Diphenhydramine: Drug Information

Generic Name: Diphenhydramine

Brand name: Benadryl

Drug class: Antihistamines

Uses of Diphenhydramine:

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine drug that is used in the treatment of all allergic conditions such as runny nose, hives, rashes, common cold and allergic reactions. It is also recommended for the treatment of mild forms of Parkinson’s disease. This medicine works by inhibiting the effect of histamine, a naturally occurring chemical found in the body.

Indications and Dosage:

Diphenhydramine is available in the form of capsules or as liquid and can be taken with or without food. It is essential for you to take each dose as directed by your doctor at regular intervals.

Warning and Precautions:

Do not take Diphenhydramine if you are hypersensitive to the drug.

This medicine is not recommended for patents suffering from close angle glaucoma, cardiovascular disease, central nervous system (CNS) depression, urinary retention, gastrointestinal tract obstruction, enlarged prostrate, epilepsy, thyroid disorder, stomach ulcer or asthma.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or lactating before taking this medicine.

Caution is advised when administering this medicine to the elderly.

Do not consume alcohol when taking Diphenhydramine.

Avoid driving or operating any hazardous machinery after taking this medicine.

Drug Interactions of Diphenhydramine:

This medicine is known to be incompatible with amphotericin, cephalothin sodium, hydrocortisone, sodium succinate and some soluble barbiturates. It masks the ototoxicity produced by aminoglycosides. Diphenhydramine should not be taken along with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as alcohol, barbiturates, analgesics, sedatives and neuroleptics. It should not be taken with mono amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), atropine and tricyclic antidepressants.

Side effects of Diphenhydramine:

Some of the most common side effects of the medication include central nervous system (CNS) depression, paradoxical stimulation in children, edema, headache, dry mouth, sleepiness, fatigue, blurred vision, thickened respiratory secretion, urinary retention, bradycardia followed by tachycardia and arrhythmias, constipation, gastro intestinal disturbances and blood dyscrasias.

Overdose: In case of an overdose of the medication, you must report to your doctor at the earliest or contact your local poison control center.