Benadryl is an antihistamine. The main component is diphenhydramine which blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body. It is used to relieve symptoms of allergy, hay fever and the common cold. These symptoms include rash, itching, watery eyes, itchy eyes/nose/throat, cough, runny nose and sneezing. It is also used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting and dizziness caused by motion sickness. Diphenhydramine can also be used to help you relax and fall asleep.
Directions
Take Benadryl exactly as directed by your doctor. Take each dose with a full glass of water with or without food. For motion sickness, a dose is usually taken 30 minutes before motion, then with meals and at bedtime for the duration of exposure. As a sleep aid, Benadryl should be taken approximately 30 minutes before bedtime. If you continue to have difficulty sleeping for longer than 2 weeks, contact your doctor. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens. The maximum dose that you should take in any 24-hour period is 300 mg.
Precautions
Before taking Benadryl, tell your doctor if you have: stomach ulcer, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, hypertension, enlarged prostate, if you are allergic to it. Use caution when driving or performing other hazardous activities. Benadryl may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness. Elderly people may be more sensitive to side effects of Benadryl.
Contraindications
Before taking Benadryl, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies, asthma, emphysema, glaucoma, heart problems, high blood pressure, liver disease.
Possible side effect
Stop taking Benadryl and seek emergency medical attention if you have: dizziness, difficulty urinating, sleepiness, swelling of your lips, tongue, headache, difficulty breathing, hives, dry mouth, irregular heartbeat, stomach upset.
Drug interactions
Do not take Benadryl if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI): isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine, phenelzine. Before taking Benadryl, tell your doctor if you are taking: medications for depression (doxepin, paroxetine, fluoxetine, amitriptyline), sleep medicines (diazepam, triazolam, chlordiazepoxide), tranquilizers.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose
If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are dry mouth, fever, insomnia, blurred vision, weakness, confusion, ringing in the ears, hallucinations, seizures.
Storage
Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Note
The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.
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