Benadryl

The active ingredient in Benadryl is diphenhydramine HCl. It is an antihistamine that inhibits the activity of chemicals in the immune system called histamines. Blocking these chemicals, Benadryl helps relieve symptoms of allergy, hay fever, hives, and the common cold. These symptoms include rash, itching, watery eyes, itchy eyes/throat/nose, runny nose, sneezing, and cough. It is also used to treat and prevent nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness and can be used as a sleep aid.

Benadryl comes in a variety of forms which are taken orally, topically, or via injection.

There are multiple factors to consider when assessing the time needed for Benadryl to take effect including the form of medicine taken, the age of the individual taking Benadryl, whether the medicine was taken on a full or empty stomach, and what condition is being treated. Follow all directions and recommendations given by your health care professional or pharmacist and read all sources provided, including prescribing information, FDA-Approved Product Labelling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before use. Ask for further clarification if needed.

However, the general guidelines for the use of Tylenol are as follows: The oral tablets, liqui-gel capsules, and liquid solution can be swallowed with or without food. Measure the liquid solution with a measuring device or spoon to ensure the correct dosage. The rapid-dissolve tablets or tongue strips should be given time to dissolve in the mouth and then swallowed. The chewable tablet should be chewed thoroughly and then swallowed. These forms of Benadryl can be taken with or without water. The intravenous or intramuscular injection of Benadryl is generally administered by a healthcare provider, However, should you be administering the injection yourself, make sure to learn all preparation and usage instructions from your healthcare professional.

Common side effects of Benadryl include:

• Drowsiness
• Sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Upset Stomach
• Constipation
• Blurred Vision
• Dry Mouth, Nose, and Throat
• Excitability.

More serious side effects of Benadryl include:

• Mood changes
• Confusion
• Restlessness
• Difficulty urinating
• Rapid/Irregular heartbeat
• Seizures.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Benadryl. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Benadryl, inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are allergic to diphenhydramine, dimenhydrinate, or any inactive ingredients, as this can cause allergic reactions or other adverse effects. Inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist of your medical history as well, especially the following: Breathing complications such as asthma or emphysema, High pressure in the eye such as glaucoma, Heart complications such as high blood pressure or heart disease, Diabetes or liver disease - the liquid, chewable, or dissolving products may contain sugar or aspartame, Seizures, Stomach or intestine complications such as ulcers or difficulty urinating, Hyperthyroidism. Avoid driving or operating machinery while taking Benadryl as you may feel dizzy or drowsy or even experience blurred vision. Alcohol, marijuana, or sedatives may worsen these symptoms. Non-drowsy alternatives for allergy relief include cetirizine or loratadine. Both are also available over-the-counter (OTC). Talk to your healthcare provider if any of the above applies to you or a family member if symptoms worsen or last more than 3 days or new symptoms occur. In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention or contact a Poison Control Center, even if signs or symptoms are unnoticeable. (1-800-222-1222).

Avoid taking Benadryl if you or a family member are allergic to diphenhydramine, have hypersensitivity, have a lower respiratory tract disease such as asthma, routinely use a local anesthetic, or are currently nursing. Inform your healthcare professional of all medications and supplements you currently take.

There are multiple factors to consider when assessing the time needed for Benadryl to take effect including the form of medicine taken, whether the medicine was taken on a full or empty stomach, and what condition is being treated. After oral administration, Benadryl will start to take effect within 30 minutes; taking full effect within 1 to 2 hours. After injection, Benadryl will take immediate effect—the effects of Benadryl last between 4 to 6 hours in total.

When Benadryl is taken with other medications, it can interfere with the efficacy and possibly cause or worsen side effects. Consult with your healthcare provider if any medications or supplements you are currently taking may interact adversely with Benadryl. Benadryl may interact with the following: Blood pressure medications, Antidepressants, Other antihistamines, Sleep medications, Seizure medications, Anticholinergic drugs, Alcohol, and Cannabis.

The maximum recommended dosage for Benadryl is 300mg per day for adults and 150 mg per day for children. However, healthcare providers may exercise their discretion depending on the specific needs of pain relief for their patients. Benadryl Allergy Liqui-Gels 25mg Diphenhydramine HCl Adults take 1-2 capsules every 4-6 hours. Children ages 6-12 years of age take 1 capsule every 4-6 hours. Benadryl Allergy Tablets 25mg Diphenhydramine HCl Adults take 1-2 capsules every 4-6 hours. Children ages 6-12 years of age take 1 capsule every 4-6 hours. Benadryl Extra Strength Tablets 50mg Diphenhydramine HCl Adults take 1 capsule every 4-6 hours. Do not take more than 6 tablets in 24 hours. Benadryl Topical Balm, Cream, Gel, or Spray Apply to affected area(s) 3-4 times per day. Children’s Benadryl Children ages 12+ take 10mL every 4 hours. Children ages 6-11 take 5mL every 4 hours. Children’s Benadryl Chewable Tablets Children ages 12+ take 2 to 4 chewable tablets (25 mg to 50 mg) every 4 to 6 hours. Children ages 6-11 take 1 to 2 chewable tablets (12.5 mg to 25 mg) every 4 to 6 hours.

Elements such as heat, moisture, and even light can damage your medications. Benadryl should be stored at room temperature (20-25 degrees Celsius/68-77 degrees Fahrenheit), preferably in the kitchen cabinet rather than the bathroom cabinet, as light and humidity can affect the efficacy of Benadryl. Once opened, Benadryl can remain at room temperature and does not need to be stored in the refrigerator. Keep out of the reach of children.

The Benadryl brand name is manufactured by Kenvue.

Diphenhydramine is considered the generic version of Benadryl.

Your healthcare provider may recommend you reduce the dosage you are currently taking before stopping completely. Withdrawal symptoms typically begin 48 hours after stopping Benadryl, peak between 3–5 days, and subside after about 7 days. They can include: Nausea and vomiting, Headache and dizziness, Sweating, Feelings of anxiety or mood swings, Insomnia. If you are deprescribing from experiencing adverse effects, however, you may need to reduce your dosage faster or cease usage immediately.

Benadryl is safe to treat allergy symptoms at all stages of pregnancy. Should these symptoms last longer than a few days or even worsen, however, consult your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.

Taking Benadryl should be avoided while breastfeeding. The most common side effect of Benadryl is drowsiness and therefore lack of coordination if taken by the parent, which in turn could pose a threat to the baby. Moreover, traces of Benadryl can be passed along to the baby in the breast milk and cause colic-like symptoms and drowsiness; ultimately disrupting feeding and sleeping schedules. Inform your baby’s pediatrician if they show signs of a reaction.