Diphenhydramine Side Effects, Rules of Use, and Dosage – Diphenhydramine is a drug used to relieve allergic reactions in the body, such as red eyes, irritation, itching, and watering; sneezing, as well as colds. In addition, the drug can also be used to:
- Relieves cough caused mild throat irritation or respiratory tract.
- Prevent and treat travel hangovers.
- Controlling symptoms in Parkinson’s disease, i.e. Difficulty in moving, controlling muscles, and maintaining balance; or to address complaints of movement disorders caused by side effects of a treatment.
Diphenhydramine is sometimes used to treat short-term insomnia, but its benefits and risks are still questionable. Even regular consumption of diphenhydramine to cope with insomnia can decrease sleep quality, as well as cause daytime drowsiness.
Diphenhydramine is a class of antihistamine drugs. The drug works by stopping or blocking the action of histamine, a natural chemical in the body that causes allergic symptoms.
Rules of use of medicine
Follow the doctor’s advice and prescription in advance.
Tablets, capsules, syrups, and infusions can be administered simultaneously with or without food. Liquids such as syrup should fit a special measure / size with the spoon provided. This type of tablet and a soluble form of the drug can be directly swallowed without water.
Don’t wait for the pain to get worse.
Diphenhydramine dosage
The information provided is no substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.
How is the dose of diphenhydramine for older persons?
Here is a dose of diphenhydramine for older persons:
Older persons doses for extrapyramidal symptoms
- Parenteral: 10-50 mg IV or IM as needed. It can be increased to 100 mg if needed. The daily maximum dose is 400 mg.
- Oral: 25-50 mg taken every 6-8 hours.
Older persons dosages for insomnia
- 25-50 mg taken before bedtime.
Older persons doses for travel hangovers
- Parenteral: 10-50 mg IV or IM as needed. It can be increased to 100 mg if needed. The daily maximum dose is 400 mg.
- Oral: 25-50 mg taken every 6-8 hours. Give an initial dose 30 minutes before exposure to movement and repeat before meals and before travel.
Older person’s dosage for coughing
- 25 mg is taken every 4 hours as needed, no more than 150 mg per day.
Older persons doses for flu symptoms
- 25-50 mg is taken every 4-6 hours as needed, no more than 300 mg/24 hours.
Older person’s dosage for itching
- 25-50 mg is taken every 4-6 hours as needed, no more than 300 mg/24 hours.
Older persons dose for urticaria (hives)
- 25-50 mg is taken every 4-6 hours as needed, no more than 300 mg/24 hours.
How is the dose of diphenhydramine for children?
Here is a dose of diphenhydramine for children:
Child dose for allergic rhinitis
- ≥ 2 to less than 6 years: 6.25 mg is taken every 4-6 hours, no more than 37.5 mg/24 hours.
- ≥ 6 to less than 12 years of age: 12.5-25 mg is taken every 4-6 hours, no more than 150 mg/24 hours.
- ≥ 12 years: 25-50 mg taken every 4-6 hours, no more than 300 mg/24 hours.
Child dosage for flu symptoms
- ≥ 2 to less than 6 years of age: 6.25 mg is taken every 4-6 hours, no more than 37.5 mg/24 hours.
- ≥ 6 to less than 12 years of age: 12.5-25 mg is taken every 4-6 hours, no more than 150 mg/24 hours.
- ≥ 12 years: 25-50 mg is drunk every 4-6 hours, no more than 300 mg/24 hours.
Child dosage for travel hangovers
- ≥ 2 to less than 6 years of age: 6.25 mg is taken every 4-6 hours, no more than 37.5 mg/24 hours.
- ≥ 6 to less than 12 years of age: 12.5-25 mg taken every 4-6 hours, no more than 150 mg/24hours.
- ≥ 12 years: 25-50 mg is drunk every 4-6 hours, no more than 300 mg/24 hours.
Child dosage for insomnia
- ≥ 12 years: 25-50 mg taken before bed.
Child dosage for coughing
- ≥ 2 to less than 6 years of age: 6.25 mg is taken every 4 hours, no more than 37.5 mg/24 hours.
- ≥ 6 to less than 12 years of age: 12.5 mg is taken every 4 hours, no more than 75 mg/24 hours.
- ≥ 12 years: 25 mg is taken every 4 hours, no more than 150 mg/24 hours.
Child dosage for extrapyramidal symptoms
- Dystonic reactions: 1-2 mg/kg (max: 50 mg) IV or IM [Pediatric Advanced Life Support].
Child dosage for allergic reactions
- 1-12 years: 5 mg/kg/day or 150 mg/m2/day administered orally, IM or IV, or equivalent to a divided dose every 6-8 hours, no more than 300 mg/24 hours.
- Acute hypersensitivity reactions: 1-2 mg/kg IV or IM (max: 50 mg) [Advanced Pediatric Life Support]
Diphenhydramine Side Effects
Diphenhydramine Side Effects occur if the recommended drug is taken excessively, if taken excessively should be directly treated by the medical.
Side effects that can occur as a result of using this drug are:
- Sleepy
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
If the symptoms above persist or worsen, contact your doctor or medical professional immediately.
Rare but serious Diphenhydramine Side Effects, such as:
- Severe allergic reactions (hives, redness, and swelling of the face, tongue, and throat)
- Mental changes (restlessness and confusion)
- Difficulty urinating
- Irregular heartbeat
- Contact your doctor if the side effects don’t disappear or get worse.
Drug Interactions
The diphenhydramine drug can provide additional effects or additives when consumed in conjunction with central nervous system activity suppressants such as hypnotic group drugs, sedation, sedatives and tricyclic antidepressants (Tricyclic antidepressants / TCAs).
Diphenhydramine may prolong the work of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). This drug can amplify the effects of anticholinergic drugs such as atropine. The diphenhydramine drug should not be taken with alco**hol.
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