may interfere with certain allergy skin tests. Notify your healthcare provider if you have scheduled any medical or laboratory tests.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your healthcare provider before using diphenhydramine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Caution with Activities Requiring Alertness: Diphenhydramine may cause drowsiness, so use caution when engaging in activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.
• Allergic Reactions: If you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and read the medication label for specific information about the particular diphenhydramine product you are using. If you have any concerns or questions, consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalized advice based on your health status and medications.