Diphenhydramine (By Mouth)

Diphenhydramine (dye-fen-HYE-dra-meen)

Treats hay fever and other types of allergies. May be used as a nighttime sleep aid. Belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamines.

Brand Name(s):

Benadryl, Benadryl Allergy, Serabrina LA France, Quenalin, Siladryl DAS, Siladryl Allergy, Allermax, Scot-Tussin Allergy Relief Formula, Tusstat, Dytuss, Silphen, Benylin Decongestant Cough, Truxadryl, Diphenhydramine HCl, Diphenyl Elixir
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to diphenhydramine or any other antihistamines. This medicine should not be given to newborn infants or women who are breastfeeding.

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Tablet, Liquid, Liquid Filled Capsule, Chewable Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
• You may take your medicine with food to avoid stomach upset.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• The chewable tablet must be chewed completely before you swallow it.

If a dose is missed:

• Take your medicine as soon as you remember that you have missed your dose.
• If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not take two doses at one time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Keep your medicine at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from heat, direct light, and moisture. Do not freeze the oral liquid.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Avoid taking this medicine with other antihistamines or with monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) medicines such as Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.
• Avoid taking sleeping pills, tranquilizers, sedatives, narcotic-type pain killers, or antidepressants while you are taking diphenhydramine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, or trouble urinating.
• Diphenhydramine may make you drowsy or dizzy. Be careful when driving or operating machinery.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Hallucinations or nightmares
• Severe drowsiness
• Severe skin rash, itching, or hives
• Pain when urinating or change in how much or how often you urinate

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Nervousness
• Drowsiness
• Clumsiness
• Dry mouth or throat
• Thickening of mucus
• Upset stomach

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.