This is because of the risk of side effects such as sleepiness. These medications include:. However, diphenhydramine, the main ingredient contained in most Benadryl products, is contained in other products that are used to help improve sleep.
These products include:. These products are approved for occasional use to help relieve sleeplessness. Some topical, over-the-counter Benadryl products are approved for treating hives, itchy skin, and rash.
However, these products are sometimes used for these purposes. These newer medications include:. It can make you feel sleepy, which might temporarily make you feel less anxious. However, this effect will wear off after a few days of using the product.
If you have symptoms of anxiety, talk with your doctor about medications that are a better choice for treating your symptoms. Some topical, over-the-counter Benadryl products are approved for treating pain and itchy skin caused by poison ivy. However, Benadryl is often used to treat these symptoms. Benadryl is often effective for reducing symptoms of motion sickness, but it can cause sleepiness.
Other medications are considered a first-choice treatment for people who need to relieve motion sickness but want to stay awake while traveling. If you get symptoms of motion sickness, talk with your doctor about treatment options before you travel. Some topical, over-the-counter Benadryl products are approved for treating pain and itchy skin caused by insect bites and stings. Oral, over-the-counter Benadryl products are approved to treat some symptoms of the common cold.
Diphenhydramine, the drug contained in Benadryl, is sometimes used with other medications for treating migraine headaches. However, it may not help improve symptoms.
The American Headache Society recommends against using diphenhydramine for treating migraine headaches. Oral over-the-counter Benadryl products are approved to treat some symptoms of the common cold, including sneezing and runny nose. An analysis of clinical research found that antihistamines such as Benadryl can slightly decrease these symptoms in adults. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends not using Benadryl products to treat eczema.
This includes Benadryl products that are oral taken by mouth and topical applied to the skin. Heat rash usually goes away on its own without treatment. They may recommend treatments such as calamine lotion. However, some oral Benadryl products contain diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, and a decongestant called phenylephrine. These products can help reduce nasal congestion and stuffiness and may also help reduce sinus pressure or pain. The swelling that often occurs along with hives is called angioedema.
It usually occurs on the hands or feet, or around the lips and face. Diphenhydramine the drug contained in Benadryl may be used for more severe cases of swelling. As an example, painful swelling could be considered severe.
Note: In rare cases, swelling from hives may cause a swollen tongue or throat and cause trouble breathing. If you have these symptoms, call or go to an emergency room for treatment. Some topical over-the-counter Benadryl products are approved for treating pain and itchy skin caused by sunburn.
Benadryl is available in generic forms, which are often store-brand products. The generic name of Benadryl is diphenhydramine. There are many different Benadryl-branded products.
Some of these products contain just one ingredient, while others contain two ingredients. Because ingredients vary from one Benadryl product another, be sure to read the label closely before buying or using a Benadryl product. The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. Before giving Benadryl to a baby, talk with your doctor. Your doctor can also recommend the most appropriate dosage of Benadryl if treatment with the drug is needed. For adults and children over 12 years of age, the maximum is mg each day.
For children ages 6 to 12 years, the maximum is mg each day. Your body can develop a tolerance to some of the effects of Benadryl. For instance, one study found that Benadryl caused sleepiness on the first day it was taken. But after the person took Benadryl for four days, this side effect no longer occurred.
This was due to tolerance. When used over time, Benadryl continues to work to relieve symptoms of hay fever or allergies, runny nose, hives, and other conditions. They may suggest other treatment options that may be more effective for you. Benadryl can cause mild or serious side effects. The following list contains some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Benadryl.
For more information on the possible side effects of Benadryl or tips on how to deal with a troubling side effect, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Some of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:. There is very little scientific research about the long-term effects of Benadryl.
Talk to your doctor about how often you have allergy symptoms. If you have symptoms frequently more often than about four days per week , there may be a safer, more effective medication for you than Benadryl.
Benadryl and some other antihistamine drugs can sometimes cause decreased memory, confusion, and trouble thinking. These side effects are more common in seniors. To prevent this possible side effect, Benadryl should be used in the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible.
If you need to take an antihistamine long term, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about other options. However, they can occur in people who take very high doses of Benadryl. If you think you need medical treatment, call your doctor or Some antihistamines, including Benadryl, can worsen symptoms of restless legs syndrome.
If you have restless legs syndrome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about other medication options. If you have symptoms of depression while taking Benadryl, talk with your doctor.
Your doctor may want to evaluate your symptoms. They may also recommend different medication options. Weight gain can happen in some people who take diphenhydramine. If you have weight gain while taking Benadryl, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about other medication options. Benadryl can cause constipation, especially when used regularly. If you have constipation, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about other medication options instead of Benadryl. Because it can make you very sleepy, Benadryl can impair your ability to drive.
Because of the risk of dangerous side effects in children, over-the-counter oral Benadryl products are only approved for use in children 6 years of age and older. The Food and Drug Administration FDA recommends that cough and cold products not be used in children under 2 years of age due to the risk of dangerous side effects, including sudden infant death.
These products often contain diphenhydramine generic Benadryl or other antihistamines, combined with other ingredients. Before giving oral Benadryl to children under 6 years, or cough and cold products to children under 2 years, talk with your doctor. They can also recommend the most appropriate medication and dosage if treatment is needed.
Over-the-counter oral Benadryl products are only approved for use in children ages 6 years and older. Benadryl products that are applied to the skin such as the cream, gel, or spray are only approved for use in children 2 years of age and older.
Before giving Benadryl to your baby, talk with your doctor. If they decide that treatment with Benadryl is needed, your doctor can also recommend the most appropriate dosage of the drug. But if your symptoms are severe, call or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Over-the-counter Benadryl is available in many different forms. Some are oral taken by mouth , and others are topical applied to the skin. Forms include:. Store brands that contain diphenhydramine, the same ingredient in Benadryl, are available in other forms. These forms include:. No Benadryl or diphenhydramine product is available as a topical lotion or as eye drops. Benadryl may be safe for short-term use during pregnancy in some situations.
For treatment of severe allergic reactions during pregnancy, injected diphenhydramine is often considered the first-choice treatment. Diphenhydramine is the ingredient contained in Benadryl. This is due to a risk of eye disease in the newborn. Your doctor may want to evaluate your symptoms to determine the safest treatment. Taking Benadryl occasionally during breastfeeding is likely safe.
However, taking Benadryl regularly or in large doses may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. It may also reduce your milk supply. Antihistamines that cause less sleepiness are usually preferred over oral Benadryl while breastfeeding. Benadryl is an antihistamine. There are several other antihistamines that can be used as alternatives. The first-generation antihistamines usually cause more sleepiness and other side effects than the second-generation antihistamines.
Benadryl contains diphenhydramine, a first-generation antihistamine. Examples of the other medications in these groups are listed below. You may wonder how Benadryl compares to other medications that are prescribed for similar uses.
Below are comparisons between Benadryl and several medications. Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine.
Claritin loratadine is a newer, second-generation antihistamine. Oral Benadryl products are approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies, and symptoms of the common cold such as sneezing and runny nose.
Benadryl products that are topical applied to the skin are approved for decreasing pain and itchy skin caused by things such as hives and insect bites. Oral Benadryl products are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours.
Topical products are typically used up to 4 times daily. Claritin tablets, liquid-filled capsules, and syrup are taken once daily.
The orally disintegrating tablets are used either once daily or twice daily. Benadryl and Claritin have some similar side effects, and some that differ. Below are examples of these side effects. Benadryl and Claritin are both effective for reducing symptoms of hay fever and other allergies, and for treating hives or itchy skin. Benadryl and Claritin are both brand-name, over-the-counter products. Claritin usually costs more than Benadryl.
Both of these products have store-brand versions. Store brands are usually cheaper than the brand-name versions. Zyrtec cetirizine is a newer, second-generation antihistamine. Benadryl products that are topical applied to the skin are approved for decreasing pain and itchy skin due to hives, insect bites, and other causes.
Topical Benadryl products are typically used up to 4 times daily. Benadryl and Zyrtec have some similar side effects, and some that differ. Benadryl and Zyrtec are both effective for reducing symptoms of hay fever and other allergies, and for treating hives or itchy skin. Zyrtec and other second-generation antihistamines are usually preferred. Benadryl and Zyrtec are both brand-name over-the-counter products. Zyrtec usually costs more than Benadryl. Allegra fexofenadine is a newer, second-generation antihistamine.
Allegra is approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies, and itchy skin caused by hives, insect bites, and other causes. Benadryl and Allegra have some similar side effects, and some that differ. Benadryl and Allegra are both effective for reducing symptoms of hay fever and other allergies and for treating hives or itchy skin.
Allegra and other second-generation antihistamines are usually preferred. Benadryl and Allegra are both brand-name, over-the-counter products. Allegra usually costs more than Benadryl. It comes as tablets and a liquid that you swallow.
For skin allergies like hives or bites and stings it's also available as a cream. The cream is much less likely to make you feel sleepy than the tablets or liquid. You can also buy it mixed with other medicines, such as levomenthol, paracetamol , pholcodine and pseudoephedrine , to treat cough and cold symptoms.
Take our survey. Diphenhydramine can be taken by most adults and young people aged 16 years and above. You can sometimes give diphenhydramine to children, depending on their age and their symptoms. Ask your pharmacist for advice.
For cough and cold symptoms, you can give diphenhydramine tablets and liquid to children over the age of 6. For allergy symptoms, you can give it to children over Check with your pharmacist or doctor to make sure a product is suitable for your child. Do not give your child diphenhydramine to help them get to sleep. Diphenhydramine is only suitable for sleep problems in people aged 16 years and above.
Diphenhydramine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:. If you or your child have been prescribed diphenhydramine, follow your doctor's instructions about how and when to take it. Only take or use diphenhydramine when you need it, for example if you're unable to sleep because you're worrying about something or your cold symptoms are keeping you awake. If you've bought diphenhydramine or any medicine containing diphenhydramine from a pharmacy, follow the instructions that come with the packet, or ask a pharmacist for advice.
The instructions will be different depending on the type of medicine you buy, and the other medicines it's mixed with. If you're aged over 65, start with the lower dose, as you may be more likely to get side effects. The usual dose depends on the type of diphenhydramine medicine you're taking, and why. Diphenhydramine comes as 25mg and 50mg tablets.
You'll usually take 50mg, 20 minutes before you go to bed. Diphenhydramine comes mixed with other medicines to treat the symptoms of coughs and colds. It comes as tablets and as a liquid that you swallow. The usual dose depends on the type of medicine you're taking. Check the instructions on the packaging carefully, or ask your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure. The usual dose is 25mg or 50mg, taken 3 or 4 times a day. Try to space your doses evenly throughout the day. Diphenhydramine comes as a cream which you use once or twice a day.
You'll only need a small amount, enough for a thin layer. Always take your diphenhydramine tablets with a drink of water. Swallow them whole. Do not chew them. Liquid medicines containing diphenhydramine come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure the right dose. If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.
With the cream, put a small amount onto the affected area and smooth it in gently. Do not use it on large areas of skin. Keep the cream away from your eyes, mouth and nose.
Remember to wash your hands afterwards, unless you're treating your hands. If you're taking diphenhydramine to help you sleep and you forget to take it by bedtime, skip your missed dose and start again the next evening. If you're taking any other medicine containing diphenhydramine and forget to take a dose, take your medicine when you next need it to ease your symptoms.
Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one. If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine. In serious cases you can become unconscious and may need emergency treatment in hospital. Do not use diphenhydramine cream at the same time as other products containing diphenhydramine. This can lead to overdose. Go to Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.
Take the diphenhydramine packet or leaflet inside it plus any remaining medicine with you. Like all medicines, diphenhydramine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. However, you may be more likely to get them if you're over Common side effects happen in more than 1 in people.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away:. Diphenhydramine cream can sometimes make your rash worse. It may also make your skin sensitive to sunlight. In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to diphenhydramine. These are not all the side effects of diphenhydramine.
For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet. While diphenhydramine can be used during pregnancy, it is not normally recommended. This is because of the side effects, which may be more significant during pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist other medicines, such as chlorphenamine , that may more suitable. If you have difficulty sleeping while you're pregnant, your doctor or midwife may suggest ways to improve your sleep routine, like relaxing, and avoiding naps.
If you have a cough or cold, you can help to ease your symptoms by resting, drinking plenty of fluids and taking paracetamol. If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take diphenhydramine while you're breastfeeding, but it's better to take occasional doses or only take it for a short time. Diphenhydramine passes into breast milk in very small amounts.
Although it's unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby, it is a drowsy antihistamine, so could make your baby sleepy. If you're breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed, talk to your doctor. They may recommend similar antihistamines, called loratadine and cetirizine , that are more suitable while you're breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, midwife or health visitor if your baby is not feeding as well as usual, seems unusually sleepy, seems irritable, or if you have any other concerns about your baby.
Some medicines can affect the way diphenhydramine works, and increase the chances of you having side effects. Check with your pharmacist or doctor if you're taking:. If you're taking a cough or cold remedy or a painkiller containing diphenhydramine, check carefully what the other ingredients are.
For example, check whether it contains paracetamol. Ask your pharmacist for advice before you take this medicine together with any other painkillers or medicines. There might be a problem taking some herbal remedies and supplements alongside diphenhydramine, especially ones that cause side effects such as sleepiness, a dry mouth or making it difficult to pee.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements. Diphenhydramine is a medicine called an antihistamine. It is classed as a drowsy sedating antihistamine. When you come into contact with something you're allergic to, your body produces a chemical called histamine. This can cause symptoms such as a runny nose or skin rashes.
Diphenhydramine blocks the effects of histamine in your brain and this reduces symptoms. It enters the brain in large quantities and this can make you feel drowsy. Diphenhydramine also blocks the effects of another chemical called acetylcholine. This can help a cough or runny nose but can also cause side effects such as a dry mouth and dry nose. If you're taking diphenhydramine for short-term sleep problems, it will start to make you feel drowsy around 20 to 30 minutes after you take it.
For coughs and colds, your symptoms will normally start to improve within 20 minutes. You can become dependent on it if you take it continuously for too long.
To avoid this, follow the instructions that come with the medicine and only take diphenhydramine for a very short time, unless your doctor advises otherwise. It is unlikely that you'll become addicted to diphenhydramine but it's best to only take it for a short time. You can become dependent on diphenhydramine if you take it continuously for too long. Follow the instructions that come with the medicine and only take diphenhydramine for a very short time, unless your doctor advises otherwise. If you have a severe itchy skin rash, your doctor may recommend taking 2 different antihistamines at the same time for a few days.
As well as taking a non-drowsy antihistamine during the day such as fexofenadine , cetirizine or loratadine , your doctor may advise that you take a drowsy antihistamine at night if itching is making it difficult to sleep. Do not take another drowsy antihistamine together with diphenhydramine. It will make you very tired and sleepy. Other drowsy antihistamines include chlorphenamine Piriton , promethazine Phenergan and hydroxyzine Atarax or Ucerax.
Do not take 2 antihistamines together unless you've been advised to by your doctor. Diphenhydramine is known as a drowsy, or sedating, antihistamine as it makes you sleepy.
Non-drowsy antihistamines are less likely to have this effect. These include cetirizine , fexofenadine and loratadine. Most people prefer to take a non-drowsy antihistamine as it's less likely to interfere with their everyday routine. You might choose to take a drowsy antihistamine, however, if you're having problems falling asleep, or if symptoms like itching or coughing are keeping you awake.
There is not enough information to say whether one antihistamine is better than another for treating allergies. You may need to try a few different medicines to find what works best for you. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're unsure. Diphenhydramine blocks the effects of a natural chemical called acetylcholine. This can help dry up a cough or runny nose but can also cause side effects such as a dry mouth and dry nose.
Some cough and cold remedies claim to suppress your cough or stop you bringing up phlegm. Although some people find them helpful, they're not usually recommended.
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