Diphenhydramine
(Di-fen-HI-dra-meen)
What is Diphenhydramine?
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl") is a medication used to help relieve itchiness related to allergic reactions or allergies. It is also used for motion sickness, sleeplessness, and nausea. It is available as a tablet, capsule, liquid, topical cream and topical spray.
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Special Instructions
- Check with your child's physician or pharmacist before using any other prescription, or over-the-counter medications.
- This medication is available without a prescription.
- Diphenhydramine should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, stomach ulcers, urinary tract obstruction and hyperthyroidism. If your child has any of these conditions, check with your child's doctor before using diphenhydramine.
- Do not apply cream or spray to large areas of the body or to open wounds, especially in young children.
- Avoid excessive sunlight. Use sunscreen.
- If this medicine upsets your child's stomach, give with food.
- Do not use after the expiration date on the bottle/package.
- If too much medication is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222, or call your child's doctor immediately.
- Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
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If a dose is missed
For any medication information related to your child's dosing schedule and/or missed doses, contact the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication.
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Side Effects
Call your child's doctor if the following effects continue or are bothersome:
- Sleepiness
- Nervousness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Upset stomach
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Warning Signs
Call your child's physician immediately if any of the following symptoms occur:
- Rash
- Extreme sleepiness
- Inability to urinate
- Bleeding
- Tremor
- Difficulty breathing
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Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
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PEP 5082 V 3/01
Rev. 9/05, 8/07
