Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) Drug Information: Medication Guide and Patient Information

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May 25, 2012

Benadryl

Drug Side Effects Explained »

Drug Side Effects: Types

Side effects fall into several categories. Allergic reactions can happen with any drug and can range from itching and rash all the way up to a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.

Other side effects simply Ã¢â‚¬Å“come with the territory.Ã¢â‚¬Â Some drugs can't help but trigger side effects because of their chemical structure. One example is the common allergy drug diphenhydramine (also known by the brand name Benadryl). Though it eases allergy symptoms, it also suppresses the activity of the body chemical acetylcholine, and that leads to drowsiness and a host of other side effects, including dry mouth.

Some drugs have barely noticeable side effects when dosed properly. For example, Warfarin (Jantoven, Coumadin) used to prevent blood clots, is usually well tolerated, but serious internal bleeding can occur.

Side effects may only pop up when certain drugs are mixed with certain other things. These might also be...

Read the Drug Side Effects Explained article »

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PATIENT INFORMATION

Do not use

with another product containing any of these active ingredients
if you are now taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (certain drugs for depression, psychiatric, or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease), or for 2 weeks after stopping the MAOI drug. If you do not know if your prescription drug contains an MAOI, ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.
with any other product containing diphenhydramine, even one used on skin.

Ask a doctor before use if you have

heart disease
glaucoma
thyroid disease
diabetes
trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland
high blood pressure
a breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis
cough accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus)
persistent or chronic cough such as occurs with smoking, asthma or emphysema

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking sedatives or tranquilizers

When using this product

do not use more than directed

marked drowsiness may occur
avoid alcoholic drinks
alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness
be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery
excitability may occur, especially in children

Stop use and ask a doctor if

redness or swelling is present
sore throat is severe
you get nervous, dizzy, or sleepless
new symptoms occur
fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days
pain, cough or nasal congestion gets worse or lasts more than 5 days (children) or 7 days (adults)
sore throat lasts for more than 2 days, is accompanied or followed by fever, headache, rash, swelling, nausea, or vomiting
cough comes back or occurs with rash or headache that lasts. These could be signs of a serious condition.