Diphenhydramine oral syrup or elixir
What is diphenhydramine oral syrup or elixir?
DIPHENHYDRAMINE (Banophen®, Benadryl®) is an antihistamine that has many uses. It relieves irritant cough, symptoms of hay fever (allergic rhinitis), hives (rash or itching), and other allergic reactions, motion sickness and vertigo (dizziness and loss of balance), and Parkinson’s disease. Generic diphenhydramine oral syrup or elixir are available, with or without a prescription. You can get a sugar-free liquid.
What should my health care professional know before I take 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 take this medicine?
Take diphenhydramine oral syrup or elixir by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate. Take diphenhydramine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.
Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
If you are taking diphenhydramine to stop you from getting car (or travel) sick, take 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?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double doses.
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 taking 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 in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Protect from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed. 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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