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Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride is a first-generation (sedating) antihistamine indicated for the following uses and more.

Forms:Syrup

About Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride

Indications of Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride

Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride is a first-generation (sedating) antihistamine indicated for the following uses, classified by strength of evidence:

Established / Approved Uses

  • Allergic symptoms: Temporary relief of symptoms associated with seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis and other upper respiratory allergies, including sneezing, rhinorrhea, itching of the nose or throat, and itchy, watery eyes.
  • Urticaria and pruritus: Relief of allergic skin reactions such as hives (urticaria) and itching.
  • Motion sickness: Prevention and treatment of nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness.
  • Occasional insomnia: Short-term (OTC) use as a nighttime sleep aid for the relief of occasional sleeplessness.
  • Antitussive: Temporary relief of cough due to minor throat and airway irritation associated with the common cold (as an ingredient in some cough/cold combination products).

Guideline-Supported Adjunct Use

  • Anaphylaxis and acute allergic reactions: Used as an adjunct to epinephrine (the primary, first-line treatment) to relieve histamine-mediated cutaneous symptoms such as urticaria and pruritus. Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride is not a substitute for epinephrine in anaphylaxis.

Off-Label Use

  • Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride is sometimes used off-label as an adjunct in the management of drug-induced (extrapyramidal) reactions, such as acute dystonic reactions, under medical supervision.

Dosage & Administration of Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride

Dosage of Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride should be individualized based on indication, age, and response to therapy. The following is general guidance; a physician's advice should be followed for individual patients.

Allergic Symptoms / Urticaria (Oral)

Age GroupDose
Adults and children ≥ 12 years25-50 mg every 4-6 hours as needed; maximum 300 mg/day
Children 6-11 years12.5-25 mg every 4-6 hours as needed; maximum 150 mg/day
Children under 6 yearsOnly under medical supervision; not recommended for self-medication

Occasional Insomnia (OTC Sleep Aid)

Adults and children 12 years and older: 50 mg orally at bedtime, as needed. Not intended for regular, chronic use; consult a physician if sleeplessness persists beyond 2 weeks.

Motion Sickness

Adults and children ≥ 12 years: 25-50 mg orally 30 minutes before travel/exposure to motion, and repeated before meals and at bedtime as needed. Children 6-11 years: 12.5-25 mg on the same schedule, under medical guidance.

Adjunct in Anaphylaxis / Allergic Reactions (Injectable)

Administered by a healthcare professional after epinephrine, by deep intramuscular or slow intravenous injection: Adults, 10-50 mg (up to 100 mg if required); maximum 400 mg/day. Pediatric dosing is weight-based (approximately 5 mg/kg/24 hours, divided doses, maximum 300 mg/day) and must be determined by the treating clinician.

Renal/Hepatic Impairment

No formal dose-adjustment guidelines are well established; however, caution and dose reduction or extended dosing intervals are advised in significant renal or hepatic impairment due to reduced clearance and increased risk of anticholinergic/CNS side effects, especially in the elderly.

Side Effects of Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride

Common and important side effects of Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride include:

  • Central nervous system: Sedation and drowsiness (most common), dizziness, impaired coordination, headache. Paradoxical CNS excitation (restlessness, insomnia, nervousness, tremor) may occur, particularly in children and the elderly.
  • Anticholinergic effects: Dry mouth, nose, and throat; blurred vision; urinary retention; constipation; thickened bronchial secretions.
  • Cardiovascular: Palpitations, tachycardia, hypotension (uncommon).
  • Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite.

Severe anticholinergic toxicity can occur with high doses or overdose (see Overdose Effects).

Contraindications of Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride

Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride is contraindicated in:

  • Known hypersensitivity to Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride or other antihistamines of the ethanolamine class.
  • Newborn or premature infants.
  • Patients currently taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI.
  • Narrow-angle glaucoma (due to anticholinergic effects that can raise intraocular pressure).
  • Symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy or bladder neck obstruction (due to anticholinergic effects that can worsen urinary retention).

Frequently Asked Questions about Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride

What is Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride used for?

Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride is used for temporary relief of allergy symptoms (such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes), hives and itching, motion sickness, and occasional sleeplessness. It is also used as an adjunct with epinephrine in the management of anaphylaxis and acute allergic reactions.

Can I take Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride every night for sleep?

No. Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride is intended only for occasional, short-term use as a sleep aid. It is not meant for regular or chronic use, and if sleeplessness continues for more than 2 weeks, a physician should be consulted.

Is it safe to drive after taking Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride?

No, it is not advisable. Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride commonly causes drowsiness and impaired coordination. You should avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing tasks requiring alertness until you know how Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride affects you, and you should avoid alcohol while taking it.

Can pregnant or breastfeeding women take Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride?

Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed, after weighing potential benefits against potential risks to the fetus, and use near term should generally be avoided. During breastfeeding, Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride passes into breast milk and may cause sedation or irritability in the infant, or reduce milk supply, so it should be used only if clearly needed and under medical advice. A physician should always be consulted before use in pregnancy or lactation.

Who should not take Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride?

Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride should not be used by people with a known hypersensitivity to it or related antihistamines, newborn or premature infants, people currently taking (or who recently stopped) monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), people with narrow-angle glaucoma, or people with symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy or bladder neck obstruction.

What should I do if I take too much Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride?

An overdose of Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride can cause serious effects such as severe drowsiness or, in children, agitation, hallucinations, fever, rapid heartbeat, and in severe cases seizures or coma. If overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services / a poison control center right away; do not attempt to treat it at home.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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