Benadryl
Generic Name:
Diphenhydramine, diphenhydramine hydrochloride
Brand Names:
- AllerMax
- AllerMax Caplets
- Benadryl Allergy Chewables (Children’s)
- Benadryl Allergy FastMelt (Children's)
- Benadryl Allergy Kapgels
- Benadryl Allergy Liquid (Children’s)
- Benadryl Allergy Plus Cold Kapgels
- Benadryl Allergy Plus Sinus Headache Kapgels
- Benadryl Allergy Quick Dissolve Strips
- Benadryl Allergy Quick Dissolve Strips (Children’s)
- Benadryl Allergy Ultratab
- Benadryl Dye-Free Allergy Liquid (Children's)
- Benadryl Dye-Free Allergy Liqui-Gels
- Benadryl Severe Allergy Plus Sinus Headache
- Benadryl-D Allergy & Sinus Liquid (Children’s)
- Benadryl-D Allergy & Sinus
- Compoz Nighttime Sleep Aid
- Compoz Nighttime Sleep Aid Gelcaps
- Diphen AF Elixir
- Diphenhist
- Diphenhist Captabs
- Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride Caplets
- Excedrin P.M. Caplets
- Excedrin P.M. Geltabs
- Excedrin P.M. Tablets
- Genahist
- Genahist Elixir
- Goody's PM Powder
- Hydramine Cough Syrup
- Hydramine Elixir
- Miles Nervine Nighttime Sleep-Aid
- Nytol QuickCaps Caplets
- Nytol Quickgels Maximum Strength
- Simply Sleep Nighttime Sleep Aid Caplets
- Sleepinal Night-time Sleep Aid Softgels
- Sominex Caplets Maximum Strength
- Sominex Nighttime Sleep Aid
- Twilite Caplets
- Unisom SleepGels Maximum Strength
In Canada:
- Allergy Formula Liquid
- Benadryl Allergy Children's
- Benadryl Children's
- Buckley's Jack & Jill Bedtime
- Clear Allergy Formula For Adults And Children
- Diphedryl Clear
- Gravol
- Gravol Adult's Suppository
- Gravol Children's Suppository
- Gravol Junior's Suppository
- Hismanal
- Nauseatol
Benadryl Description:
Benadryl is the brand name for diphenhydramine, an antihistamine drug widely marketed by McNeil Healthcare, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. Benadryl has a drying effect as an antihistamine and is commonly used for the temporary relief of seasonal and perennial allergy symptoms.
Benadryl works by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical that triggers an inflammatory response in the body.
Benadryl Side Effects:
Some of the common side effects of taking Benadryl include:
- Drowsiness, sedation
- Dizziness
- Impaired coordination
- Thickening of bronchial secretions
For more information, see our Benadryl side effects page.
Benadryl Uses:
Benadryl taken orally is typically used to treat the symptoms of allergies, hay fever, and the common cold, including:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itching, watery eyes
- Hives or rash
- Itching
As an injection, Benadryl can be used to treat allergic reactions to blood or plasma, or used in conjunction with epinephrine after the acute symptoms of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) are under control.
Benadryl may be used to treat motion sickness.
Benadryl may be used as a sleep aid for people who have trouble falling or staying asleep.
When oral therapy does not work, Benadryl may be used to treat the tremors associated with Parkinson's disease. This is especially true in elderly patients who are unable to tolerate more potent treatment methods.
Benadryl Interactions:
There is an additive effect when Benadryl is coadministered with CNS depressants such as hypnotics, sedatives, and tranquilizers. Side effects such as drowsiness can be worsened if these drugs are combined.
Talk with your doctor before using Benadryl if you are currently taking any of the following medications:
- Antihistamines
- Antispasmodics and anti-seizure drugs (atropine, belladonna alkaloids)
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Parkinson’s disease drugs (anticholinergics, benztropine, trihexyphenidyl)
- MAO inhibitors (furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
- Muscle relaxants
- Narcotic pain relievers
- Scopolamine
- Sleep medicines
- Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline)
Talk with your doctor about other drug interactions, as this is not a complete list.
Benadryl Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendation:
Benadryl is available in oral (tablet, liquid) and injected forms. For the injectable form, the typical dose ranges from 10 to 50 mg.
Benadryl is to not be given to children under 4 years of age unless directed by a doctor and a doctor will provide specific instructions regarding dosage.
When Benadryl is used as a sleep aid, doses should be taken 30 minutes prior to bedtime.
When Benadryl is used to treat motion sickness, doses should be taken 30 minutes prior to motion, and then with meals and at bedtime for the duration of the exposure.
Missing a Dose:
If you miss a dose of Benadryl, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses due to risk of overdose.
Overdosing:
Never take more than 300 mg of Benadryl in a 24-hour period.
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. Signs of overdose include aggression, blurred vision, confusion, convulsions, hallucinations, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, flushing in the face or skin, nausea, rapid heart rate, or even death.
Benadryl FDA Approval:
The oral form was approved March 4, 1946, and the injected form was approved March 6, 1947.
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July 30, 2010, 2:23 pm
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July 30, 2010, 2:13 pm
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July 29, 2010, 12:33 pm
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July 28, 2010, 3:58 pm
