Drug Detail:Diphenhydramine (Diphenhydramine [ dye-fen-hye-dra-meen ])
Generic Name: Diphenhydramine (Sleep Aid) Capsules and Tablets [ dye-fen-HYE-dra-meen ]
Drug Class: Anticholinergic antiemetics Anticholinergic antiparkinson agents Antihistamines Miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics
Uses of Diphenhydramine Capsules and Tablets:
- It is used to treat sleep problems.
Related/similar drugs
acetaminophen, prednisone, ibuprofen, hydroxyzine, amitriptyline, ondansetron, lorazepamWhat do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Diphenhydramine Capsules and Tablets?
- If you have an allergy to diphenhydramine or any other part of this medicine (diphenhydramine capsules and tablets).
- If you are allergic to this medicine (diphenhydramine capsules and tablets); any part of this medicine (diphenhydramine capsules and tablets); 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 this medicine (diphenhydramine capsules and tablets) to a premature baby or a newborn.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (diphenhydramine capsules and tablets).
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 this medicine (diphenhydramine capsules and tablets) 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 Diphenhydramine Capsules and Tablets?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (diphenhydramine capsules and tablets). 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 this medicine (diphenhydramine capsules and tablets) 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 this medicine (diphenhydramine capsules and tablets) affects you.
- Do not use with other products that have diphenhydramine.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine (diphenhydramine capsules and tablets).
- Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs and natural products that slow your actions.
- Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
- This medicine is not for use in children younger than 12 years of age. However, the doctor may decide the benefits of taking this medicine (diphenhydramine capsules and tablets) outweigh the risks. If your child has been given this medicine (diphenhydramine capsules and tablets), ask the doctor for information about the benefits and risks. Talk with the doctor if you have questions about giving this medicine (diphenhydramine capsules and tablets) to your child.
- If you are 60 or older, use this medicine (diphenhydramine capsules and tablets) with care. You could have more side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine (diphenhydramine capsules and tablets) while you are pregnant.
How is this medicine (Diphenhydramine Capsules and Tablets) best taken?
Use this medicine (diphenhydramine capsules and tablets) 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.
- Take this medicine (diphenhydramine capsules and tablets) at bedtime.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- This medicine 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 Diphenhydramine Capsules and Tablets?
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 Diphenhydramine Capsules and Tablets?
- Store at room temperature.
- Protect from light.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- 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 this medicine (diphenhydramine capsules and tablets), 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.
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