Diphenhydramine injection
What is diphenhydramine injection?
DIPHENHYDRAMINE (Benadryl®) is an antihistamine that reduces allergic reactions, motion sickness and vertigo (dizziness and loss of balance), and Parkinson’s disease. Diphenhydramine injection is for use when you cannot take the medicine by mouth. A generic is available.
What should my health care professional know before I receive diphenhydramine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- asthma or chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD)
- glaucoma
- high blood pressure or heart disease
- liver disease
- other chronic illness
- prostate trouble
- pain or difficulty passing urine
- thyroid disease
- ulcers or other stomach problems
- an unusual or allergic reaction to diphenhydramine, other medicines foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Diphenhydramine is for injection into a muscle, or into a vein.
If you are having diphenhydramine to stop you from getting car (or travel) sick, you need the first dose 30 to 60 minutes before you leave.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
The injection is usually given as needed.
What drug(s) may interact with diphenhydramine?
- alcohol
- barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
- doxercalciferol
- medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam
- medicines for hay fever and other allergies
- medicines for mental depression
- medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
- medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson’s disease, or for gastrointestinal problems
- thyrotropin-releasing hormone
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from receiving diphenhydramine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- agitation, nervousness, excitability, not able to sleep (these are more likely in children)
- blurred vision
- dizziness or fainting spells
- irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or chest pain
- muscle or facial twitches
- pain or difficulty passing urine
- seizures (convulsions)
Call your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can if you get any of these.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- drowsiness, dizziness
- dry mouth
- headache
- loss of appetite
- stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea
What should I watch for while taking diphenhydramine?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 1 or 2 days.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how diphenhydramine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.
Diphenhydramine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your ophthalmologist if the problem does not go away or is severe.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
[ Last Revised: 8/30/2005 3:06:00 PM ]
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
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