DIPHENHYDRAMINE
(dye-fen-HYE-dra-meen)
Other Names for this Medication: Benadryl (Brand Name)
Appearance
Capsules: Small white and pink capsule (25 mg, 50 mg) – Other brands may have a different appearance
Elixir: Red liquid containing 2.5 mg Diphenhydramine per ml
Injectable: Syringes, vials containing 50 mg/ml
Why this Medication is Used
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine which can be used to treat allergy symptoms and to help prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. It may also be used to prevent reactions to other drugs.
How do you take this Medication
Capsules should be swallowed with a full glass of water. Elixir should be measured using an oral syringe to get accurate dose.
Precautions
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
• Tell your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, prostate problems, bladder obstruction, peptic ulcer, asthma, high blood pressure or thyroid problems. Any of these conditions could affect therapy with this medication.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking other prescription medication as well as over the counter medication. Diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness which could be a problem when combined with other drugs which have a similar effect (such as sleeping pills or cough and cold medicines).
• DO NOT drive if you feel drowsy after taking Diphenhydramine.
• DO NOT drink alcoholic beverages while taking Diphenhydramine.
• Store capsules, liquids in a cool dry place. Keep out of the reach of children.
For more information on this medication, please call your doctor or nurse.
| SIDE EFFECTS | PREVENTION | WHAT YOU SHOULD DO |
| MORE COMMON: | ||
| • Sleepiness
• Dizziness • Dryness of mouth |
• Maintain regular bedtime hours. If possible schedule a nap after taking your pills.
• Get up from bed slowly |
• Rest. Don’t drive a car or operative machinery if you are sleepy.
• Tell your doctor or nurse if this becomes a problem • Suck on ice chips, suck hard, sugarless candy to promote saliva |
| LESS COMMON: | ||
| • Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Blurred vision, headache, trouble with sleeping • Diarrhea • Restlessness, nervousness |
• Limit hot, spicy, and fried foods; limit foods and drinks with caffeine. | • Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible
• Tell your doctor or nurse if it becomes a problem • Drink plenty of fluids. Phone your doctor if diarrhea lasts longer than 24 to 48 hours or you feel weak. • Tell your doctor or nurse if it becomes a problem |
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