Benadryl
Diphenhydramine
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Benadryl
Benadryl is an antihistamine (fight inflammatory mediator histamine) and anticholinergic drug. Benadryl works by blocking actions of histamine and thereby reducing allergy. Benadryl also has sedating action because it acts on brain.
Therapeutic Uses of Benadryl
Benadryl is commonly used as cough formulation; it is also used in hay fever, common cold (running nose sneezing, itching of nose and throat), respiratory allergies, itching and watering of eyes. Benadryl can be used in treating skin allergies like itching. Benadryl is used in motion sickness and other conditions as instructed by your doctor.
Direction of use of Benadryl
- Benadryl is taken orally with food or on empty stomach.
- For prevention of motion sickness take it at least 30 minutes before starting the journey.
- Take Benadryl as directed in the package unless instructed by your doctor. If you are taking Benadryl without a prescription than take it exactly as the direction of the label in the package.
- If you have any doubt about how to use Benadryl, consult your doctor or other health care provider.
Dose of Benadryl, if Missed
If a dose of Benadryl is missed, take it as soon as possible. If miss for long time and it is almost time for next dose than skip the dose and continue regular dosing as usual. Do not take 2 doses at a time.
How to Store Benadryl
Benadryl should be stored between 68 and 77 degrees F or 20 and 25 degrees C (room temperature) in a properly closed container. Benadryl should be stored away from heat, moisture and direct light. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. For a brief period it can be stored at little higher or little lower temperature.
More Information About Benadryl
If there is not much improvement after taking Benadryl consult your doctor. It should be used by the person for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with anyone.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Benadryl
Do not use Benadryl if any of the following condition is present and contact your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to Benadryl or any of the ingredients of it.
- If you are pregnant or breast feeding.
- If you are taking MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitor (phenelzine) or taken in last 2 weeks.
- If you are taking sodium oxybate.
Some medical conditions may interact with Benadryl and you should inform your doctor if you have any of these:
- If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breast feeding.
- If you have allergy to other medicines or foods.
- If you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal medicine or any dietary supplement.
- If you are suffering from intestinal obstruction, difficulty in urination, hypertrophy of prostate gland, diabetes, peptic ulcers, glaucoma, hypertension, thyroid problem, heart disease or porphyria.
- If you have lung disease like asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, sleep apnea, breathlessness or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
Some medicines can interact with Benadryl and you should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- Sodium oxybate (due to an increase in sleep duration and a decrease in the ability to breathe), MAO inhibitors (phenelzine, because they can cause serious reactions).
Possible Adverse Effects
- Find out if you have any of the common side effects of Benadryl and consult your doctor. Common side effects are dry mouth, throat, and nose; excitability, thickening nasal mucus, dizziness, drowsiness or throat.
- Immediate medical attention is required if you have any of the serious but uncommon side effects like allergic reactions (rash, itching, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), convulsions, palpitation, pounding in the chest, drowsiness, hallucinations, tremor, wheezing etc.
