Home Drug Study Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Drug Study

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Drug Study

Diphenhydramine-(Benadryl)-Drug-Study

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Overview

Diphenhydramine hydrochloride, known by the brand name Benadryl, is a widely used first-generation antihistamine. Its primary function is to alleviate allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Additionally, it serves multiple other roles including treating motion sickness, and Parkinsonism, providing a nighttime sleep aid, and acting as an antitussive (cough suppressant).

This medication works by blocking acetylcholine and H-1 receptors, leading to its sedative, anticholinergic, and antiemetic effects.

Generic Name:

Diphenhydramine hydrochloride

Brand Name:

Benadryl

Classification:

Antihistamine, first-generation, ethanolamine

Uses

  • Treatment of hypersensitivity reactions
  • Treatment of motion sickness
  • Treatment of Parkinsonism
  • Nighttime sleep aid
  • Antitussive
  • Adjunctive therapy for anaphylactic reactions

Actions

  • Exhibits sedative, anticholinergic, and antiemetic effects
  • Blocks the action of acetylcholine
  • Blocks H-1 receptors on effector cells of the GI tract, blood vessels, and respiratory tract

Contraindications

  • Use with other products containing diphenhydramine
  • Hypersensitivity to antihistamines
  • Newborns and premature infants

Special Concerns:

  • Elderly: Increases the risk of cognitive decline
  • Use with caution in clients with:
    • Increased intraocular pressure
    • Closed-angle glaucoma
    • Chronic constipation
    • Hypertension
    • Stenosing peptic ulcer
    • Bladder obstruction
    • Enlarged prostate
    • Overactive thyroid
    • Asthma

Side Effects

  • Drowsiness
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth/nose/throat
  • Headache
  • Anorexia
  • Nausea & Vomiting
  • Anxiety
  • Gastrointestinal upset
  • Weakness (Asthenia)
  • Blurred vision
  • Fatigue

Dosage:

  • Oral: 25-50 mg TID-QID
  • IV: 10-50 mg, up to 100 mg/IV

Nursing Considerations

  • Administer full prophylactic dose 30 minutes prior to travel if used as prophylaxis for motion sickness
  • Take similar doses with meals and at bedtime
  • Do not use for more than 2 weeks to treat insomnia
  • For IV, may give undiluted
  • Do not exceed the IV rate of 25 mg/minute
  • The drug causes drowsiness; avoid activities requiring mental alertness
  • Use sun protection as it may cause photosensitivity
  • Use sugarless candy/gum to diminish dry mouth effects
  • Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants
  • Discontinue therapy 72-96 hours before skin testing. Report adverse effects and lack of response
  • Monitor for signs of anticholinergic effects such as dry mouth, urinary retention, and increased intraocular pressure
  • Educate patients on potential interactions with other medications, including MAO inhibitors

References

  1. World Health Organization. (2020). WHO model list of essential medicines. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-MHP-20.10
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Diphenhydramine information. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/medications/diphenhydramine.html
  3. MedlinePlus. (2020). Diphenhydramine. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682539.html
  4. Mayo Clinic. (2020). Diphenhydramine (oral route). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/diphenhydramine-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20068588
  5. Drugs.com. (2020). Diphenhydramine. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/diphenhydramine.html

 

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