Benadryl (Diphenhydramine): Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, Interactions, Warnings

Description for Benadryl

Benadryl® Allergy contains the histamine-blocker diphenhydramine. This product relieves: runny nose; sneezing; itchy, watery eyes; itchy throat.

Ingredient

Active ingredient

(in each capsule)

PurposeDiphenhydramine HCl 25 mgAntihistamine

Inactive ingredients

candelilla wax, colloidal silicone dioxide, crospovidone, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, providone, pregelatinized starch, starch, stearic acid, titanium dioxide, and talc

* Effects seen on total nasal symptoms with Benadryl® Allergy (diphenhydramine) 50 mg 3 times daily. Use as directed.

Uses for Benadryl

Benadryl® Allergy (diphenhydramine) Uses

• temporarily relieves these symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies: runny nose sneezing itchy, watery eyes itching of the nose or throat
• runny nose
• sneezing
• itchy, watery eyes
• itching of the nose or throat
• temporarily relieves these symptoms due to the common cold: runny nose sneezing
• runny nose
• sneezing

Dosage for Benadryl

Directions

• do not use more than directed (see OVERDOSE warning)

adults and children 12 years of age and over25 mg to 50 mg (1 to 2 capsules).children 6 to under 12 years of age12.5 mg ** to 25 mg (1 capsule).children under 6 years of ageconsult a doctor

**12.5 mg dosage strength is not available in Benadryl (diphenhydramine) ® Allergy Kapseals® Capsules.

Other information

• store at 59° to 77°F in a dry place
• protect from light

HOW SUPPLIED

Available in: Ultratabs® tablets: Box of 24's, 48's, & 100's Kapseals® capsules: Box of 24's & 48's

FDA rev date: 7/1/1997

Side Effects for Benadryl

When using this product:

• marked drowsiness may occur
• avoid alcoholic drinks
• alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness
• excitability may occur, especially in children
• be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery

Drug Interactions for Benadryl

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking sedatives or tranquilizers.

Overdose Information for Benadryl

Overdose warning: Taking more than the recommended dose may cause liver damage. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Quick medical attention is critical for adults as well as for children even if you do not notice any signs or symptoms

Contraindications for Benadryl

No information provided.

Patient Information for Benadryl

Do not use

• with another product containing any of these active ingredients
• if you are now taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (certain drugs for depression, psychiatric, or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease), or for 2 weeks after stopping the MAOI drug. If you do not know if your prescription drug contains an MAOI, ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.
• with any other product containing diphenhydramine, even one used on skin.

Ask a doctor before use if you have

• heart disease
• glaucoma
• thyroid disease
• diabetes
• trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland
• high blood pressure
• a breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis
• cough accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus)
• persistent or chronic cough such as occurs with smoking, asthma or emphysema

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking sedatives or tranquilizers

When using this product

do not use more than directed

• marked drowsiness may occur
• avoid alcoholic drinks
• alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness
• be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery
• excitability may occur, especially in children

Stop use and ask a doctor if

• redness or swelling is present
• sore throat is severe
• you get nervous, dizzy, or sleepless
• new symptoms occur
• fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days
• pain, cough or nasal congestion gets worse or lasts more than 5 days (children) or 7 days (adults)
• sore throat lasts for more than 2 days, is accompanied or followed by fever, headache, rash, swelling, nausea, or vomiting
• cough comes back or occurs with rash or headache that lasts. These could be signs of a serious condition.

If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use. Keep out of reach of children.

Questions?

call 1-800-524-2624 (English/Spanish), weekdays, 9 AM - 5 PM EST.

From

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.