Why do you take benadryl

If you use Benadryl for two weeks or longer, your body can start to become dependent on it. A typical dosage for adults and children ages 12 and older is one to two tablets every four to six hours.

For example, some research has shown the medicine may help obsessive compulsive disorder OCD and general anxiety. Health Topics. Health Tools. Benadryl Diphenhydramine. Generic Name: Diphenhydramine. Reviewed: November 17, It may help relieve: Watery, itchy, red, or irritated eyes Runny nose Sneezing Hives Itching The medicine is also taken to help treat or prevent insomnia or motion sickness. You should not use diphenhydramine if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had: an enlarged prostate or urination problems; asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD , or other breathing disorder; glaucoma; or a thyroid disorder. Side Effects. Side Effects What are the side effects of Benadryl Diphenhydramine? Stop using diphenhydramine and call your doctor at once if you have: severe drowsiness; or painful or difficult urination. Side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and confusion may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects may include: drowsiness; dry eyes, blurred vision; dry mouth, nose, or throat; decreased urination; constipation; feeling restless or excited especially in children ; or day-time drowsiness or "hangover" feeling after night-time use.

Based on FDA pregnancy categories. The only way to know if your child will react this way is by giving it to them. Not really. If your child is having difficulty sleeping, it is very important to discuss possible reasons with their doctor. If your child is itching so much from eczema or other causes, then antihistamines may be helpful to calm this down so they can rest, but we can still use 2 nd generation options instead of older medications.

Not at all. This can create problems not only in the eyes, nose and throat but throughout the rest of the body as well. Improvement in a runny nose during a cold is not due to the anti-histamine properties of the medication. There are many reasons why these medications may no longer offer benefit.

If you have weight gain while taking Benadryl, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about other medication options. Benadryl can cause constipation, especially when used regularly. If you have constipation, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about other medication options instead of Benadryl. Because it can make you very sleepy, Benadryl can impair your ability to drive.

Because of the risk of dangerous side effects in children, over-the-counter oral Benadryl products are only approved for use in children 6 years of age and older. The Food and Drug Administration FDA recommends that cough and cold products not be used in children under 2 years of age due to the risk of dangerous side effects, including sudden infant death.

These products often contain diphenhydramine generic Benadryl or other antihistamines, combined with other ingredients. Before giving oral Benadryl to children under 6 years, or cough and cold products to children under 2 years, talk with your doctor. They can also recommend the most appropriate medication and dosage if treatment is needed.

Over-the-counter oral Benadryl products are only approved for use in children ages 6 years and older. Benadryl products that are applied to the skin such as the cream, gel, or spray are only approved for use in children 2 years of age and older. Before giving Benadryl to your baby, talk with your doctor. If they decide that treatment with Benadryl is needed, your doctor can also recommend the most appropriate dosage of the drug. But if your symptoms are severe, call or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Over-the-counter Benadryl is available in many different forms. Some are oral taken by mouth , and others are topical applied to the skin. Forms include:. Store brands that contain diphenhydramine, the same ingredient in Benadryl, are available in other forms.

These forms include:. No Benadryl or diphenhydramine product is available as a topical lotion or as eye drops. Benadryl may be safe for short-term use during pregnancy in some situations.

For treatment of severe allergic reactions during pregnancy, injected diphenhydramine is often considered the first-choice treatment. Diphenhydramine is the ingredient contained in Benadryl. This is due to a risk of eye disease in the newborn. Your doctor may want to evaluate your symptoms to determine the safest treatment. Taking Benadryl occasionally during breastfeeding is likely safe. However, taking Benadryl regularly or in large doses may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed.

It may also reduce your milk supply. Antihistamines that cause less sleepiness are usually preferred over oral Benadryl while breastfeeding. Benadryl is an antihistamine. There are several other antihistamines that can be used as alternatives. The first-generation antihistamines usually cause more sleepiness and other side effects than the second-generation antihistamines. Benadryl contains diphenhydramine, a first-generation antihistamine.

Examples of the other medications in these groups are listed below. You may wonder how Benadryl compares to other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Below are comparisons between Benadryl and several medications. Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine. Claritin loratadine is a newer, second-generation antihistamine.

Oral Benadryl products are approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies, and symptoms of the common cold such as sneezing and runny nose. Benadryl products that are topical applied to the skin are approved for decreasing pain and itchy skin caused by things such as hives and insect bites. Oral Benadryl products are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours. Topical products are typically used up to 4 times daily. Claritin tablets, liquid-filled capsules, and syrup are taken once daily.

The orally disintegrating tablets are used either once daily or twice daily. Benadryl and Claritin have some similar side effects, and some that differ. Below are examples of these side effects. Benadryl and Claritin are both effective for reducing symptoms of hay fever and other allergies, and for treating hives or itchy skin. Benadryl and Claritin are both brand-name, over-the-counter products.

Claritin usually costs more than Benadryl. Both of these products have store-brand versions. Store brands are usually cheaper than the brand-name versions. Zyrtec cetirizine is a newer, second-generation antihistamine.

Benadryl products that are topical applied to the skin are approved for decreasing pain and itchy skin due to hives, insect bites, and other causes. Topical Benadryl products are typically used up to 4 times daily. Benadryl and Zyrtec have some similar side effects, and some that differ. Benadryl and Zyrtec are both effective for reducing symptoms of hay fever and other allergies, and for treating hives or itchy skin.

Zyrtec and other second-generation antihistamines are usually preferred. Benadryl and Zyrtec are both brand-name over-the-counter products. Zyrtec usually costs more than Benadryl. Allegra fexofenadine is a newer, second-generation antihistamine. Allegra is approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies, and itchy skin caused by hives, insect bites, and other causes. Benadryl and Allegra have some similar side effects, and some that differ.

Benadryl and Allegra are both effective for reducing symptoms of hay fever and other allergies and for treating hives or itchy skin. Allegra and other second-generation antihistamines are usually preferred. Benadryl and Allegra are both brand-name, over-the-counter products. Allegra usually costs more than Benadryl. There are different forms of Unisom. Most of these also contain the ingredient diphenhydramine.

However, one Unisom product contains a similar drug, doxylamine. Unisom is approved for helping relieve occasional sleeplessness. Antihistamines are medicines often used to relieve symptoms of allergies, such as hay fever , hives , conjunctivitis and reactions to insect bites or stings. They're also sometimes used to prevent motion sickness and as a short-term treatment for insomnia.

Most antihistamines can be bought from pharmacies and shops, but some are only available on prescription. They also come in several different forms — including tablets, capsules, liquids, syrups, creams, lotions, gels, eyedrops and nasal sprays. There's not much evidence to suggest any particular antihistamine is better than any other at relieving allergy symptoms. Some people find certain types work well for them and others do not. You may need to try several types to find one that works for you.

Non-drowsy antihistamines are generally the best option, as they're less likely to make you feel sleepy. But types that make you feel sleepy may be better if your symptoms stop you sleeping.

Ask a pharmacist for advice if you're unsure which medicine to try as not all antihistamines are suitable for everyone. Take your medicine as advised by the pharmacist or doctor, or as described in the leaflet that comes with it. The advice varies depending on the exact medicine you're taking.