Diphenhydramine Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information
Diphenhydramine side effects include dizziness, excessive calm, dry mouth increased chest congestion, drowsiness, and upset stomach. Rare Diphenhydramine side effects 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. Another serious Diphenhydramine side effect is that it can make adults less alert and may cause excitability, in young children. Seniors are more prone to Diphenhydramine side effects of experience lightheadedness, extreme calm, and low blood pressure.
Diphenhydramine Side Effects Reporting
If you experience any Diphenhydramine side effects not mentioned above you should report it to your primary health care provider or FDA 1-800-FDA-1088 in the United States, Health Canada 1-866-225-0709 in Canada, MHRA 020 3080 6000 in UK, or TGA 1800 020 653 in Australia.
Diphenhydramine 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 Diphenhydramine relieves red, itchy eyes and the redness and swelling from hives and other rashes that are caused by allergic reactions. Diphenhydramine also relieves the sneezing, coughing, runny or stuffy nose, and other symptoms of seasonal allergies and the common cold with drying and sedative effects. Diphenhydramine is also used in patients Parkinson's disease, to treat allergic reactions to blood transfusions, insomnia and motion sickness.
DIPHENHYDRAMINE OVERDOSE
Symptoms of Diphenhydramine overdose include aggression, confusion, severe drowsiness, dilated pupils, seizures, flushing and upset stomach. In case of Diphenhydramine overdose, seek medical attention right away. If you miss a dose of Diphenhydramine, take it as soon as you can. However, if it is just about time for your next dose, skip the one you forgot and go on with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose of Diphenhydramine.
DIPHENHYDRAMINE AND PREGNANCY
Consult your doctor before using Diphenhydramine during pregnancy especially during the last trimester. Antihistamine like Diphenhydramine is not recommended for nursing mothers. Switch to bottle-feed while taking Diphenhydramine.
DIPHENHYDRAMINE WARNING AND CAUTION
Avoid using Diphenhydramine if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to antihistamines.
Avoid using Diphenhydramine or other antihistamines if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, peptic ulcer or other stomach problems, enlarged prostate, or difficulty urinating.
Use Diphenhydramine with care if you have a history of asthma, emphysema, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
Diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery until you know how you respond to Diphenhydramine.
Diphenhydramine should not be used in newborn or premature infants.
DIPHENHYDRAMINE INTERACTION
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Diphenhydramine.
Check with your doctor before combining Diphenhydramine with the following:
Antidepressant (MAO) inhibitors
Sedative
Tranquilizers and sleeping pills
Herbs like catnip, gotu kola, kava, ginseng, St. John's wort and others.
DIPHENHYDRAMINE DOSES
Diphenhydramine 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
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