For children, the lethal dose is 500 milligrams (mg). Studies have found that diphenhydramine toxicity is dose-dependent, meaning the effects of the drug change as the dose changes. If you have a single-dose form of this medication (such as a single-use whistle), you do not need to measure the dose. Unisom is approved for helping relieve occasional sleeplessness. (For information about Benadryls recommended dosages, see the Benadryl dosage section above.). For hay fever or other respiratory allergies, you typically take oral Benadryl every 4 to 6 hours. Benadryl and Claritin are both brand-name, over-the-counter products. Always read and follow the directions on the labels and consult with your healthcare providers or pharmacists if you have concerns or questions. It can also interact with certain supplements. Second-generation antihistamines are often called nonsedating antihistamines because theyre less likely to cause sleepiness than first-generation antihistamines. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. In addition, taking Benadryl long term might increase the risk of dementia such as Alzheimers disease, especially in older adults. Zyrtec is approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Benadryl and Claritin have some similar side effects, and some that differ. Benadryl can help people with occasional sleeplessness to fall asleep. There are no known interactions between Benadryl and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Benadryl can cause mild or serious side effects. These products include: Oral, over-the-counter Benadryl products are approved to treat some symptoms of the common cold. Its available as a dietary supplement. Diphenhydramine is widely distributed throughout the body, including the CNS . Your doctor can also recommend the most appropriate dosage of Benadryl to treat a baby if necessary. Tips. The lethal dose of diphenhydramine has been estimated to be 20 to 40 mg/kg for adults. Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut. Fill out the form below for: Let us walk you through the treatment process. Second-generation antihistamines are often called nonsedating antihistamines because theyre less likely to cause sleepiness than first-generation antihistamines. Benadryl is available in many different forms, including: Oral Benadryl products are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours. No Benadryl or diphenhydramine product is available as a topical lotion or as eye drops. Each tablet contains 25 milligrams (mg) diphenhydramine and 220 mg naproxen. Benadryl and Zyrtec are both brand-name over-the-counter products. We respect your privacy. Benadryl is not approved for use in dogs. Severe symptoms include delirium, psychosis, seizures, coma, and death. Diphenhydramine or any medications containing it should not be used by adults age 65 or older unless directed by a healthcare provider. Available for Android and iOS devices. Over-the-counter Benadryl is available in many different forms. A person may use medications to relieve seasonal allergy symptoms. The generic name of Benadryl is diphenhydramine. The effects of Benadryl last from four to six hours. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take diphenhydramine if you have other medical conditions, especially: blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines); bladder obstruction or other urination problems; asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing disorder; cough with mucus, or cough caused by smoking, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis; if you take potassium (Cytra, Epiklor, K-Lyte, K-Phos, Kaon, Klor-Con, Polycitra, Urocit-K). For instance, one study found that Benadryl caused sleepiness on the first day people took it. Learn more here. Allegra and other second-generation antihistamines are usually preferred. Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine. 5. Second-generation antihistamines include: You may wonder how Benadryl compares to other medications prescribed for similar uses. There is very little scientific research about the long-term effects of Benadryl. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use diphenhydramine only for the indication prescribed. After the patient received an i.v. These products often contain diphenhydramine (an ingredient in Benadryl) or other antihistamines combined with other ingredients. Diphenhydramine Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments - Drugs.com What is the max dose of diphenhydramine for adults? Get Help Now Examples include: Your Benadryl dosage will depend on several factors. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Diphenhydramine is a nonaddictive sleep aid. Benadryl can interact with several other medications. Serious side effects, which should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider, include: Hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia are side effects that involve blood cells. The following list contains some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Benadryl. What Is A Lethal Dose Of Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)? Although its effective for decreasing symptoms of seasonal allergies, Benadryl isnt often used for this purpose. Throw away liquid suspension after eight weeks due to potential instability. All rights reserved. It is not known whether diphenhydramine will harm an unborn baby. 100% confidential & free. Acetaminophen and diphenhydramine is not for use in anyone younger than 12 years old. Second-generation antihistamines are often called nonsedating antihistamines because theyre less likely to cause sleepiness than first-generation antihistamines. These side effects are more common in older adults. Call 911 or your local poison center and they will guide you in what to do next. Below are examples of these side effects. Select a condition to view a list of medication options. Your doctor may want to evaluate your babys symptoms. I still see shit. Benadryl is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to Benadryl or any of its components. Massive diphenhydramine overdose resulting in death - PubMed To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Some of the non-life-threatening signs of overdose include: An overdose on Benadryl can cause a number of more serious and potentially fatal health risks. Do not use more Benadryl than your recommended dosage. When used over time, Benadryl continues to work to relieve symptoms of hay fever or allergies, runny nose, hives, and other conditions. Excessive humidity should be avoided. Claritin is approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies. Measure liquid forms of this medication using a special measuring device/spoon. Gently pat dry. If you have these symptoms, call 911 or go to an emergency room for treatment. TL;DR I tried to kill my self with DPH, took the most Diphenhydramine anybody has ever taken ever and lived (that i know of) 2-3 times the lethal dose of 1.5-2.5 mg depending on weight, and didn't die. Symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, rapid pulse, shortness of breath, bleeding, and/or bruising. The chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before being swallowed. Taking too much diphenhydramine can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or death. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that can cause life-threatening complications in the setting of overdoses. This medication may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. What is too much? Kathleen Gaines, MSN, RN, CBC, is a nurse and health journalist, as well as an adjunct clinical faculty member at hospitals in the Philadelphia area. Its involved in regulating the wake-sleep cycle of the body. What to know about the best medications for seasonal allergies, Top 5 natural antihistamines for allergies, the type of condition youre using Benadryl to treat, memory problems and dementia (especially in older adults), orally disintegrating tablets (rapid melt tablets), orally disintegrating tablets (dissolve tabs), orally disintegrating tablets (meltable tablets), orally disintegrating tablets (SleepMelts), orally dissolving tablets (fast-dissolving tablets). This side effect may go away after 3 to 4 days of daily use. If youre not sure which product is right for you, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Is is safe to use diphenhydramine for sleep every night? Clinical Toxicology. Benadryl blocks some of the effects of histamine and decreases some of the symptoms it causes. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. For instance, you may have trouble driving. If you have symptoms that dont go away, call your doctor. A diphenhydramine overdose is not always fatal. Benadryl can cause constipation, especially if you use it regularly. Diphenhydramine is most commonly used to treat allergic symptoms caused by histamine release. Theyre effective for this use, but theyre not usually a first-choice treatment because of side effects such as sleepiness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. This is because of the risk of side effects such as sleepiness. Diphenhydramine is one of the first-generation antihistamines, which are known to be sedating. Although its not approved for this purpose, some people take Benadryl to help improve their sleep. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. Histamine can cause symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, itchy watery eyes, itchy skin, or hives. To prevent motion sickness, take your dose 30 minutes before starting activity such as travel. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Do not use this product to treat cold symptoms in children younger than 6 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. These medications include: To learn more about allergies, you can refer to our asthma and allergies hub. Diphenhydramine is taken as needed, but do not take more than the maximum recommended dose. Some side effects that may occur with long-term use include: Talk to your doctor about how often you have allergy symptoms. Peak concentrations occur in 2 to 4 hours. However, in rare cases, the drug may cause hypotension, or decreased blood pressure. Using Benadryl in babies can increase the risk of serious side effects such as: Before giving Benadryl to your baby, talk with your doctor. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Allegra is also available in many different forms, including: Allegra products are taken once or twice daily. This messenger causes symptoms such as inflammation, edema (swelling), itchiness, and runny nose. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? You can ask your pharmacist or doctor to recommend nondrowsy alternatives to Benadryl. Do not double the dose to catch up. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. The rapidly-dissolving tablet or strip should be allowed to dissolve on the tongue and then swallowed, with or without water. Additionally . All listed dosages are according to the drug manufacturer. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. An expectorant is a product that loosens mucus in your respiratory tract so you can cough it up. Its not intended to be used to treat ongoing or long-term insomnia. This is due to a risk of eye disease in the newborn. If you have symptoms of anxiety, talk with your doctor about medications that are a better choice for treating your symptoms. Your body can develop a tolerance to some of the effects of Benadryl. Read the dosing instructions carefully for each product because the amount of diphenhydramine may be different between products. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Heat rash usually goes away on its own without treatment. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Continue taking diphenhydramine with meals and at bedtime for the rest of the time you will be in a motion-sickness situation. However, this effect will wear off after a few days of using the product. Examples of these medications include: Xanax (alprazolam) is a type of drug called a benzodiazepine, which can cause sleepiness. However, in children, oral Benadryl can sometimes cause unexpected side effects such as: Because of the risk of dangerous side effects in children, over-the-counter oral Benadryl products are only approved for use in children 6 years of age and older. For trouble sleeping caused by minor aches and pains, and to help you fall asleep and stay asleep: Adults and children 12 years of age and older2 tablets taken at bedtime. The maximum oral dose of diphenhydramine for adults is generally reported as 100mg for a single dose or no more than 300mg in 24 hours, but this can vary depending on what condition diphenhydramine is being used for, the salt of diphenhydramine used (there are two salts available in the US diphenhydramine citrate and diphenhydramine chloride), the age of the person, how much diphenhydramine they have tolerated before, and if they are on any interacting medications. Allergens and environmental factors can trigger an outbreak of hives. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Don't use alcohol when you have diphenhydramine in your system. Over-the-counter Benadryl products arent approved to treat symptoms of eczema. Seasonal allergies are also called hayfever or allergic rhinitis. We are here to provide assistance in locating an Ark Behavioral Health treatment center that may meet your treatment needs. It is also used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting and dizziness caused by motion sickness. If you believe you have a medical emergency, you should immediately call 911. Antihistamines can ease a persons allergy symptoms. If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact at info@addictionresouce.net. They may recommend other treatment options. Read about causes, diagnosis, and more. Diphenhydramine is most commonly used to treat allergic symptoms caused by histamine release. Melatonin is also available in different forms, including: Melatonin is usually taken once daily at bedtime. Oral Benadryl products are approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies, and symptoms of the common cold, such as sneezing and runny nose. These symptoms include rash, itching, watery eyes, itchy eyes /nose/throat, cough, runny. For treatment of severe allergic reactions during pregnancy, injected diphenhydramine is often considered the first-choice treatment. Benadryl is metabolized hepatically. Benadryl and Allegra are both effective for reducing symptoms of hay fever and other allergies and for treating hives or itchy skin. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (such as asthma, emphysema), high pressure in the eye (glaucoma), heart problems, high blood pressure, liver disease, seizures, stomach/intestine problems (such as ulcers, blockage), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), difficulty urinating (for example, due to enlarged prostate). Acetaminophen and diphenhydramine - Drugs.com Taking Xanax with Benadryl can increase your risk of excessive sleepiness. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens. Palmer RB, Reynolds KM, Banner W, et al. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an over-the-counter (OTC) oral medication that's commonly used to treat allergies, common cold symptoms, and itching. It can cause skin reactions, digestive symptoms, and breathing difficulties. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are planning to use marijuana. This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department. The following information is provided for clinicians and other healthcare professionals. Benadryl is an over-the-counter antihistamine thats used to help relieve symptoms of hay fever, other allergies, and the common cold, as well as itchy skin caused by insect bites, hives, and other causes. These products include: These products are approved for occasional use to help relieve sleeplessness. Both Benadryl and Allegra are over-the-counter medications. It works by blocking. For more information on the possible side effects of Benadryl or tips on how to deal with a troubling side effect, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. diphenhydramine 12.5 mg/5 mL oral liquid | Kaiser Permanente Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of this type of medicine. Benadryl and melatonin have some similar side effects, and some that differ. Because anticholinergic drugs and Benadryl work in the same way, taking them together can increase the risk of side effects. Taking these with Benadryl can increase the risk of excessive sleepiness. Older adults, children under age 16 and pregnant women should avoid taking diphenhydramine, as the risks to these groups may outweigh the benefits. They can also recommend the most appropriate medication and dosage if treatment is needed. Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker, Elimination Diet for Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Challenges of Living With Eosinophilic Esophagitis, a type of movement disorder called parkinsonism, extrapyramidal symptoms as a result of taking the medication, inflammation of the nose due to an allergy, a significant type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, FDA Labeling for diphenhydramine HCl on RxList. A person who overdoses on Benadryl can develop anticholinergic symptoms (caused by drugs that block the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine), seizures, and coma. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergy, hay fever, and the common cold. If you experience hallucinations while taking Benadryl, dont take any more of the medication. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. No, Benadryl isnt an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). An analysis of clinical research found that antihistamines such as Benadryl can slightly decrease these symptoms in adults. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. uncontrollable movements of your tongue. This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. Examples of the other medications in these groups are listed below. If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. However, diphenhydramine, the main ingredient contained in most Benadryl products, is contained in other products that help improve sleep. Examples of these drugs include: Many medications can cause sleepiness. Fun stuff, never do it. * Both Benadryl and Zyrtec can cause sleepiness, but its more common in people who take Benadryl. . Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. Diphenhydramine is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other cold or allergy symptoms. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication. Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine. Medically reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD. Allergic Reaction. Oral Benadryl products should not be taken more than six times each day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Benadryl products that you apply to the skin (such as the cream, gel, or spray) are only approved for use in children 2 years of age and older. If youre pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking Benadryl. Below is a list of medications that can interact with Benadryl. This helpline is answered by Ark Behavioral Health, an addiction treatment provider with treatment facilities in Massachusetts and Ohio. Call this national hotline number to locate your local poison control center: 1-800-222-1222. Diphenhydramine: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Precautions - Verywell Health Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following: Over-the-counter Benadryl is approved for temporary or short-term use and is not intended for long-term use. Your doctor may want to evaluate your childs symptoms. Some topical, over-the-counter Benadryl products are approved for treating pain and itchy skin caused by poison ivy. Benadryl comes in many different forms and is available by prescription and over the counter. Diphenhydramine can also be used to help you relax and fall asleep.This medication works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction. Melatonin usually costs more than Benadryl. Zyrtec is also available in many different forms, including: Zyrtec products are usually taken once daily. However, one Unisom product contains a similar drug, doxylamine. Your doctor may want to evaluate the babys symptoms. Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine. Diphenhydramine Uses, Dosage & Side Effects - Drugs.com Some products (such as long-acting tablets/capsules) are not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years. Both of these products have store-brand versions. show all 27 brands In mild cases, patients may experience anticholinergic toxidrome. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & Reviews - GoodRx Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Diphenhydramine, which is available as an over-the-counter medication, is a first-generation antihistamine that is used in a variety of conditions to treat and prevent dystonias, insomnia, pruritis, urticaria, vertigo, and motion sickness. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 3 July 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 10 July 2023), ASHP (updated 10 July 2023) and others. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Benadryl products arent approved for use in babies (see warning above). Examples of these supplements include: As with all medications, the costs of Benadryl products can vary. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, these products arent recommended to treat ongoing or long-term insomnia. Tripped balls for a day and a half. Since Benadryl can cause sleepiness, some people may feel that it causes them to relax. The medicine is also taken to help treat or prevent insomnia or motion sickness. These medications include: Benadryl is an antihistamine. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Diphenhydramine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Newer, second-generation antihistamines are usually preferred over oral Benadryl for treating these symptoms. The typical dose is 12.5 mg to 25 mg by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Taking too much diphenhydramine can be fatal. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose. Benadryl and Allegra are both brand-name, over-the-counter products. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as restlessness, confusion), difficulty urinating, fast/irregular heartbeat. Take your next dose at the regular time. By Kathleen Gaines, MSN, RN, CBC Diphenhydramine is also used to treat motion sickness, to induce sleep, and to treat certain symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine. You should not use diphenhydramine to make a child sleepy. Benadryl and Unisom are both brand-name over-the-counter products. Children 6 to 11 years: 12.5 to 25 mg . Others intentionally overdose to feel a high, although euphoria does not usually occur after taking Benadryl. Does Diphenhydramine Hcl interact with other drugs you are taking? Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Antihistamines are contained in many combination medicines. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly. For children ages 6 to 12 years, the maximum is 150 mg each day. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. These forms include: Prescription diphenhydramine, the ingredient in Benadryl, is also available as a solution for injection. Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine that blocks the effects of histamine, a chemical created by the immune system. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends not using Benadryl products to treat eczema. This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. The following information describes the most commonly used or recommended dosages. If you take Zoloft, talk with your doctor before taking Benadryl. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your product safely.These products do not cure or shorten the length of the common cold and may cause serious side effects. Benadryl isnt an effective treatment for anxiety. Runny nose. According to a 2008 clinical guideline, these products are not recommended to treat ongoing or long-term insomnia. Learn about side effects, warnings, and more. These dosages are suggested by the manufacturer:. Last updated on Sep 19, 2022. Benadryl is an antihistamine. As a sleep aid, take diphenhydramine within 30 minutes before bedtime. An increase in histamine release generally occurs when your immune system overreacts to allergens, such as pollen, pet dander, or a drug, especially in allergic reactions. When DPH is taken, it is quickly absorbed by the body, with maximum activity seen about 1 h after taking the medication. You should not use diphenhydramine to make a child sleepy. Taking too much Benadryl can increase your risk of side effects. Aggressive resuscitation including the use of physostigmine stabilized the cardiac rhythm; however, she suffered a severe neurologic deficit. Fatality secondary to massive overdose of dimenhydrinate Diphedryl, Diphenhist, Dytuss, Nytol QuickCaps, PediaCare Children's Allergy, Q-Dryl, QlearQuil Nightitme Allergy Relief, Quenalin, Scot-Tussin Allergy Relief Formula, Siladryl Allergy, Silphen Cough, Simply Sleep, Sleepinal, Sominex, Tranquil, Twilite, Unisom Sleepgels Maximum Strength, Valu-Dryl, Vanamine PD, Z-Sleep, ZzzQuil, plus many others. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a brand-name medication thats classified as an antihistamine. Store at room temperature and protected from light. Abstract A 19-year-old woman presented with status epilepticus and ventricular dysrhythmias less than one hour after ingesting 5,000 mg dimenhydrinate (Dramamine). Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Take the medication dosage as ordered by your medical provider or as indicated on the packaging. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. There are many brands and forms of diphenhydramine available. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Generic name: diphenhydramine [DYE-fen-HYE-dra-meen] Benadryl and Claritin are both effective for reducing symptoms of hay fever and other allergies, and for treating hives or itchy skin. This is due to side effects such as sleepiness. Antihistamines such as Benadryl or others should never be given to children under 4 years of age. If youre unsure what dosage to take, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Benadryl comes in many different forms, including: Oral Benadryl products are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours. These newer medications include: Benadryl is not meant to be used for treating anxiety. Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. The more common side effects of Benadryl include: Some of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. Store Benadryl at room temperature in its original container. Benadryl and Zyrtec have some similar side effects, and some that differ. No, Benadryl doesnt work as an expectorant. A fatal dose of diphenhydramine is about 20 to 40 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg).