Drug Detail:Benadryl allergy (Diphenhydramine [ dye-fen-hye-dra-meen ])
Generic Name: Diphenhydramine Elixir, Liquid, and Syrup [ dye-fen-HYE-dra-meen ]
Drug Class: Anticholinergic antiemetics Anticholinergic antiparkinson agents Antihistamines Miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics
Uses of Benadryl Allergy:
- It is used to relieve coughing.
- It is used to ease allergy signs.
- It is used to help motion sickness.
- It is used to treat signs like Parkinson's disease caused by other health problems.
- It is used to treat sleep problems.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Benadryl Allergy?
- If you have an allergy to diphenhydramine or any other part of Benadryl Allergy (diphenhydramine elixir, liquid, and syrup).
- If you are allergic to Benadryl Allergy (diphenhydramine elixir, liquid, and syrup); any part of Benadryl Allergy (diphenhydramine elixir, liquid, and syrup); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.
- If the patient is a premature baby or a newborn. Do not give this form of Benadryl Allergy (diphenhydramine elixir, liquid, and syrup) to a premature baby or a newborn.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Benadryl Allergy (diphenhydramine elixir, liquid, and syrup).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Benadryl Allergy (diphenhydramine elixir, liquid, and syrup) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Benadryl Allergy?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take Benadryl Allergy (diphenhydramine elixir, liquid, and syrup). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Do not take more than what your doctor told you to take. Taking more than you are told may raise your chance of very bad side effects.
- Do not take Benadryl Allergy (diphenhydramine elixir, liquid, and syrup) for longer than you were told by your doctor.
- Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how Benadryl Allergy (diphenhydramine elixir, liquid, and syrup) affects you.
- Do not use with other products that have diphenhydramine.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Benadryl Allergy (diphenhydramine elixir, liquid, and syrup).
- Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs and natural products that slow your actions.
- Different brands of Benadryl Allergy (diphenhydramine elixir, liquid, and syrup) may be for use in different ages of children. Talk with the doctor before giving Benadryl Allergy (diphenhydramine elixir, liquid, and syrup) to a child.
- Do not use to make a child sleepy. Talk with the doctor.
- If you are 60 or older, use Benadryl Allergy (diphenhydramine elixir, liquid, and syrup) with care. You could have more side effects.
- Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Benadryl Allergy (diphenhydramine elixir, liquid, and syrup) while you are pregnant.
How is this medicine (Benadryl Allergy) best taken?
Use Benadryl Allergy (diphenhydramine elixir, liquid, and syrup) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
- Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with Benadryl Allergy (diphenhydramine elixir, liquid, and syrup). If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure Benadryl Allergy (diphenhydramine elixir, liquid, and syrup).
- If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), talk with your doctor. Some products have phenylalanine.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- If you take Benadryl Allergy (diphenhydramine elixir, liquid, and syrup) on a regular basis, take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- Many times Benadryl Allergy (diphenhydramine elixir, liquid, and syrup) is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Very bad dizziness or passing out.
- Change in balance.
- Feeling less alert.
What are some other side effects of Benadryl Allergy?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Feeling sleepy.
- Dizziness.
- Thickening of mucus in nose or throat.
- Feeling nervous and excitable.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Benadryl Allergy?
- Store at room temperature.
- Protect from light.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Do not freeze.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Benadryl Allergy (diphenhydramine elixir, liquid, and syrup), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Frequently asked questions
- How much Benadryl can I take? What is too much?
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- Does Benadryl help with or cause anxiety?
- Does Benadryl make you sleepy?
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