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Home , Diphenhydramine

What is most important to remember? If you have questions: Strong Internal • Use diphenhydramine (®) as directed by your Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for doctor more information about diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) • You may get this medicine without a prescription. However, you should not start any new medicine, over-the-counter or herbal remedies without talking to your doctor

• Tell all doctors, dentists and pharmacists that you are using diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)

• Contact your doctor if your Strong Internal Medicine symptoms become worse or do 601 Elmwood Avenue not get better Ambulatory Care Facility, 5th Floor Rochester, NY 14642 Phone: (585) 275 -7424 Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®): Visit our website at: Important Patient Information www.urmc.rochester.edu/medicine/ - general-medicine/patientcare/

What does diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) do? Who should know I am taking diphenhydramine What are some things that I need to be aware of when

• It is an . It is used to treat symptoms of (Benadryl®)? taking diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)? “hay fever” and other . Symptoms include • Keep a list of all your (prescription, natural • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become sneezing, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) and pregnant, or are currently • It is also used to treat ; prevent and treat motion give it to your healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse • Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this practitioner, pharmacist, or physician assistant) sickness; and treat difficulty falling or staying asleep medicine if you are 65 years old or older Are there any interactions with other drugs that I need How should diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) be used? • Tell your doctor if you have taken or are currently taking to worry about? other diphenhydramine products, other medicines for • Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor • It has many interactions that may increase your colds, hay fever, or allergies; medications for , • Many times this medicine is taken on an as-needed risk of side effects depression, or ; muscle relaxants; basis • Do not start new prescriptions, over-the-counter medication for pain; , sleeping pills; and • When used for the relief of “hay fever” allergies, or cold medicines, or herbal and dietary supplements without tranquilizers symptoms it is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours telling your doctor • Talk with your doctor if you have any of the following • When used for it is usually taken 30 conditions: blockage of your bowels, an enlarged What side effects could occur with diphenhydramine minutes before travel, and if needed before meals and (Benadryl®)? prostate, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, at bedtime thyroid disease, or trouble passing • Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred eyesight, or • When used for difficulty falling or staying asleep it is a change in thinking clearly • This medicine may make you drowsy. Do not drive a taken at bedtime (30 minutes before planned ) car or operate machinery until you know how this • Avoid driving or tasks that call for you to be alert or medicine affects you have clear eyesight until you see how the drug affects you • Avoid beer, wine, mixed drinks, or other drugs and natural products that slow your actions while taking this • Dry mouth medicine • Hard stools (constipation) What should I do if I forget to take diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)? • Many times this drug is taken on an as-needed basis • If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal dose time If you have any of the following side effects, call your doctor or visit the emergency room immediately: • Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses • Tightness in the chest or throat • Swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat • Trouble breathing or talking • If you are unable to pass urine • Very bad or passing out • Feeling very weak or tired