How long does it take for benadryl to make you tired


Diphenhydramine: drowsy (sedating) antihistamine - NHS

1. About diphenhydramine

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine medicine that relieves the symptoms of allergies. It's known as a drowsy (sedating) antihistamine and is more likely to make you feel sleepy than other antihistamines. It's used for:

  • short-term sleep problems (insomnia), including when a cough, cold or itching is keeping you awake at night
  • cough and cold symptoms
  • hay fever
  • eczema, hives (urticaria) and insect bites and stings

You can buy diphenhydramine from pharmacies and it is also available on prescription.

It comes as tablets and a liquid that you swallow. For skin allergies like hives or bites and stings it's also available as a cream. The cream is much less likely to make you feel sleepy than the tablets or liquid.

You can also buy it mixed with other medicines, such as levomenthol, paracetamol, pholcodine and pseudoephedrine, to treat cough and cold symptoms.

2. Key facts

  • To help you sleep, you'll usually take diphenhydramine 20 minutes before you go to bed. It normally takes about 30 minutes to work.
  • Common side effects include feeling sleepy, dizzy or unsteady on your feet. You may also have difficulty concentrating and have a dry mouth.
  • You can become dependent on diphenhydramine if you take it continuously for a period of time. It may also stop working as well. Speak to your doctor if you need to take it for more than 2 weeks.
  • Do not drink alcohol while taking diphenhydramine. Alcohol increases the risk of side effects.
  • When diphenhydramine is mixed with other medicines, brand names include Benylin Chesty Coughs, Benylin Children's Night Coughs, Covonia Night Time Formula, Panadol Night Pain and Unicough.

3. Who can and cannot take diphenhydramine

Diphenhydramine can be taken by most adults and young people aged 16 years and above. You can sometimes give diphenhydramine to children, depending on their age and their symptoms. Ask your pharmacist for advice.

Giving diphenhydramine to children

For cough and cold symptoms, you can give diphenhydramine tablets and liquid to children over the age of 6. For allergy symptoms, you can give it to children over 12. Check with your pharmacist or doctor to make sure a product is suitable for your child.

You can also use diphenhydramine cream on children for:

  • insect bites and stings
  • eczema
Warning for children

Do not give your child diphenhydramine to help them get to sleep. Diphenhydramine is only suitable for sleep problems in people aged 16 years and above.

Who may not be able to take diphenhydramine

Diphenhydramine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:

  • have ever had an allergic reaction to diphenhydramine or any other medicine
  • have lung problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or an illness that creates a lot of phlegm
  • have an eye problem called primary angle closure glaucoma
  • have a blockage in your stomach or gut
  • have kidney or liver problems
  • have problems peeing or emptying your bladder
  • have epilepsy or any other health problem that causes fits (seizures)
  • are due to have an allergy test – diphenhydramine can affect your results, so you may need to stop taking it a few days before your test – ask a pharmacist or your doctor for advice
  • are unable to have any alcohol – some liquid diphenhydramine products contain a small amount of alcohol, so check the ingredients and the packaging carefully

4.

How and when to take or use diphenhydramine

If you or your child have been prescribed diphenhydramine, follow your doctor's instructions about how and when to take it.

Only take or use diphenhydramine when you need it, for example if you're unable to sleep because you're worrying about something or your cold symptoms are keeping you awake.

If you've bought diphenhydramine or any medicine containing diphenhydramine from a pharmacy, follow the instructions that come with the packet, or ask a pharmacist for advice.

The instructions will be different depending on the type of medicine you buy, and the other medicines it's mixed with.

Dosage

If you're aged over 65, start with the lower dose, as you may be more likely to get side effects.

The usual dose depends on the type of diphenhydramine medicine you're taking, and why.

Dosage for short-term insomnia

Diphenhydramine comes as 25mg and 50mg tablets. You'll usually take 50mg, 20 minutes before you go to bed.

Dosage for cough and cold symptoms

Diphenhydramine comes mixed with other medicines to treat the symptoms of coughs and colds. It comes as tablets and as a liquid that you swallow. The usual dose depends on the type of medicine you're taking. Check the instructions on the packaging carefully, or ask your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure.

Dosage for hay fever and allergies

Diphenhydramine comes as 25mg and 50mg tablets. The usual dose is 25mg or 50mg, taken 3 or 4 times a day. Try to space your doses evenly throughout the day.

Dosage for insect bites, stings and eczema

Diphenhydramine comes as a cream which you use once or twice a day. You'll only need a small amount, enough for a thin layer.

How to take or use it

You can take diphenhydramine tablets and liquid with or without food.

How to take diphenhydramine tablets

Always take your diphenhydramine tablets with a drink of water. Swallow them whole. Do not chew them.

How to take diphenhydramine liquid

Liquid medicines containing diphenhydramine come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure the right dose. If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.

How to use diphenhydramine cream

With the cream, put a small amount onto the affected area and smooth it in gently. Do not use it on large areas of skin. Keep the cream away from your eyes, mouth and nose. Remember to wash your hands afterwards, unless you're treating your hands.

What if I forget to take or use it?

If you're taking diphenhydramine to help you sleep and you forget to take it by bedtime, skip your missed dose and start again the next evening.

If you're taking any other medicine containing diphenhydramine and forget to take a dose, take your medicine when you next need it to ease your symptoms.

Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.

If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

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 sick (nauseous)
  • get blurry eyesight
  • 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 111

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.

5. Side effects

Like all medicines, diphenhydramine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. However, you may be more likely to get them if you're over 65.

Common side effects

Common side effects happen in more than 1 in 100 people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away:

  • feeling sleepy, or drowsy, during the daytime
  • dry mouth
  • feeling dizzy or unsteady on your feet, or having difficulty concentrating

Diphenhydramine cream can sometimes make your rash worse. It may also make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Serious side effects

Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:

  • you have a fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
  • you feel any numbness or pins and needles
  • you feel confused or very restless

Immediate action required: Call 999 if:

  • you or child has had a seizure or fit
Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to diphenhydramine.

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

  • you get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
  • you're wheezing
  • you get tightness in the chest or throat
  • you have trouble breathing or talking
  • your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling

You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

Other side effects

These are not all the side effects of diphenhydramine. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

Information:

You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.

Visit Yellow Card for further information.

6. How to cope with side effects of diphenhydramine

What to do about:

  • feeling sleepy, or drowsy, during the daytime – 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 – chew sugar-free gum or suck sugar-free sweets.
  • feeling dizzy or unsteady on your feet, or difficulty concentrating – 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.

7. Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Diphenhydramine and pregnancy

While diphenhydramine can be used during pregnancy, it is not normally recommended. This is because of the side effects, which may be more significant during pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist other medicines, such as chlorphenamine, that may more suitable.

If you have difficulty sleeping while you're pregnant, your doctor or midwife may suggest ways to improve your sleep routine, like relaxing, and avoiding naps.

If you have a cough or cold, you can help to ease your symptoms by resting, drinking plenty of fluids and taking paracetamol.

Diphenhydramine and breastfeeding

If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take diphenhydramine while you're breastfeeding, but it's better to take occasional doses or only take it for a short time.

Diphenhydramine passes into breast milk in very small amounts. Although it's unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby, it is a drowsy antihistamine, so could make your baby sleepy.

If you're breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed, talk to your doctor. They may recommend similar antihistamines, called loratadine and cetirizine, that are more suitable while you're breastfeeding.

Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, midwife or health visitor if your baby is not feeding as well as usual, seems unusually sleepy, seems irritable, or if you have any other concerns about your baby.

Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:

  • trying to get pregnant
  • pregnant
  • breastfeeding

8. Cautions with other medicines

Some medicines can affect the way diphenhydramine works, and increase the chances of you having side effects. Check with your pharmacist or doctor if you're taking:

  • antidepressants, such as venlafaxine or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as phenelzine
  • metoprolol, a heart medicine
  • any medicine that makes you drowsy, gives you a dry mouth, or makes it difficult for you to pee – taking diphenhydramine might make these side effects worse

If you're taking a cough or cold remedy or a painkiller containing diphenhydramine, check carefully what the other ingredients are. For example, check whether it contains paracetamol. Ask your pharmacist for advice before you take this medicine together with any other painkillers or medicines.

Mixing diphenhydramine with herbal remedies and supplements

There might be a problem taking some herbal remedies and supplements alongside diphenhydramine, especially ones that cause side effects such as sleepiness, a dry mouth or making it difficult to pee.

Medicine safety

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements.

9. Common questions about diphenhydramine

How does diphenhydramine work?

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

How long does it take to work?

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.

How long can I take it for?

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.

Is diphenhydramine addictive?

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.

Follow the instructions that come with the medicine and only take diphenhydramine for a very short time, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Can I take more than one antihistamine at a time?

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

As well as taking a non-drowsy antihistamine during the day (such as fexofenadine, cetirizine or loratadine), your doctor may advise that you take a drowsy antihistamine at night if itching is making it difficult to sleep.

Do not take another drowsy antihistamine together with diphenhydramine. It will make you very tired and sleepy. Other drowsy antihistamines include chlorphenamine (Piriton), promethazine (Phenergan) and hydroxyzine (Atarax or Ucerax).

Important: Important

Do not take 2 antihistamines together unless you've been advised to by your doctor.

What's the difference between diphenhydramine and other antihistamines?

Diphenhydramine is known as a drowsy, or sedating, antihistamine as it makes you sleepy.

Non-drowsy antihistamines are less likely to have this effect. These include cetirizine, fexofenadine and loratadine.

Most people prefer to take a non-drowsy antihistamine as it's less likely to interfere with their everyday routine. You might choose to take a drowsy antihistamine, however, if you're having problems falling asleep, or if symptoms like itching or coughing are keeping you awake.

There is not enough information to say whether one antihistamine is better than another for treating allergies. You may need to try a few different medicines to find what works best for you. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're unsure.

How is it different to other cough and cold remedies?

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

Some cough and cold remedies claim to suppress your cough or stop you bringing up phlegm. Although some people find them helpful, they're not usually recommended. This is because there's little evidence that they're any more effective than simple home remedies, and they're not suitable for everyone.

Can I take it with painkillers?

Yes, you can take diphenhydramine together with painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

If you take diphenhydramine with painkillers that contain codeine (such as co-codamol) or other prescription painkillers, you may feel very tired and sleepy. Do not drive, ride a bike or operate machinery or tools if this happens to you.

It's important to check the packaging or label of your medicine carefully. This is because some diphenhydramine products already contain a painkiller. Do not take extra painkillers if this is the case, as there's a risk of overdose.

Speak to your pharmacist if you're not sure whether a medicine already contains a painkiller.

Can I drive or ride a bike with it?

Do not drive a car or ride a bike if diphenhydramine makes you sleepy during the day, gives you blurred vision or makes you feel dizzy, clumsy or unable to concentrate or make decisions. This may be more likely when you first start taking diphenhydramine but could happen at any time, for example when starting another medicine.

It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking diphenhydramine. GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving.

Will it affect my fertility?

There's no evidence to suggest that taking diphenhydramine reduces fertility in either men or women.

Will it affect my contraception?

Diphenhydramine does not affect any type of contraception including the combined pill and emergency contraception.

Can I drink alcohol with it?

Do not drink alcohol while you're taking diphenhydramine.

Alcohol and diphenhydramine together can make you sleep very deeply. You will not be able to breathe properly and you may have difficulty waking up.

Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?

You can eat normally while taking diphenhydramine.

However, do not drink alcohol. If you are taking diphenhydramine to help you sleep, you should also try not to drink anything that contains caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cola or energy drinks. Caffeine has the opposite effect to diphenhydramine on your body and can stop it working.

Does diphenhydramine make you put on weight?

There's no evidence that diphenhydramine makes you put on weight.

Can lifestyle changes help me sleep better?

There are a number of things you can try to help yourself have a good night's sleep:

  • set regular times for going to bed and waking up
  • relax before bedtime – try taking a warm bath or listening to calming music
  • use thick curtains or blinds, an eye mask and earplugs to stop you being woken up by light and noise
  • avoid caffeine, cigarettes or vapes, alcohol, heavy meals and exercise for a few hours before bedtime
  • do not watch TV or use phones, tablets or computers in bed, or before bedtime
  • do not nap during the day
  • make a list of your worries and any ideas for how to solve them before you go to bed – this can help you forget about them until the morning
Can lifestyle changes help with hay fever and other allergies?

If you have hay fever, it will help if you do not spend too much time outside when the pollen count is high.

Tips for when you're outside
  • Do not cut grass or walk on grass.
  • Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes.
  • Put Vaseline (petroleum jelly) around your nostrils to help trap pollen.
  • Shower and change your clothes after you've been outside to wash off pollen.
Tips for when you're inside
  • Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible.
  • Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth.
  • Do not keep fresh flowers in the house.
  • Do not smoke or be around smoke because it makes hay fever symptoms worse.

The best way to prevent any sort of allergic reaction is to avoid the substance that you're allergic to, if you can. There are some practical steps you can follow to help you avoid common allergens.

Should You Take Benadryl for Sleep? Is It Safe?

Medically reviewed by Mary Lucas, RN

Written by Our Editorial Team

Last updated 10/06/2020

From time to time, just about all of us will experience a night in which our bodies just won’t let us fall asleep at a normal time.

Dealing with insomnia, whether temporary or recurring, can be stressful. Not only is it frustrating to spend hour after hour in bed without being able to fall asleep, but the lack of sleep that occurs after a night of insomnia can zap your energy, focus and wellbeing.

To deal with occasional bouts of insomnia, many people turn to over-the-counter antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl®. 

Although antihistamines aren’t designed to treat insomnia, the drowsiness they induce may make it easier to fall asleep, making them a convenient now-and-then treatment option that most people already have inside their medicine cabinet.

Benadryl is a popular first-generation antihistamine that does cause drowsiness as a side effect, partly because it's less likely to affect the natural histamine produced by our brain.

That's where the association comes from — because of the tight association between antihistamines like Benadryl and drowsiness, it's a pretty common connection people experiencing light levels of insomnia make to help them curb their sleep problems.

However, they aren’t the best option for treating insomnia. 

Not only are they less effective than other sleep aids, but they may also be more likely to lower your sleep quality and cause certain side effects. 

Below, we’ve dug into the data behind how Benadryl and other antihistamines cause you to fall asleep easier. We’ve also listed a range of safer, healthier alternatives to Benadryl that can help you fall asleep if you’re prone to difficulty sleeping.

How Benadryl Makes Sleeping Easier

Benadryl is a type of medication called an antihistamine. It contains an active ingredient called diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine is an old, well-studied medication that first came onto the market in the 1940s and has been widely used in the decades since.

diphenhydramine is typically used to treat the effects of allergies. It’s also used for certain cold symptoms, motion sickness and, in some cases, as a treatment for sleep difficulties.

Diphenhydramine works by blocking the effects of histamine — a neurotransmitter responsible for numerous processes in the body.

Histamine mediates your body’s response to allergens by triggering an inflammatory response  in your body’s nasal mucosa. 

When you feel sick or have an allergic reaction, histamine’s effects on your body may cause you to develop a runny nose, itchy skin, watery eyes and other common allergy symptoms.

This is why Benadryl is often used to treat allergies and cold symptoms. By blocking the effects of histamine, it makes the symptoms of allergies or a cold less severe and easier to deal with.

Interestingly, histamine is also responsible for regulating your sleep-wake cycle. By binding to the brain’s h2 histamine receptors, medications containing diphenhydramine not only make it easier to deal with cold symptoms, but can also make you feel drowsy and ready to sleep.

Benadryl isn’t the only cold and allergy medication that contains diphenhydramine. 

You can also find diphenhydramine in a lot of other common medications, including Advil PM®, Midol PM®, Motrin PM®, Sudafed PE Day/Night Cold® and certain cough medicines.

Numerous studies of diphenhydramine show that it’s effective as an over-the-counter sleep aid for treating insomnia.

For example, a 1983 study found that people with mild to moderate insomnia fell asleep faster after using diphenhydramine compared to a placebo, and reported a higher level of restfulness, despite experiencing some side effects.

Another study from 1990 on psychiatric patients found that diphenhydramine improved sleep in people with insomnia when given at a range of doses, all without any symptoms suggestive of drug dependence.

In short, there’s a reasonable amount of scientific evidence showing that diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl and several other allergy medications, could make it easier to fall asleep if you’re prone to insomnia.

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Downsides of Using Benadryl for Sleep

Unfortunately, although diphenhydramine may be effective at inducing sleep, it has several side effects that make it a poor sleep aid overall.

First, diphenhydramine is only safe to use as a sleep aid in the short term. We’ve explained the reasoning behind this a little further down the page. 

Second, although diphenhydramine might make you feel drowsy and help you fall asleep faster, it often causes next-day drowsiness and a hangover-like feeling in the morning. This means that while you might fall asleep faster, you may wind up feeling worse the next day. 

Third, antihistamines like diphenhydramine may affect your sleep quality, meaning that although you might sleep for longer than you would without medication, you may not feel as refreshed as you should after getting a full night’s sleep.  

Fourth, your body can develop a tolerance to medications like diphenhydramine, even in just a few days. 

In a 2002 study, researchers found that although diphenhydramine 50mg worked well as a sleep aid for several days, after four days it was no more effective than a placebo.

Cognitive Effects of Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Even though Benadryl and other medications containing diphenhydramine are generally considered safe in the short term, there's some evidence that diphenhydramine could contribute to cognitive decline when used over the long term.

This side effect appears to be most common in the elderly. 

In a 2001 study, researchers found that elderly patients given diphenhydramine were more likely to show inattention, disorganized speech and altered consciousness than those not given the medication.

There’s also evidence that medications with anticholinergic effects like diphenhydramine may be linked to the development of dementia.

Safer, Better Alternatives to Benadryl for Sleep

There are numerous alternatives to Benadryl that can help you get a better night’s sleep. Some of these are over-the-counter treatments that you can buy online or from your drug store, while others are prescription medications.

Over-the-Counter Alternatives to Benadryl

One over-the-counter sleep aid that can be a helpful alternative to Benadryl is melatonin. It’s a hormone produced by your body to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Like diphenhydramine, it’s helpful as a short-term treatment if you find it difficult to fall or stay asleep.

Melatonin is a supplement rather than a medication, meaning you can purchase it without any prescription. It’s one of several ingredients in our Sleep Gummy Vitamins, which are designed for relief on occasional restless nights. 

Although study data is limited, melatonin also doesn’t seem to negatively affect deep sleep or sleep quality. 

We’ve dug into the science behind melatonin in more detail in our guide to using melatonin for sleep, which looks at how melatonin measures up next to other sleep aids. 

Beyond melatonin, there are numerous natural sleep aids that may help you to fall asleep and stay asleep easier.  

Overall, the science behind these products is mixed, although some appear to show promise. 

We’ve listed and compared these in our guide to natural sleep aids. 

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Prescription Sleep Medications

If you frequently suffer from insomnia, you may benefit from using a prescription medication to improve your sleep. Several prescription medications are available to treat insomnia, including newer medications that improve sleep without being habit-forming. Options include:

  • Doxepin. Originally designed as a treatment for depression, doxepin is also effective as a treatment for insomnia at low doses. As a non-habit forming medication, doxepin is an effective, safe alternative to both Benadryl and older sleeping pills.

    Studies of doxepin show that it can increase sleep duration and sleep quality, all without reducing deep sleep. 

  • Ramelteon. Ramelteon is a prescription medication that works by binding to the body’s melatonin receptors. It’s prescribed to treat sleep-onset insomnia — a form of insomnia that makes it difficult to fall asleep in a normal amount of time.

    Studies of ramelteon show that it’s effective at reducing sleep onset time in people with insomnia, without any significant habit-forming potential. 

  • Zolpidem (Ambien®). Well known and widely prescribed, zolpidem is a popular sleeping pill. Studies show that it’s highly effective at helping people with insomnia enjoy better sleep, albeit with some side effects.

    Like many other sleeping pills, zolpidem is intended for short-term use only, meaning it may not be the best choice if you have chronic insomnia.

Because these medications require a prescription, you’ll need to talk to a doctor before you can purchase or use any of them.

In Conclusion

Although antihistamines like Benadryl will make you feel sleepy, they’re not a great choice when it comes to treating insomnia. Not only can they affect your sleep quality, but they’ll also become less effective very quickly, meaning you may not notice any benefits if you use them often.

Instead of relying on Benadryl for sleep, consider talking to your doctor about using a safer and more effective medication. For mild insomnia, you can also consider an over-the-counter option such as melatonin or a herbal sleeping aid.

Finally, insomnia is often treatable by making changes to your habits and lifestyle. We’ve listed a variety of proven tactics that you can try to improve your sleep in our guide to science-backed ways to get better sleep. 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.

Diphenhydramine (Systemic) | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

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Provided by Lexicomp ® , this document contains all the information you need to know about this medicine, including indications, directions for use, side effects, and when your healthcare provider should be contacted.

Trade names: USA

Aler-Dryl [OTC]; Allergy Childrens [OTC]; Allergy Relief Childrens [OTC]; Allergy Relief [OTC]; Anti-Hist Allergy [OTC]; Aurodryl Allergy Childrens [OTC] [DSC]; Banophen [OTC]; Benadryl Allergy Childrens [OTC]; Benadryl Allergy Extra Str [OTC]; Benadryl Allergy Ultratabs [OTC]; Benadryl Allergy [OTC]; Complete Allergy Relief [OTC]; Di-Phen [DSC]; Diphen[DSC]; Diphen[OTC]; Diphenhist [OTC]; Genahist [OTC] [DSC]; Geri-Dryl [OTC]; GoodSense Sleep Aid [OTC]; M-Dryl [OTC]; Naramin [OTC]; Nighttime Sleep Aid [OTC]; Nytol Maximum Strength [OTC] [DSC]; Nytol [OTC] [DSC]; Ormir [OTC] [DSC]; PediaCare Children's Allergy [OTC]; Pharbedryl [OTC]; Siladryl Allergy [OTC]; Simply Sleep [OTC]; Sleep Tabs [OTC] Tetra-Formula Nighttime Sleep [OTC] [DSC]; Total Allergy Medicine [OTC]; Total Allergy [OTC]; Vanamine PD [OTC] [DSC]; ZzzQuil [OTC]

Trade names: Canada

Diphenist

What is this drug used for?

  • Used to relieve cough.
  • Used to relieve symptoms of allergies.
  • Used for motion sickness.
  • Used to treat symptoms such as Parkinson's disease caused by other health problems.
  • Used to treat sleep disorders.

What should I tell my doctor BEFORE taking this drug?

  • If you are allergic to this drug, any of its ingredients, other drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor about your allergies and how they have manifested.
  • If the patient is a premature baby or newborn. Do not give this form of drug to a premature or newborn baby.

This list of drugs and conditions that may interact with this drug is not exhaustive.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines you take (both prescription and over-the-counter, natural products and vitamins) and any health problems you have. You need to make sure that this drug is safe for your conditions and in combination with other drugs you are already taking. Do not start or stop taking any drug or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.

What do I need to know or do while taking this drug?

All editions:

  • Tell all your health care workers that you are taking this drug. These are doctors, nurses, pharmacists and dentists.
  • Do not take higher doses than prescribed by your doctor. Taking more than the prescribed amount of the drug increases the risk of serious side effects.
  • Do not take this drug for longer than the length of time your doctor tells you to.
  • Avoid driving and other demanding activities until you see how this drug affects you.
  • Do not use with other products containing diphenhydramine.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this drug.
  • Talk to your doctor before using marijuana, other forms of cannabis, or prescription or over-the-counter drugs that can slow you down.
  • If you are 60 years of age or older, take this drug with caution. You may experience more side effects.
  • If the patient is a child, use this drug with caution. Children may have a higher risk of some side effects.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. The benefits and risks for you and your child will need to be discussed.

Sleep disorders:

  • This drug is not for use in children under 12 years of age. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits of this drug outweigh the risks. If your child has received this drug, ask your doctor about the benefits and risks. If you have any questions about how to give this drug to a child, talk with your doctor.

All other dosage forms:

  • Different brands of this drug may be for use in children of different ages. Talk to your doctor before giving this drug to a child.
  • Do not use for sleep disorders in children. Consult your doctor.

What side effects should I report to my doctor immediately?

WARNING. In rare cases, this drug can cause serious and sometimes deadly side effects in some patients. Call your doctor right away or get medical help if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that could be associated with serious side effects:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, hives, itching, red and swollen skin with blisters or peeling, possibly associated with fever, wheezing or wheezing, chest or throat tightness, difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, unusual hoarseness , swelling in the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat.
  • Severe dizziness or fainting.
  • Balance change.
  • Decreased attention.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

Any medicine can have side effects. However, for many people, side effects are either minor or non-existent. Contact your doctor or seek medical help if these or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

  • Feeling dizzy or drowsy.
  • Thickening of the mucous membrane of the nose or throat.
  • Nervous tension and agitation.
  • Nausea or vomiting.

This list of possible side effects is not exhaustive. If you have any questions about side effects, please contact your doctor. Talk to your doctor about side effects.

You can report side effects to the National Health Board.

You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You can also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What is the best way to take this drug?

Use this drug as directed by your doctor. Read all the information provided to you. Strictly follow all instructions.

All oral preparations:

  • Take with or without food. Take with food if medicine causes nausea.

Preparations for the treatment of sleep disorders:

  • Take this drug at bedtime.

Chewable and oral disintegrating tablets:

  • Should be chewed thoroughly or allowed to dissolve in the mouth.
  • If you have phenylketonuria, talk to your doctor. Some foods contain phenylalanine.

Chewables.

  • Place the oral strip on your tongue and let it dissolve.

All liquid formulations:

  • Care should be taken when measuring liquid doses. Use the dispenser that comes with the medication. If the dispenser is not provided in the package, ask the pharmacist for a dosing agent for this drug.
  • If you have phenylketonuria, talk to your doctor. Some foods contain phenylalanine.

Liquid (suspension):

  • Shake well before use.

Injection:

  • For intramuscular or intravenous injection.
  • This drug may cause tissue damage when injected into the skin or into fatty tissue under the skin. Consult your doctor.

What should I do if I miss a dose of a drug?

Drugs for the treatment of sleep disorders:

  • This drug should be taken as needed. Do not take the drug more often than prescribed by your doctor.

All other oral preparations:

  • If you take this medicine regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you can.
  • If it is time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose and then return to your regular dosing schedule.
  • Do not take 2 doses or an additional dose at the same time.
  • In most cases, this drug is used as needed. Do not take the drug more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Injection:

  • Consult a doctor for further instructions.

How do I store and/or discard this drug?

All oral preparations:

  • Store at room temperature, protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in the bathroom.

All liquid formulations:

  • Do not freeze.

Liquid (suspension):

  • Throw away any unused servings after 8 weeks.

Injection:

  • If you need to store this drug at home, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for storage conditions.

All editions:

  • Keep all medicines in a safe place. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Dispose of unused or expired drugs. Do not empty into a toilet or sewer unless instructed to do so. If you have any questions about disposing of medicines, ask your pharmacist. Drug disposal programs may be in place in your area.

General information about drugs

  • If your health does not improve or even worsens, call your doctor.
  • Do not give your medicine to anyone or take other people's medicine.
  • Some medicines may come with other patient information sheets. If you have questions about this drug, talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
  • Some medicines may come with other patient information sheets. Check with your pharmacist. If you have questions about this drug, talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
  • If you think you have overdosed, call a poison control center or get medical attention right away. Be prepared to tell or show what drug you took, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Use of Information and Limitation of Liability

This summary information includes a summary of the diagnosis, treatment, and/or drug product. It is not intended to be a comprehensive source of data and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or evaluate potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a particular patient. It should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a physician based on a medical examination and assessment of the patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients should consult with their physician for full information about their health, medical issues, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding the use of medications. This information is not a guarantee that a treatment or drug is safe, effective, or approved for a particular patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its subsidiaries disclaim any warranties or liabilities related to this information or its use. The use of this information is subject to the Terms of Use found at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

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Date last updated

Organization and certification of specialists with secondary medical and pharmaceutical education

Distance learning

Professional retraining

Vocational training

Master classes

Teachers of teachers, educators

Teaching of the population

November 14 - World Combat Day


October 8 - World Hospital and Palliative Assistance


June 19 June - Day - June 19 - Day - Day - Day Medical worker


Congratulation of the governor of the Rostov region on the Day of the medical worker


June 12 - Day of Russia


June 1 - International Children's Day

Specialist certificate is a document of a single sample confirming the compliance of a specialist's training with state educational standards.

Certificate specialist is issued on the basis of postgraduate professional education (postgraduate studies, residency), or additional education (advanced training, specialization), or a screening test conducted by commissions of professional medical and pharmaceutical associations, on the theory and practice of the chosen specialty, issues of legislation in the field of public health.

The obligation of each practitioner to have a certificate is defined in article 100 of the Federal Law of November 21, 2011. N 323-FZ "On the basics of protection Health of Citizens in the Russian Federation"

Federal Law of November 21 2011 Final provisions

1. Before January 1, 2016:

1) persons who have received a higher or secondary medical education in the Russian Federation in accordance with federal state educational standards and have a specialist certificate have the right to carry out medical activities in the Russian Federation;

2) persons who have received a higher or secondary pharmaceutical education in the Russian Federation in accordance with federal state educational standards and have a specialist certificate, as well as persons who have the right to engaging in medical activities and having received additional professional education in the retail trade in medicines, provided they work in rural settlements where there are no pharmacy organizations, separate divisions of medical organizations (outpatient clinics, feldsher and feldsher-obstetric stations, centers (departments) general medical (family) practice) licensed to carry out pharmaceutical activities;

3) persons who have received medical or pharmaceutical education and have not worked in their specialty for more than five years may be admitted to medical or pharmaceutical activity in accordance with the specialty received after completing additional professional education programs (professional retraining) and if they have specialist certificate;

2.


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