Is Benadryl Good For Allergies

What Should I Know About Storage And Disposal Of This Medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture .

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location â one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

How Should This Medicine Be Used

Diphenhydramine comes as a tablet, a rapidly disintegrating tablet, a capsule, a liquid-filled capsule, a dissolving strip, powder, and a liquid to take by mouth. When diphenhydramine is used for the relief of allergies, cold, and cough symptoms, it is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours. When diphenhydramine is used to treat motion sickness, it is usually taken 30 minutes before departure and, if needed, before meals and at bedtime. When diphenhydramine is used to treat insomnia it is taken at bedtime . When diphenhydramine is used to treat abnormal movements, it is usually taken three times a day at first and then taken 4 times a day. Follow the directions on the package or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take diphenhydramine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor or directed on the label.

Diphenhydramine comes alone and in combination with pain relievers, fever reducers, and decongestants. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on which product is best for your symptoms. Check nonprescription cough and cold product labels carefully before using two or more products at the same time. These products may contain the same active ingredient and taking them together could cause you to receive an overdose. This is especially important if you will be giving cough and cold medications to a child.

Benadryl For Nausea Or Motion Sickness

Over-the-counter Benadryl products arent approved to treat symptoms of motion sickness. However, Benadryl is often used to treat these symptoms.

Benadryl is often effective for reducing symptoms of motion sickness, but it can cause sleepiness. Other medications are considered a first-choice treatment for people who need to relieve motion sickness but want to stay awake while traveling.

If you get symptoms of motion sickness, talk with your doctor about treatment options before you travel.

Also Check: Can You Take Benadryl With Zyrtec For Allergies

Can You Give Cats Benadryl

Perhaps at some point, your veterinarian has recommended Benadryl for one of your pets. Or maybe you have heard of someone using it for their cat, and youre wondering if you can safely give it to your kitty to make her a little sleepy before her next vet trip.

Benadryl is a name-brand medication whose primary active ingredient is diphenhydramine, an antihistamine. Although it is not specifically labeled for use in pets, it is commonly recommended and used by veterinarians off label.

Heres what you need to know about giving cats Benadryl.

Aspect Results Of Benadryl Whereas Utilizing For Allergy Remedy

In the event youre like so many people, youve an antagonistic relationship with seasonal allergy symptoms and allergy medicines like benadryl that you just use to alleviate the annoying and uncomfortable signs of allergy symptoms. Its bought by johnson & johnson and is used to alleviate allergy signs resembling sneezing, itching, runny nostril, rash, and hives. The brief time period use of oral cortisone can rapidly reverse the deep swelling and make you look.

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What Should I Do If I Forget A Dose

Diphenhydramine is usually taken as needed. If your doctor has told you to take diphenhydramine regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How To Cope With Side Effects Of Diphenhydramine

What to do about:

• feeling sleepy, or drowsy, during the daytime â drowsiness usually wears off 8 hours after a dose. Do not drive, ride a bike or use tools or machinery if you’re feeling this way.
• dry mouth â chew sugar-free gum or suck sugar-free sweets.
• feeling dizzy or unsteady on your feet, or difficulty concentrating â if diphenhydramine makes you feel this way, stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. If the feeling does not go away or is worrying you, do not take any more medicine and speak to a pharmacist or your doctor.

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How Should I Take Benadryl

Use Benadryl exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Cold or allergy medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

You should not use Benadryl to make a child sleepy.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

For motion sickness, take Benadryl 30 minutes before you will be in a situation that causes you motion sickness . Continue taking Benadryl with meals and at bedtime for the rest of the time you will be in a motion-sickness situation.

As a sleep aid, take Benadryl within 30 minutes before bedtime.

This medication can affect the results of allergy skin tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Benadryl.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Some Side Effects May Be Serious If You Experience Any Of The Following Symptoms Call Your Doctor Immediately:

• vision problems
• difficulty urinating or painful urination

Diphenhydramine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you experience any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone .

Recommended Reading: What Ingredients To Avoid With Gluten Allergy

What If I Take Or Use Too Much

Too much diphenhydramine can be dangerous.

If you’ve taken more than the usual dose you may:

• feel very sleepy
• feel your heart beating very fast

In serious cases you can become unconscious and may need emergency treatment in hospital.

Do not use diphenhydramine cream at the same time as other products containing diphenhydramine. This can lead to overdose.

Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice if:

• you take more than your prescribed dose of diphenhydramine

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call

If you need to go to A& E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.

Take the diphenhydramine packet or leaflet inside it plus any remaining medicine with you.

Which Antihistamine Is Best

The best antihistamine depends on each individual. Some people swear by Allegra, while others love Xyzal. Its really a matter of trial and error, based on how effective the medicine is for you and what kind of side effects you experience. Your healthcare provider can help you select an antihistamine to try.

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Can I Use Zyrtec Or Benadryl With Alcohol

No. You should avoid alcohol while taking these allergy medications. The combination can increase the risk of respiratory depression , which can be dangerous. It can also cause additive effects, worsening the side effects of the medication, and causing impairment.

If you drink alcohol and want to treat your allergies, a nasal spray is a better option. Your pharmacist can help you find an appropriate nasal spray.

Is Zyrtec Or Benadryl More Effective

There is very little data comparing the oral forms of Zyrtec and Benadryl. One study compared the two medications for food allergies. The study concluded that Zyrtec was similar to Benadryls effectiveness and took the same amount of time to start working. Zyrtec also had a longer duration of action .

A literature review of Benadryl compared to non-sedating antihistamines concluded that all antihistamines were similarly effective, but that the newer antihistamines, like Zyrtec, caused less sedation.

The Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology recommends that newer antihistamines like Zyrtec be used in favor of older antihistamines like Benadryl. The CSACI says that the newer antihistamines are safer, less-sedating, and more effective. They state that Benadryl is associated with significant side effects like sedation, poor sleep, and motor impairment, potentially leading to accidents and death, and should only be used as a last resort.

Because both Zyrtec and Benadryl are OTC, the most effective medication for you can be determined by trial and error to see which medication helps your symptoms while causing the least side effects. Your healthcare provider can guide you with product selection as well.

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Enjoy A Season Free From Uncomfortable Allergy Symptoms

Be an informed health care consumer. Know how your prescription choices impact your plans costs. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about cost alternatives for your prescriptions or OTC selections. If you have any questions pertaining to this article email the Network Health pharmacists at .

Looking to learn more about allergies and the medications we use to overcome their pesky, or even serious, symptoms? Be sure to check our other posts in this series including the following.

Is Benadryl Good For Allergic Reactions

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Is Benadryl the Best Option for Treating Allergic Reactions?

Dr. Dean Mitchell, Board Certiallergic-reactions-and-benadryl.jpgfied Allergist in NYC, discusses why Benadryl is not the best antihistamine for allergic reactions.

For so many years people have thought that they should take Benadryl for allergic reactions. Its common to get Benadryl in the ER when you are having an allergic reaction and when people go to the drugstore they think Benadryl is the best antihistamine to take to help alleviate their allergies.

Just because Benadryl is the oldest antihistamine doesnt make it the best one to use when you have an allergic reaction. In fact, I rarely recommend using Benadryl for allergic reactions.

Today, there are better choices when you have an allergic reaction such as Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec, and Sublingual Allergy Drops.

Benadryl vs Claritin

This is a non-sedating antihistamine which means it doesnt cross the blood-brain barrier so it doesnt make you tired. It also works quickly. In fact, today they have a Claritin ready-tab which you just put on your tongue and it works instantly. You can carry around these tabs in your wallet if you are prone to getting allergic reactions you cant predict.

Benadryl vs Allegra

Benadryl vs Zyrtec

Best Option Sublingual Allergy Drops

Dr. Dean Mitchell, M.D.Mitchell Medical Group in NYC & Long Island

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This Product Comprises One Energetic Ingredient Diphenhydramine Which Is An Antihistamine

Whereas theres no strategy to utterly get rid of allergens, understanding which of them have an effect on youll assist you to cut back them. Comply with these easy questions to assist determine which one you is perhaps affected by. Benadryl works very effectively for delicate to reasonable acute allergy symptoms.

Common Questions About Diphenhydramine

Diphenhydramine is a medicine called an antihistamine. It is classed as a drowsy antihistamine.

When you come into contact with something you’re allergic to, your body produces a chemical called histamine. This can cause symptoms such as a runny nose or skin rashes.

Diphenhydramine blocks the effects of histamine in your brain and this reduces symptoms. It enters the brain in large quantities and this can make you feel drowsy.

Diphenhydramine also blocks the effects of another chemical called acetylcholine. This can help a cough or runny nose but can also cause side effects such as a dry mouth and dry nose.

If you’re taking diphenhydramine for short-term sleep problems, it will start to make you feel drowsy around 20 to 30 minutes after you take it.

For coughs and colds, your symptoms will normally start to improve within 20 minutes.

The medicine should work for around 4 to 6 hours.

Only take diphenhydramine for a short time.

You can become dependent on it if you take it continuously for too long. To avoid this, follow the instructions that come with the medicine and only take diphenhydramine for a very short time, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

It is unlikely that you’ll become addicted to diphenhydramine but it’s best to only take it for a short time. You can become dependent on diphenhydramine if you take it continuously for too long.

If you have a severe itchy skin rash, your doctor may recommend taking 2 different antihistamines at the same time for a few days.

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Try A Melatonin Supplement

Your body naturally produces melatonin to help you get the restful sleep you need each night. When youre getting ready for bed, your body produces more to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. When you wake up, your body produces less to help you feel energized throughout the day.

If youre struggling to get a good nights sleep, if indicated, a melatonin supplement could give you the boost you need to sleep deeper and better.

Does Benadryl Cause Diarrhea

No, you shouldnt have diarrhea from taking Benadryl. In fact, Benadryl can cause constipation.

Some other medications used to treat allergy symptoms, such as Allegra Allergy , may cause diarrhea.

If you have diarrhea while taking Benadryl, talk with your doctor about what may be causing it.

Learn more about some of the side effects Benadryl may cause.

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Pregnancy And Breastfeeding While Taking Benadryl

Its usually safe to take Benadryl during pregnancy. Benadryl doesnt seem to increase the risk of fetal harm.

And taking small doses of Benadryl for a short time may be safe while breastfeeding.

But Benadryl does pass into breast milk, and it can also decrease milk supply.

If youre breastfeeding and you take high doses of Benadryl, it may increase your childs risk of side effects. This is also the case if you take the drug long term.

High doses or long-term use of Benadryl may also reduce your supply of breast milk.

If youre pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the safety of Benadryl treatment during pregnancy. Also talk with your doctor about this if youre breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.

Why Did Csaci Decide Benadryl Shouldnt Be Recommended

More than two years ago, CSACI put out a paper explaining that newer antihistamines are just as effective and safer than first-generation antihistamines such as Benadryl, and that they should always be recommended over older antihistamines.

CSACI says bilastine and cetirizine are among the newer antihistamines recommended.

The active ingredient in Benadryl sold in Canada is diphenhydramine, and its one of the oldest first-generation antihistamines, having been available for sale since 1946.

In the position statement, CSASI explained that older antihistamines are associated with more severe side effects than second and third generation antihistamines which became available in Canada starting in the 1980s and had to pass high-quality trials.

It is always preferred to use safer and more effective medications, CSACI told CTVNews.ca in an email. First generation antihistamines are significantly more likely to cause side effects, including sedation, poor sleep quality, and poor cognitive performance . In addition, overdoses of first generation antihistamines can cause severe toxicity.

Johnson & Johnson, the company that sells Benadryl in Canada, did not respond to a request for comment from CTVNews.ca.

In 2020, a TikTok challenge spurred some teenagers to take enough Benadryl to induce hallucinations, which resulted in several teens being rushed to hospital.

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Alcohol Use And Benadryl

You shouldnt drink alcohol while youre taking Benadryl. Alcohol can increase your risk of drowsiness or dizziness. It may also cause more serious side effects, such as trouble breathing or slowed breathing.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about other medications you can take to treat your cold or allergy symptoms.

Coverage And Cost Comparison Of Zyrtec Vs Benadryl

Because they are available over-the-counter, Zyrtec and Benadryl are not usually covered by insurance or Medicare Part D or Advantage plans. Some exceptions may apply.

A box of 30 tablets of 10 mg cetirizine costs about $12. A SingleCare card can bring the price down to about $5 if you have a doctors prescription.

A box of 24 tablets of 25 mg diphenhydramine costs about $9. A SingleCare card can drop the cost to approximately $4 if you have a prescription from a doctor.

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