Benadryl

Brand Names

Genahist, Sominex, Unisom

What is Benadryl

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a group of antihistamine medication that is used for the treatment of different types of allergies. Allergies are caused by different biotic and a-biotic factors. Allergy symptoms as relieve red, irritated, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose caused by hay fever, allergies, or the common cold. Benadryl is also used to relieve cough caused by minor throat or airway irritation. It can also prevent and treat motion sickness, and to treat insomnia.

Side effects of Benadryl

The common Benadryl side effects may include:

• constipation
• dry mouth
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• excitation (especially in children)
• nausea
• nervousness
• thickening of mucus

But if you notice any of these serious side effects, stop taking Benadryl and contact your doctor:

• blurred vision or any change in vision
• confusion
• difficult or painful urination

Indication

Indication includes the treatment of the following conditions:

• Allergy symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies (oral)
• Sneezing and runny nose due to the common cold (oral)
Skin itching and pain due to a variety of different causes (for the products applied to the skin)
• Allergic reactions, such as food allergies (prescription products)
• Dermatographism, a severe form of hives (prescription products)
• Motion sickness (prescription products)
• Parkinson's disease (prescription products)
• Insomnia (prescription products or other non-prescription diphenhydramine products)

Precautions

Before taking Benadryl inform your doctor you have any medical conditions or allergies, any medications you are taking, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may depend on how to use this medication.

Benadryl can cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery during the treatment until you have determined that this medication does not affect your ability to perform these tasks safely.

Dosage forms

Adults/children 12 years of age and older: The normal dose is 25 mg to 50 mg taken by mouth 3 or 4 times a day. Your doctor should designate the strengths and forms of Benadryl as they can be vary. Take Benadryl exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Children younger than 12 years of age: Do not give Benadryl capsules or caplets to children younger than 12 years of age until your child’s doctor instructs you to do. Doctor should designate the strengths and forms (e.g., children's liquid, elixir) of Benadryl.

You can use an oral syringe to measure each dose of the liquid for perfect measure.

Cream: For adults and children 2 years and over, apply a thin layer of cream 3 or 4 times a day to the affected area. If the skin condition worsens or persists for longer than 7 days, do not continue this medication without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.