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Brand Name: Benadryl

Generic Name: diphenhydrAMINE

An anticholinergic antiparkinson agent - It is used to treat the symptoms of an allergic reaction

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What is this medicine?

Benadryl (dye fen HYE dra meen) is an antihistamine. It is used to treat the symptoms of an allergic reaction. It is also used to treat Parkinson's disease. This medicine is also used to prevent and to treat motion sickness and as a nighttime sleep aid.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

asthma or lung disease
glaucoma
high blood pressure or heart disease
liver disease
pain or difficulty 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

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. To prevent motion sickness start taking this medicine 30 to 60 minutes before you leave.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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.

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

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve 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.

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All visitors to AARP.org should seek expert medical care and consult their own physicians for any specific health issues. Read this disclaimer in its entirety.

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Note: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have question about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

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