Benadryl Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of taking Benadryl include:
- Drowsiness, sedation
- Dizziness
- Impaired coordination
- Thickening of bronchial secretions
Other less common side effects include:
- Hypotension
- Drug rash
- Sensitivity to light
- Excessive perspiration
- Chills
- Dry mouth, nose, or throat
- Headache
- Confusion
- Restlessness or nervousness
- Excitation
- Tremor
- Blurred vision
- Vertigo
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Difficulty urinating
- Nasal stuffiness
Things to Know, Precautions, Things to Ask Your Physician:
Specific precautions
Benadryl has additive effects with alcohol.
Benadryl is to not be used in premature infants or neonates.
Excitation may be caused in children taking Benadryl. Mental alertness may also be diminished, and symptoms of nightmares, restlessness, or irritability may occur.
Conditions or medications that may be affected by the drug or interact negatively with the drug
Benadryl should be used with caution in patients with any of the following conditions:
- Narrow-angle glaucoma
- Peptic ulcer
- History of bronchial asthma
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypertension
- Cardiovascular disease
- People over the age of 60 (dizziness, sedation, and hypotension may be intensified)
Questions to ask your physician
Make sure you discuss your health history, allergies, medications, and lifestyle in order to determine if Benadryl is right for you.
What to Avoid When Taking the Drug:
Additional drugs
Consult your doctor about any medications, prescription, supplements, or herbs that you will be or may be taking in addition to Benadryl.
Food/alcohol
Alcohol should not be consumed with Benadryl because the side effects, especially drowsiness, may be enhanced.
Certain activities
Benadryl should be avoided in pregnancy unless directed by a doctor. Benadryl follows under the FDA class B category for pregnancy. This means that animal studies have not shown significant effects, but no definitive studies have been conducted on humans.
Benadryl should be avoided in breastfeeding unless clearly needed. Although the effects are not known, the benefits may be weighed against the risks and a switch to formula feeding may be suggested.
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September 9, 2010, 3:38 pm
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September 8, 2010, 3:39 pm
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September 7, 2010, 9:59 am
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September 2, 2010, 12:51 pm
