Diphenhydramine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Diphenhydramine What Medicine?

What is diphenhydramine (diphenhydramine) for?

Diphenhydramine, or diphenhydramine is a drug commonly used to relieve temporary itching and pain caused by burns, cuts, minor scratches, sunburn, insect bite, minor skin irritation, or a rash from poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac.

Diphenhydramine is a drug that belongs to the antihistamine class. The drug diphenhydramine works by blocking the effects of a certain chemical (histamine) that causes itching.

This product also contains other ingredients (skin protectants such as allantoin and zinc acetate) that help relieve symptoms such as dry, wet, or purulent skin. Read the packaging for more information.

Depending on the brand and form of the diphenhydramine product you are using, the packaging information may state that this medicine is not recommended for children younger than 2, 6, or 12 years unless given by a doctor.

If you are taking this medication yourself, it is important to read the instructions on the packaging carefully before starting to use this product to make sure it is right for you.

Diphenhydramine Usage Rules

How is diphenhydramine used?

Diphenhydramine or diphenhydramine is a drug that is used only on the skin as recommended by a doctor. If you are using it alone, follow all the instructions on the packaging of the medicine. If you are unsure about this information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Some products may need to be shaken before use.

Before using, clean the skin area with soap and water. Dry gently. Apply it to the skin area, usually no more than 3-4 times a day. Wash hands immediately after use, except for treated skin areas.

Do not use on a large body area or more than recommended. Your condition won't get better any faster, and the risk of side effects increases.

Diphenhydramine is a drug that you should use avoiding your eyes, nose, ears or mouth. If the medicine gets into the area, rinse and wash off immediately with water.

Stop using this medication and tell your doctor if your condition worsens if symptoms do not improve within 7 days or persist after 7 days of therapy, or if symptoms disappear and return within a few days. If you think you have a serious health problem, seek immediate medical care.

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store this drug?

Diphenhydramine is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Diphenhydramine dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of diphenhydramine for adults?

The following is the dose of diphenhydramine (diphenhydramine) for adults:

Adult dosage for extrapyramidal symptoms

• Parenteral: 10-50 mg IV or IM as needed. Can be increased to 100 mg if needed. The maximum daily dose is 400 mg.
• Oral: 25-50 mg taken every 6-8 hours.

Adult dosage for insomnia

• 25-50 mg taken before bed.

Adult dosage for hangovers

• Parenteral: 10-50 mg IV or IM as needed. Can be increased to 100 mg if needed. The maximum daily dose is 400 mg.
• Oral: 25-50 mg taken every 6-8 hours. Give an initial dose 30 minutes before exposure to movement and repeat before meals and before travel.

Adult dose for cough

• 25 mg taken every 4 hours as needed, no more than 150 mg per day.

Adult dosage for flu symptoms

• 25-50 mg orally every 4-6 hours as needed, no more than 300 mg / 24 hours.

Adult dosage for itching

• 25-50 mg orally every 4-6 hours as needed, no more than 300 mg / 24 hours.

Adult dosage for urticaries (hives)

• 25-50 mg orally every 4-6 hours as needed, no more than 300 mg / 24 hours.

What is the dose of diphenhydramine for children?

The following is the dose of diphenhydramine (diphenhydramine) for children:

Child dosage for allergic rhinitis

• ≥ 2 to less than 6 years of age: 6.25 mg orally every 4-6 hours, no more than 37.5 mg / 24 hours.
• ≥ 6 to less than 12 years of age: 12.5-25 mg orally every 4-6 hours, no more than 150 mg / 24 hours.
• ≥ 12 years: 25-50 mg orally every 4-6 hours, not more than 300 mg / 24 hours.

Child dosage for flu symptoms

• ≥ 2 to less than 6 years of age: 6.25 mg orally every 4-6 hours, no more than 37.5 mg / 24 hours.
• ≥ 6 to less than 12 years of age: 12.5-25 mg orally every 4-6 hours, no more than 150 mg / 24 hours.
• ≥ 12 years: 25-50 mg orally every 4-6 hours, no more than 300 mg / 24 hours.

Child dosage for motion sickness

• ≥ 2 to less than 6 years of age: 6.25 mg orally every 4-6 hours, no more than 37.5 mg / 24 hours.
• ≥ 6 to less than 12 years of age: 12.5-25 mg orally every 4-6 hours, not more than 150 mg / 24 hours.
• ≥ 12 years: 25-50 mg orally every 4-6 hours, no more than 300 mg / 24 hours.

Child dosage for insomnia

• ≥ 12 years: 25-50 mg taken before bed.

Child dosage for cough

• ≥ 2 to less than 6 years of age: 6.25 mg orally every 4 hours, no more than 37.5 mg / 24 hours.
• ≥ 6 to less than 12 years of age: 12.5 mg orally every 4 hours, no more than 75 mg / 24 hours.
• ≥ 12 years: 25 mg orally every 4 hours, no more than 150 mg / 24 hours.

Child dosage for extrapyramidal symptoms

Dystonic reactions: 1-2 mg / kg (max: 50 mg) IV or IM

Child dosage for allergic reactions

• 1-12 years: 5 mg / kg / day or 150 mg / m2 / day given orally, IM or IV, or equivalent in divided doses every 6-8 hours, not more than 300 mg / 24 hours.
• Acute hypersensitivity reactions: 1-2 mg / kg IV or IM (max: 50 mg)

In what dosage is this drug available?

Diphenhydramine is a drug available in the following doses.

• Capsule, Oral
• Liquid, Oral
• Tablet, Oral

Diphenhydramine side effects

What side effects can diphenhydramine have?

Diphenhydramine, or diphenhydramine, is a drug that can cause side effects. According to Drugs.com, the side effects that often occur from diphenhydramine are:

• sleepy
• feel tired
• dizzy
• coordination disorder
• dry and thickened mouth
• gastric disorders
• blurred vision
• double vision
• Shaky
• lost appetite
• nausea

Stop using diphenhydramine and seek emergency medical help immediately if you experience signs of an:

• difficulty breathing
• skin rash
• swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue
• itchy rash

Diphenhydramine is a drug that can cause other, less severe side effects. Continue to take diphenhydramine and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• drowsiness, weakness, or dizziness
• headache
• dry mouth
• difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Diphenhydramine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using diphenhydramine?

Some things that should be known before using diphenhydramine are:

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to diphenhydramine or any other drugs.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products that you are taking or will be taking.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have had certain diseases.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant and are taking diphenhydramine, contact your doctor immediately.
• Seniors should not use diphenhydramine because it is not as safe as other drugs that can be used to treat the same condition.
• If you are going to have surgery, such as dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking diphenhydramine.

Is diphenhydramine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

Diphenhydramine is a drug that is included in pregnancy category B by the BPOM. Animal studies have failed to demonstrate teratogenicity. The Collaborative Perinatal Project reports 595 first trimester exposures and 2,948 exposures any time during pregnancy. A possible association with individual malformations has been found.

One study reported a statistical association between diphenhydramine use in the first trimester and cleft lip. One case of withdrawal was reported in an infant whose mother took 150 mg of diphenhydramine per day. This baby had tremors in the first 5 days being treated with phenobarbital. Diphenhydramine should only be used in pregnancy when the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

Following are references to pregnancy risk categories according to the BPOM:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Diphenhydramine is a drug that can be secreted in breast milk. Due to the potential for serious side effects on a nursing infant, drug manufacturers recommend stopping breastfeeding or using the drug, depending on how important the drug is to the mother.

Diphenhydramine Drug Interactions

What drugs may interact with diphenhydramine?

Diphenhydramine or diphenhydramine are drugs that can cause interactions. Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects.

Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Here are some drugs that have the potential to trigger interactions with diphenhydramine:

• cetirizine
• loratadine
• fexofenadine
• doxylamine
• anticholinergic drugs (fesoterodine, tolterodine)
• antidepressant drugs (citalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline)
• antipsychotic drugs (haloperidol, risperidone)
• benzodiazepines (alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam)

Can food or alcohol interact with diphenhydramine?

Diphenhydramine is a drug that can react with food or alcohol. Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur.

Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

Be careful about consuming alcohol. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness when using diphenhydramine.

What health conditions may interact with diphenhydramine?

Diphenhydramine is a drug that can react if you have certain health problems. The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems.

The following are health conditions that may interact with diphenhydramine:

• asthma
• bladder and prostate problems
• dementia
• glaucoma
• heart and blood vessel disease
• liver disease (liver)

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.