Sominex
Diphenhydramine
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Sominex
Sominex is a first generation antihistamine. It acts by blocking the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body.
Therapeutic Uses of Sominex
Sominex is used for treatment of sneezing, running nose, itching, watery eyes, hives, skin rashes and other symptoms of common cold and allergies. Sominex is also used for suppressing coughs, to treat motion sickness, and to treat mild forms of Parkinson's disease. It can also be used as sleep aid. It can also be used in some other medical conditions as your doctor determines.
Direction of use of Sominex
Direction of use depends on the particular medical problem, for which Sominex is used. As a sleep aid for inducing sleep, it should be taken approximately 30 minutes before going to bed, with a full glass of water. For motion sickness, take Sominex 30 minutes before motion.
To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of Sominex with a special dose measuring spoon or cup and not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device (which is generally provided with the medicine), ask your pharmacist where you can get one. You should never take more Sominex than is prescribed for you. The maximum amount of Sominex that you should take in any 24-hour period is 300 mg.
If You Miss a Dose of Sominex
If you miss a dose of Sominex, take it as soon as you can remember it. But, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose of Sominex and take the next regularly as scheduled. Do not take 2 doses of Sominex, unless your doctor tells you to take.
How to Store Sominex
Sominex should be stored at room temperature. Store it away fro heat, moisture and direct light. Keep Sominex out of reach of children.
More Information About Sominex
Do not take Sominex if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) medicine like isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine etc. in the last 2 weeks, because there may be very serious drug interaction with Sominex, which may lead to serious side effects.
Talk to your doctor or other health care providers before taking other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or sleep aid medications. These products may contain medicines similar to Sominex, which could lead to an antihistamine overdose.
If you have to take Sominex, tell your doctor before taking it that you are taking any of the following medications:
- Any anxiety or sleep medicines such as alprazolam, diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), temazepam (Restoril), or triazolam.
- Any anti-depression medications like amitriptyline, doxepin, nortriptyline, fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), or paroxetine (Paxil) etc.
- Any other medications that can cause drowsiness, sleepy.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Sominex
Inform your doctor before taking Sominex if you have any medical conditions listed below. You may not be able to take Sominex, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed below:
- Increased intra ocular pressure in the eyes known as glaucoma.
- Ulcer in the stomach.
- If you are suffering from hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid).
- Any heart disease or high blood pressure.
- If you have an enlarged prostate, bladder problems or difficulty urinating.
- If you are suffering from asthma.
Sominex is in the FDA pregnancy category B (means it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby). But do not take Sominex without first consulting your doctor if you are pregnant. Infants are especially sensitive to the effects of antihistamines (like Sominex), and side effects could occur if you are breast-feeding your baby. Do not take Sominex without first talking to your doctor if you are nursing a baby. If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Sominex and you may require a lower dose of this medication.
Possible Adverse Effects of Sominex
- Stop taking Sominex and get emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (manifestations of an allergic reaction are difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Less serious side effects of Sominex are:
- Headache, nausea, mild vomiting, sleepiness, fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, difficulty urinating (which may be due to an enlarged prostate) etc.