What To Expect At The Emergency Room
Take the container to the hospital with you, if possible.
The health care provider will measure and monitor the person’s vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.
Tests that may done include:
- Blood and urine tests
- Fluids through a vein
- Medicines to treat symptoms or reverse the effects of the overdose
- Activated charcoal
- Breathing support, including a tube through the mouth into the lungs and connected to a breathing machine
When Diphenhydramine Use Is Too Much
It is generally recommended that adults and children over the age of 12 take between 25 milligrams to 50 mg or one to two capsules of Benadryl per day. The half-life of diphenhydramine is not fully known. However, it has been estimated to range between 2.4 and 9.3 hours in healthy adults.
When users exceed the recommended dosage, it can lead to a build-up of diphenhydramine. This can lead to users experiencing acute poisoning, which can cause an overdose.
According to one study, subjects who ingested more than 300 mg of diphenhydramine, experienced agitation, confusion, hallucinations, and cardiovascular disturbances. When use approached 1,000 milligrams, subjects experienced severe medical events such as delirium/psychosis, seizures, and coma.
How Is A Severe Or Life
- Anticonvulsants are given to stop seizures that may be caused by a medicine overdose.
- Sedatives may help keep your child calm and relaxed if he or she is upset or agitated .
- Vasopressors help constrict the blood vessels and increase your child’s blood pressure. These may be needed if the medicine overdose caused your child’s blood pressure to go lower than it should.
- A ventilator is a machine that helps your child breathe. An endotracheal tube is put into your child’s mouth or nose and attached to the ventilator. He or she may need a trach if an ET tube cannot be placed. A trach is a tube put through an incision in your child’s neck and into his or her windpipe.
- A liver transplant may be needed if your child’s liver is badly damaged by a medicine overdose. This is surgery to replace your child’s damaged liver with a healthy donor liver.
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Can You Combine Allergy Nasal Sprays
I would suggest topical nasal steroids, assuming they dont have a contraindication, says Dr. Gels. Those are nasal sprays. Flonase, Nasacort, and Rhinocort are available over the counter.
He continues, However, if itchy eyes are the patients main issue, a topical antihistamine is better. Some choices include Ketotifen over the counter, or a prescription like Olopatadine .
You should avoid nasal decongestant sprays such as oxymetazoline unless absolutely needed. Even then, do not use Afrin for more than use three to five days. These drugs cause rebound congestion and are addictive.
Can You Overdose On Antihistamines
The simple answer to this question is yes, an antihistamine overdose is possible, and can lead to numerous adverse side effects. It is also important to note that when these drugs are taken with other drugs, such as alcohol or antidepressants, then the results can be dangerous as well as unpredictable. Although the drugs are commonly available without the need for prescription, precaution should always be exercised, and you should only take the drug as directed.
Antihistamine Overdose Symptoms
Although overdosing is rarely fatal, it can, as mentioned, produce adverse side effects. Some common side effects of an antihistamine overdose include:
In more extreme cases, more serious symptoms may ensue, such as:
- Abnormal heart rate
If you suspect that an overdose of the drug has occurred, then you should seek emergency medical attention. It is important to note that some of the side effects pertaining to an overdose are also relatable to the side effects that you may experience simply from consuming the drug. The best way to avoid any potential problems is to ensure that you never exceed the suggested dose.
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How Can I Soothe My Dogs Itchy Skin
Oatmeal is an age-old remedy for our dry, itchy skin that happens to be safe for use on our canine friends, too! In fact, most doggie hypoallergenic shampoos include oatmeal as an active ingredient to soothe and fight irritation. Start by grinding plain oatmeal into a powder to sprinkle in your dogs warm bath.
Can You Overdose On Over
While rare, people do overdose on common over-the-counter medications like Tylenol , Advil , and cough/cold medicines.1,3 People may take excessive amounts of what they assume to be safe drugs like Tylenol, not knowing that taking too much can result in very serious overdose effects.4,5 Sadly, some may use these drugs with the intention of harming themselves, for instance young people who have little or no access to other drugs. According to The Journal of Adolescent Health, acetaminophen and ibuprofen are the 2 most commonly ingested medications in adolescent suicide attempts via overdose.3
Some over-the-counter medicines have intoxicating effects when misused, and those seeking the high from these medicationsoften by taking much higher than recommended dosesmay be at risk of accidentally overdosing. This is true of cough and cold medications containing dextromethorphan, or DXMa cough suppressant and dissociative drug that can cause euphoria, a feeling of detachment from oneself, and hallucinations.6 People have consumed excessive amounts of DXM-containing cough syrup, for example Robitussin DM, in an attempt to get high. In fact, the abuse of DXM-containing medicines results in more than 6,000 ER visits every year in the United States.7
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Symptoms Of Antihistamine Overdose
When taken regularly, antihistamines reduce the symptoms of these conditions and make it possible for people to live normal, productive lives. But when people stop taking antihistamines, they experience a withdrawal reaction. This occurs because the body has become dependent on the medication and will experience withdrawal symptoms when its no longer present.
The most common signs and symptoms of antihistamine overdose are:
- Respiratory problems, such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing
People who take antihistamines for a long time can develop an allergic reaction that results in these symptoms.
In most cases, the symptoms of an antihistamine overdose will go away on their own once the person stops taking the medication. However, the symptoms may be more severe in some cases and require medical attention. In these cases, the best treatment is to reduce the dosage of the offending medication as soon as possible and consult a medical professional. Also, drinking plenty of water can help to reduce the adverse side effects of antihistamine withdrawal.
Alternatively, the person should be taken off of the drug and then institute a regime of antihistamine withdrawal. This should be done under the close supervision of a medical professional, as it is not uncommon for people to experience a relapse following antihistamine withdrawal.
Common Side Effects Of Antihistamine
Over-the-counter antihistamines come with a variety of different side effects. Some of the less common side effects of antihistamines include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating . Some of the antihistamines more common side effects include headache, fatigue, dry eyes, and itching. Some antihistamines have been known to cause hallucinations, delusions, and trouble sleeping in extreme cases.
People who take antihistamines regularly may build up a tolerance to the drug, which means they need to take higher and higher doses to get the same effect. This can lead to addiction. Antihistamines are often addictive because they work by blocking histamine receptors.
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Allergy Meds In Street Opioids Make Overdoses More Deadly
A new study is sounding the alarm about the addition of antihistamines to street forms of opioidsand how they might make a fatal overdose more likely.
The prime drug in question is diphenhydramine, found commonly in over-the-counter allergy meds such as Benadryl.
Because opioid use can spur itchy skin in people who misuse the drugs, diphenhydramine is often mixed into street formulations to curb that symptom.
However, diphenhydramine is also very sedating. So when a person overdoses on an opioid, the addition of diphenhydramine makes the “rescue” drug naloxone less effective, warns a team from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In fact, “nearly 15% of overdose deaths during 2019-2020 were antihistamine-positive,” said researchers led by Amanda Dinwiddie. She’s with the CDC’s Division of Overdose Prevention at the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.
The new study tracked data collected from 43 states on fatal drug overdoses for 2019-2020.
“A death was defined as antihistamine-positive if any antihistamine was detected on postmortem toxicology or was listed as a cause of death on the death certificate,” the researchers explained.
Of the more than 92,000 drug overdose deaths recorded during the study period, over 13,500 were antihistamine-positive . A subset of 3,345 fatal overdoses listed an antihistamine as a partial cause of the victim’s death.
If that extra help isn’t available, the risk of an overdose becoming fatal rises.
Explore further
What Is The Generic For Claritin
The generic for Claritin® is loratadine. Loratadine is one of the newer second antihistamines that are non-sedating. People use it to treat sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other cold or allergy symptoms.
Other antihistamines like loratadine that do not usually cause drowsiness include cetirizine and fexofenadine . First-generation antihistamines include chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine .
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Can Someone Overdose On Claritin
Yes, someone can overdose on Claritin® . When taking Claritin®, do not go over the recommended dosage. Do not take another dose before the instructions say to do so. Read the instructions on the box carefully, and ask your doctor if you have any questions about how to take this medication. Common symptoms of overdosing on Claritin® may include drowsiness, headaches, and fast pounding heart rate.
For any questions or concerns you may have about taking Claritin® or if someone has had more than the prescribed dosage, . Specially trained nurses and pharmacists are available 24/7/365 to answer your questions. The service is free and confidential.
When To See A Doctor
Some side effects of taking antihistamines can mimic symptoms of an overdose. These include mild nausea, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
These symptoms dont usually require medical treatment, and may subside as your body adjusts to the medication. Even so, check with a doctor if you have side effects. You may need to reduce your dosage or take a different medication.
The difference between a side effect and an overdose is the severity of symptoms. Severe symptoms like rapid heart rate, tightness in the chest, or convulsions require a visit to the emergency room.
Antihistamines are safe when used properly. Here are some tips to avoid ingesting too much:
- Dont take two different types of antihistamines simultaneously.
- Dont take more than the recommended dosage.
- Dont double up on doses.
- Keep drugs out of reach of children.
- Dont take two doses too close together.
Make sure you read labels carefully. Some antihistamines can interact with other drugs you take. If you dont know whether its safe to combine an antihistamine with another medication, speak with a doctor or pharmacist.
Be mindful that some antihistamines include other ingredients like a decongestant. If you take these types of antihistamines, its important that you dont take a separate decongestant.
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Can You Overdose On Claritin
Over 50 million people in the US suffer from allergies due to pollen, dust, foods, and drugs. With springtime in full force, Claritin®, also known as loratadine, is a popular antihistamine that is a common household medication. Claritin® has been available on the market since 1993 and is one of the most popular antihistamines today. But is it possible for someone to overdose on Claritin®? The short answer is, yes, it is possible to overdose on Claritin®.
How Vets Treat Benadryl Overdose In Dogs
If your veterinarian is concerned that your dog may have overdosed on Benadryl, they will recommend that your dog be seen in person immediately. It is important to have your dog seen as soon as possible, as your veterinarian can safely induce vomiting to try to get any undigested Benadryl out of their stomach.
Do not attempt pumping your dogs stomach at home unless specifically advised by your veterinarian. Do not use hydrogen peroxide, which people often use at home to get their dog to vomit. It can lead to ulceration of the stomach and esophagus. Also, if hydrogen peroxide is aspirated , it can cause serious damage to the lungs.
If Benadryl overdose is suspected, most dogs will need IV fluids and 24/7 monitoring of their vital signs until they are stable. Symptoms may be treated as they arise if your dog is in a veterinary clinic or hospital. If treated in time, dogs who have overdosed on Benadryl tend to have an excellent outcome, but time is of the essence.
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What Will Happen If You Overdose On Allergy Medicine
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What Can Parents And Caregivers Do To Help
There are a few things you can do as the adult in the house to help prevent an overdose from diphenhydramine and all other drugs that may be in your home.
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Can I Give My Dog Benadryl For Allergies
Benadryl, or diphenhydramine, is an antihistamine that helps relieve the symptoms of allergies in both humans and animals. It can also be used to relieve the symptoms of motion sickness if a dog needs to be transported long distances. For most dogs, the appropriate dosage of Benadryl is perfectly safe.
Can You Overdose On Benadryl
Overdosing on an allergy medication does more than just cause sleepiness. There are other potentially dangerous consequences.
Though over the counter, one can overdose on Benadryl, says Felice Gersh, MD, a board-certified OB-GYN and integrative medicine and founder/director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, in California.
While Benadryl is an antihistamine, in the body, histamine acts as a neurotransmitter, or a body chemical messenger, for the brain, spinal cord, and uterus. Specifically, in the brain, histamine works to promote wakefulness and suppress rapid eye movement sleep, which occurs the first 90 minutes after falling asleep. REM occurs several times in cycles during sleep with normal sleep architecture.
That is why an overdose has so many manifestations, says Dr. Gersh, including dangerously low blood pressure, difficulty urinating, and major brain effects.
Philip Bretsky, MD, a board-certified internist and primary care doctor at Santa Monica Primary Care in California, explains that Benadryl is in a class of medication that blocks the effects of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter has receptors all over the body, including the brain and spinal cord, as well as areas including the heart, intestines, and lungs. It signals muscle movement, increases body secretions, dilates blood vessels, and slows heart rate.
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Overdosing On An Antihistamine
Antihistamines are a group of drugs often used to treat allergy related conditions. Although the drugs often do not cure the condition, they work to provide relief to those who take them by lessening the intensity of the symptoms they experience. The drugs are used in the treatment of numerous allergic conditions, such as hay fever, allergic skin conditions , allergic reactions resulting from a bite/sting, amongst others. As the drugs are so widely used, one may ask the question can an antihistamine overdose cause harm to an individual? This article will aim to answer that question, and more.
Behind The Benadryl Challenge And Why Its Harmful
Teenagers are no strangers to taking on challenges. However, there is a challenge thats sweeping across social media networks, and has the potential to be deadly. The Benadryl Challenge has been made popular on TikTok, urging viewers to take large doses in some cases as much as 10 times the normal dose of the drug diphenhydramine in order to give the user hallucinations or a trip.
We talked to Frank Cunningham, M.D., director of the Pediatric Emergency Department at JFK University Medical Center to learn why the Benadryl Challenge is so harmful and things you can do as a caregiver to help.
Dr. Cunningham says that diphenhydramine, known more commonly by the brand name Benadryl, is an antihistamine and is commonly used in the treatment of allergies. The dose of Benadryl that kids are taking to hallucinate is very close to the dose that could be life-threatening.
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Not Paying Attention To Medications
I had a lot on my mind that morning. My son was chatting with me. I had just given him his allergy medicine. And like the week before, when I had run out of my allergy tablets, I poured some children’s allergy medicine for me. I forgot that I had bought more of my medicine and had already taken my usual dose.
Benadryl Overdose In Dogs
Always contact your veterinarian before administering any medication or supplement to your pet, including Benadryl. If your dog is showing signs of an acute allergic reaction , call your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic, as this can result in anaphylaxis, which is an emergency.
One of the most common questions veterinarians get during warmer months is whether dogs can take the antihistamine Benadryl and whether it will help with things like bee stings, insect bites, or itchiness. It is also sometimes used for things like car sickness and anxiety, although there are more effective prescription medications for these conditions, which you can discuss with your veterinarian.
While Benadryl is generally considered a safe medication for pets, there can be unexpected side effects, and it is important that your dog receive the appropriate dose. You should always ask your veterinarian about the correct dose for your dog before administering this medication.
Even though its relatively safe, is it possible for dogs to overdose on Benadryl? Heres some important info on Benadryl overdose in dogs and possible negative side effects even at appropriate dosages.
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