Why should you not take diphenhydramine?
09-24-2020 FDA Drug Safety Communication The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning that taking higher than recommended doses of the common over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medicine diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or even death.
How much diphenhydramine can you take in a day?
For adults and teens, the diphenhydramine dosage is 25 to 50 mg every 4 to 6 hours. The maximum amount you should take in one day is 300 mg.
What are the long term effects of taking diphenhydramine?
Benadryl and some other antihistamine drugs can sometimes cause decreased memory, confusion, and trouble thinking. These side effects are more common in seniors. In addition, taking Benadryl long term might increase the risk of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease, especially in seniors.
What are the side effects of diphenhydramine?
In patients with Parkinson’s disease, diphenhydramine may be used to decrease stiffness and tremors. Also, the syrup form of diphenhydramine is used to relieve the cough due to colds or hay fever. In addition, since antihistamines may cause drowsiness as a side effect, some of them may be used to help people go to sleep.
How many milligrams of diphenhydramine should I take a day?
For diphenhydramine For oral dosage forms (capsules, tablets, or liquid): Adults—25 to 50 milligrams (mg) every four to six hours as needed. Children 4 years of age and older—1 to 1.5 mg per kg (0.45 to 0.7 mg per pound) of body weight every four to six hours as needed.
What is diphenhydramine syrup used for?
Also, the syrup form of diphenhydramine is used to relieve the cough due to colds or hay fever. In addition, since antihistamines may cause drowsiness as a side effect, some of them may be used to help people go to sleep.
What is the difference between Benadryl and diphenhydramine?
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Aleve PM, others). Diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine. Side effects might include daytime drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation and urinary retention. Doxylamine succinate (Unisom SleepTabs). Doxylamine is also a sedating antihistamine. Side effects are similar to those of diphenhydramine.