Benadryl Allergy Decongestant Side Effects, Uses, Dosage drug information

Generic Name: diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine
Brands: Actifed Allergy Day/Night, Benadryl Allergy Decongestant, Benylin Multi-Symptom

What is the most important information I should know about Benadryl Allergy Decongestant?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Benadryl Allergy Decongestant may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Benadryl Allergy Decongestant.

· Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, talk to your doctor.

What is Benadryl Allergy Decongestant?

· Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine. It prevents sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and nose; and other symptoms of allergies and hay fever.

· Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. It constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins and arteries). This reduces the blood flow to certain areas, which decreases swelling and allows nasal and respiratory (breathing) passages to open up.

· Benadryl Allergy Decongestant is used to treat nasal congestion and sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) associated with allergies, hay fever, and the common cold.

· Benadryl Allergy Decongestant may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take Benadryl Allergy Decongestant?

· Do not take Benadryl Allergy Decongestant if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A very dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have ·kidney or liver disease, ·diabetes, ·glaucoma, ·any type of heart disease or high blood pressure, ·thyroid disease, ·emphysema or chronic bronchitis, or ·difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.

· You may not be able to take Benadryl Allergy Decongestant, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Benadryl Allergy Decongestant is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

· This medication passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

· If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Benadryl Allergy Decongestant. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

· Consult your doctor or pharmacist before treating a child with this medication. Children are much more susceptible than adults to the effects of medicines and may have unusual reactions. Read the package label for directions for use in children. Do not use this medication for children if it is not recommended.

How should I take Benadryl Allergy Decongestant?

· Take Benadryl Allergy Decongestant exactly as directed. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· Do not crush, chew, or break the long-acting or sustained-release forms of this medication. Swallow them whole. If you are unsure about the formulation of your medicine, ask your pharmacist for help. If you cannot swallow the tablets or capsules, look for a liquid form of this medication.

· To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid forms of dipenhydramine and pseudoephedrine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

· Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. Take a maximum of one tablet every 12 hours. An overdose of this medication can cause serious harm.

· Do not take Benadryl Allergy Decongestant for longer than 7 days in a row. If your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you have a fever, talk to your doctor.

· Store Benadryl Allergy Decongestant at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a Benadryl Allergy Decongestant overdose include a dry mouth, large pupils, flushing, nausea, and vomiting.

What should I avoid while taking Benadryl Allergy Decongestant?

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Benadryl Allergy Decongestant.

What are the possible side effects of Benadryl Allergy Decongestant?

· Serious side effects are unlikely to occur. Stop taking Benadryl Allergy Decongestant and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Benadryl Allergy Decongestant and talk to your doctor or try another similar medication if you experience ·dry eyes, nose, and mouth; ·drowsiness or dizziness; ·blurred vision; ·difficulty urinating; or ·excitation in children.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Benadryl Allergy Decongestant?

· Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, or sleep aids while taking Benadryl Allergy Decongestant unless you pharmacist or doctor approves. Other medications may also contain diphenhydramine, pseudoephedrine, or other similar drugs. You may accidentally overdose.

· Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other medications that you are taking, especially antidepressants, tranquilizers (anxiety medications), sedatives (sleeping pills), and blood pressure pills.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Benadryl Allergy Decongestant. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Benadryl Allergy Decongestant written for health professionals that you may read.

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Benadryl Allergy Decongestant