Diphenhydramine
About
Diphenhydramine belongs to a class of medication called ‘antihistamine’ (anti-allergic), primarily used to treat sneezing, running nose, itches, common cold symptoms, and cough. An allergy is an immune system response to foreign elements typically not harmful to your body. These foreign elements are known as ‘allergens.’ It is also used to induce sleep, treat Parkinson's disease, and relieve cough caused by minor throat or airway irritation.
Diphenhydramine blocks a natural substance (histamine) during an allergic reaction. Besides this, drying effects of Diphenhydramine on allergic symptoms (like watery eyes and runny nose) are caused by blocking another natural substance (acetylcholine). Together it helps relieve allergy symptoms like sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, congestion, or stiffness.
Diphenhydramine is taken with or without food in a dose and duration as advised by the doctor. The doctor will adjust your dose according to your condition and response to the medicine. In some cases, you may experience tiredness, sleepiness, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, sore throat, nausea, cold-like nose symptoms (in children), or diarrhoea (in children). Most of these side effects of Diphenhydramine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Consume only if the doctor prescribes it. Never encourage self-medication or suggest your medicine to someone else. You should not take the Diphenhydramine if you are allergic to diphenhydramine, have severe liver or kidney problems, or have epilepsy. Check with your doctor if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other prescribed or non-prescribed medicines.
Uses of Diphenhydramine
Medicinal Benefits
Diphenhydramine belongs to a class of drugs called antihistamine or anti-allergic. It is used to treat symptoms of allergies and the common cold. It blocks the effects of a chemical messenger known as ‘histamine,’ which is naturally involved in allergic reactions. It helps relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, congestion, or stiffness.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Diphenhydramine
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Loss of coordination
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Dry eyes
- Blurred vision
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
It is not recommended to take it if you are allergic to any components present in this medication. Let the doctor know if you have a breathing problem, asthma, chronic bronchitis or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder), vision problems like glaucoma (raised pressure in the eyes), and trouble peeing due to an enlarged prostate. Before using Diphenhydramine, ask a doctor if you are taking alcohol, sedatives or tranquillizers, as using Diphenhydramine with recreational drugs might induce drowsiness. It is advisable not to drive any motor vehicle or operate heavy machinery as increased drowsiness and dizziness can occur after taking Diphenhydramine. If you are a pregnant or a nursing mother, ask a doctor before its use.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: This medicine may interact with other anti-allergic drugs (cetirizine), sleeping pills (zolpidem), anti-depressants (escitalopram, alprazolam), pain-killer (tramadol, acetaminophen), and cough suppressants (dextromethorphan).
Drug-Food Interactions: Strictly avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Patients affected with liver/kidney disease, epilepsy, asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or other types of lung disease, glaucoma (a condition in which increased pressure in the eye can lead to a gradual loss of vision), ulcers, difficulty urinating (due to an enlarged prostate gland), heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, or an overactive thyroid gland and alcoholism should not take Diphenhydramine as it has severe interaction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeWhen combined with alcohol, diphenhydramine can induce deep sleep. You will be unable to breathe normally and may have difficulties waking up.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult the doctor. Diphenhydramine should be used in pregnant women only if clinically needed, and the benefits outweigh the risks. Only consume Diphenhydramine if a doctor prescribes you.
Breast Feeding
cautionLet your doctor know if you are a nursing mother before taking Diphenhydramine; your doctor will decide whether Diphenhydramine can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not. Only consume Diphenhydramine if a doctor prescribes you.
Driving
cautionDiphenhydramine may affect driving as it causes dizziness and feeling sleepy. So, do not drive or operate machinery or tools if this happens to you.
Liver
cautionTell your doctor before receiving the Diphenhydramine if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Diphenhydramine.
Kidney
safe if prescribedTell your doctor before receiving the Diphenhydramine if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Diphenhydramine.
Children
safe if prescribedGenerally, Diphenhydramine is not recommended for children below 16 years of age without a doctor's consent. If it has to be given, then the dose must be adjusted and recommended by a child specialist only.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Some anti-inflammatory compounds in ginger can relax membranes in the airways, reducing coughing.
- Staying hydrated is vital for those with a cough or cold. Drinking liquids at room temperature can alleviate cough, runny nose, and sneezing.
- The main cause of a cough is acid reflux. One of the easiest ways to treat this condition and reduce the cough that accompanies it is to avoid foods that can cause acid reflux.
- The immune system is affected by stress and raises the risk of being sick. An individual can exercise regularly, meditate, do deep breathing, and try progressive muscle relaxation techniques to relieve stress.
- Try to sleep 7-9 hours each night to stay fit and safe.
- Maintain personal hygiene and keep your surroundings clean.
Special Advise
- It is advised to avoid contact with known allergens (allergy-causing agents) such as pollen, dust, etc. Certain food items are known to cause allergies to you.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Allergy: Allergy is an immune system response to foreign elements typically not harmful to your body. These foreign elements are known as ‘allergens.’ Allergic condition varies from person to person. Some might be allergic to certain foods and seasonal allergies like hay fever. At the same time, others might be allergic to pollen or pet dander. One of the symptoms of allergy is cough. Coughing occurs as a reflex action in the throat when mucus or any other foreign irritant is in it.
FAQs
Diphenhydramine blocks a natural substance (histamine) during an allergic reaction. Besides this, drying effects of Diphenhydramine on allergic symptoms (like watery eyes and runny nose) are caused by blocking another natural substance (acetylcholine). Together it helps relieve allergy symptoms like sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, congestion, or stiffness.
Usually, Diphenhydramine is prescribed for a short term treatment (up to 2 weeks) as an anti-allergy or sleep disturbance medication. However, taking it on your own for a long time without a doctor's consent can be fatal.
If you forget to take a dose of Diphenhydramine, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
No, it would be best if you did not stop taking Diphenhydramine abruptly as it may worsen your condition. Please consult your doctor if you are feeling better for the best advice.
Do not take Diphenhydramine if you have breathing problems like asthma, COPD or chronic bronchitis, or vision problems like glaucoma or difficulty in peeing due to enlarged prostate gland. Besides this, if you are taking alcohol, any sleeping pills or antianxiety pills immediately stop taking Diphenhydramine as it might induce drowsiness and dizziness.
Diphenhydramine is used for temporary relief of allergic symptoms of seasonal allergies like hay fever and upper respiratory allergies (runny nose, sneezing, itchy watery eyes, and itchy nose/throat. Besides this, it also relieves symptoms of common cough and cold like runny nose and sneezing.
No, Diphenhydramine should not be taken if you have asthma to avoid any unpleasant side effects. Please inform your doctor before taking Diphenhydramine if you have asthma.
