Diphenhydramine capsules or tablets [Insomnia]
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Diphenhydramine capsules or tablets [Insomnia]
What is this medicine?
DIPHENHYDRAMINE (dye fen HYE dra meen) is an antihistamine. This medicine is used to treat occasional sleeplesness.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
changes in vision
confused, agitated, or nervous
fast, irregular heartbeat
tremor
trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
constipation, diarrhea
drowsy
headache
loss of appetite
stomach upset, vomiting
thick mucus
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
alcohol
barbiturates like phenobarbital
medicines for bladder spasm like oxybutynin, tolterodine
medicines for blood pressure
medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
medicines for movement abnormalities or Parkinson's disease
medicines for sleep
other medicines for cold, cough, or allergy
some medicines for the stomach like chlordiazepoxide, dicyclomine
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep container closed tightly. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
glaucoma
high blood pressure or heart disease
liver disease
lung or breathing disease, like asthma
pain or trouble passing urine
prostate trouble
ulcers or other stomach problems
an unusual or allergic reaction to diphenhydramine, other medicines foods, dyes, or preservatives such as sulfites
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Updated:  
September 30, 2020