Benahist: Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information

Main ingredient in Benahist is Diphenhydramine. Benahist is an antihistamine which blocks the release of histamine, a chemical in the body that narrows air passages in the lungs and causes inflammation during allergy reaction. By doing so Benahist relieves red, itchy eyes and the redness and swelling from hives and other rashes that are caused by allergic reactions. Benahist also relieves the sneezing, coughing, runny or stuffy nose, and other symptoms of seasonal allergies and the common cold with drying and sedative effects. Benahist is also used in patients Parkinson's disease, to treat allergic reactions to blood transfusions, insomnia and motion sickness.

BENAHIST SIDE EFFECTS

Common side effects of Benahist may include dizziness, excessive calm, dry mouth increased chest congestion, drowsiness, and upset stomach. Rare side effects of Benahist may include confusion, blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, excitation, fatigue, difficult urination, headache, hives, hypersensitivity to light, irregular heartbeat, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, nausea, rash, ringing in the ears, stuffy nose, tightness of chest, vertigo, and vomiting. Antihistamines like Benahist can make adults less alert and may cause excitability, in young children. Seniors are more likely to experience lightheadedness, extreme calm, and low blood pressure.

BENAHIST WARNING AND CAUTION

Avoid using Benahist if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to antihistamines.

Avoid using Benahist or other antihistamines if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, peptic ulcer or other stomach problems, enlarged prostate, or difficulty urinating.

Use Benahist with care if you have a history of asthma, emphysema, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, or heart disease.

Benahist can cause drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery until you know how you respond to Benahist.

Benahist should not be used in newborn or premature infants.

BENAHIST INTERACTION

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Benahist.

Check with your doctor before combining Benahist with the following:

Antidepressant (MAO) inhibitors
Sedative
Tranquilizers and sleeping pills

Herbs like catnip, gotu kola, kava, ginseng, St. John's wort and others.

BENAHIST DOSES

Benahist should not be used in newborn or premature infants.

For Allergy
Adults and Children 12 and older: 25-50 mg every 4-6 hours

For Insomnia
Adults and Children 12 and older: 25-50 mg at bedtime

For Cough
Adults and Children 12 and older: 25 mg every 4 hours
Children 6-12 years: 12.5 mg every 4 hours
Children 2-6 years: 6.25 mg every 4 hours

BENAHIST AND PREGNANCY

Consult your doctor before using Benahist during pregnancy especially during the last trimester.

Antihistamine like Benahist is not recommended for nursing mothers. Switch to bottle-feed while taking Benahist.

BENAHIST OVERDOSE

Symptoms of Benahist overdose include aggression, confusion, severe drowsiness, dilated pupils, seizures, flushing and upset stomach.

In case of Benahist overdose, seek medical attention right away.

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