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molecule

Diphenhydramine

Molecule Description

Diphenhydramine is an anti-allergic medicine widely used for the treatment of r

unning nose, itching, sleeplessness, skin rashes, insect bites, etc.

uses

Uses of Diphenhydramine

  • Sleep disturbances (insomnia)
  • Allergic reactions
  • Sickness, vomiting and ear disturbances, especially on traveling in automobiles, airplanes, etc. (motion sickness)
  • Movement abnormalities, tremors, muscle stiffness, impaired speech (parkinsonism)
  • Cough (in adolescents and adults above 12 years)
contraindications

Contraindications of Diphenhydramine

When should one not use Diphenhydramine

  • Allergy to Diphenhydramine or any of the components of the tablet
  • Lung problems (asthma, etc.)
  • A genetic disorder that causes accumulation of proteins required to make red blood cells (porphyria)
sideEffects

Side effects of Diphenhydramine

Common side effects of this drug are:

  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Rashes
  • Decreased red blood cells and platelets (anemia and thrombocytopenia)
  • Confusion, feeling dizzy
  • Feeling sick, sleeplessness (insomnia), fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Stomach pain
  • Retention of urine
  • Lung infections
precautionsAndWarnings

Precautions and Warnings of Diphenhydramine

pregnancy

Pregnancy

Q:
Can I take Diphenhydramine during pregnancy?
A:
Diphenhydramine can be used in pregnancy but it is recommended to be cautious as it may cause drowsiness and decreased blood cell counts. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
breastfeeding

Breast Feeding

Q:
Can I take Diphenhydramine while breastfeeding?
A:
Diphenhydramine is secreted in breast milk and is maybe harmful for infants. Hence do not breastfeed your baby while using this medicine.
driving

Driving

Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Diphenhydramine?
A:
Do not drive while taking Diphenhydramine. This medicine may lead to sleepiness or drowsiness soon after you take a dose.
alcohol

Alcohol

Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Diphenhydramine?
A:
The use of alcohol, along with Diphenhydramine, is not recommended since the combination increases the risk of side-effects like dizziness and drowsiness.
otherGeneralWarnings

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if
  • High blood pressure
  • Asthma
  • Thyroid problems
  • Raised pressure in the eye (glaucoma)
  • Enlarged prostate
  • Urinary tract obstruction
modeOfAction

Mode of Action of Diphenhydramine

How Does It Work?

Histamines are chemicals secreted by the immune system in response to any reaction or allergy. They cause symptoms such as itching, sneezing, rashes, running nose, etc. Diphenhydramine works by blocki...
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interactions

Interactions of Diphenhydramine

Interactions with other medicines

  • Chlorpheniramine (Avil – a medicine to treat certain allergies)
  • Zolpidem (used to treat anxiety)
  • Cephalothin (antibacterial)
  • Amphotericin (antifungal)
  • Hydrocortisone (used to treat allergic reactions)
  • Certain medicines used to treat anxiety, seizures (Barbiturates – Phenobarbital, etc.)

Interactions with food items

Avoid alcohol beverages with Diphenhydramine because it can increase the brain and nervous system side effects.
dosage

Dosage of Diphenhydramine

Overdose

Accidental overdose will cause more drowsiness and may not be harmful. But high overdose can cause symptoms such as fever, reddened skin, agitation, tremors, etc. that may require medical attention. I...
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Missed a Dose

Take the missed dose as early as you remember. Skip the missed dose and do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY
doctor

Dr. Mansi Savla

B. Pharm, PharmD

REVIEWED BY
doctor

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

^

Q: Can I self-prescribe Diphendyramine?

A: Diphenhydramine is available as over the counter medicine and can be bought at convenience. But you are advised not to take the medicine without a prescription. If you have a minor complaint which does not require you to visit a doctor, do not use it for more than 2 weeks. Diphenhydramine causes some unwanted effects which can be harmful. Hence, it is not recommended for long-term usage without supervision.

Q: Is Diphenhydramine a sedative? Can I use it as a sleeping pill?

A: Diphenhydramine is predominantly an anti-allergic. It can help with your sleep if used occasionally. But, regular daily usage as a sleeping pill is not recommended as it may cause some potential side effects which can be dangerous for you.
Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here  for detailed T&C.
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