Thursday, October 20, 2016

Benadryl Allergy/Cold


Pronunciation: a-seet-a-MIN-oh-fen/dye-fen-HYE-dra-meen/sue-do-eh-FED-rin
Generic Name: Acetaminophen/Diphenhydramine/Pseudoephedrine
Brand Name: Examples include Benadryl Allergy/Cold and Tylenol Maximum Strength Flu Nighttime


Benadryl Allergy/Cold is used for:

Relieving symptoms such as pain, sinus congestion, runny nose, and sneezing due to colds, upper respiratory infections, and allergies. It may also used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.


Benadryl Allergy/Cold is an analgesic, antihistamine, and decongestant combination. The analgesic works in the brain to help decrease pain. The antihistamine works by blocking the action of histamine, which helps reduce symptoms such as watery eyes and sneezing. The decongestant works by constricting blood vessels and reducing swelling in the nasal passages, which decreases stuffiness.


Do NOT use Benadryl Allergy/Cold if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Benadryl Allergy/Cold

  • you have severe high blood pressure, severe heart blood vessel disease, rapid heartbeat, or severe heart problems

  • you are unable to urinate or are having an asthma attack

  • you take sodium oxybate (GHB) or you have taken furazolidone or a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.



Before using Benadryl Allergy/Cold:


Some medical conditions may interact with Benadryl Allergy/Cold. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:


  • if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

  • if you have a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

  • if you have a history of asthma; lung problems (eg, chronic bronchitis, emphysema); adrenal gland problems (eg, adrenal gland tumor); heart problems; high blood pressure; diabetes; heart blood vessel problems; stroke; glaucoma; a blockage of your stomach, bladder, or intestines; ulcers; trouble urinating; an enlarged prostate or other prostate problems; seizures; an overactive thyroid; or liver problems; or if you consume more than 3 alcohol-containing drinks per day

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Benadryl Allergy/Cold. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:


  • Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), COMT inhibitors (eg, tolcapone), furazolidone, indomethacin, isoniazid, MAO inhibitors (eg, phenelzine), sodium oxybate (GHB), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because side effects of Benadryl Allergy/Cold may be increased

  • Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), digoxin, or droxidopa because risk of bleeding, irregular heartbeat, or heart attack may be increased

  • Bromocriptine or hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) because side effects may be increased by Benadryl Allergy/Cold

  • Guanadrel, guanethidine, mecamylamine, methyldopa, or reserpine because effectiveness may be decreased by Benadryl Allergy/Cold

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Benadryl Allergy/Cold may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use Benadryl Allergy/Cold:


Use Benadryl Allergy/Cold as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.


  • Benadryl Allergy/Cold may be taken with or without food.

  • If you miss a dose of Benadryl Allergy/Cold, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Benadryl Allergy/Cold.



Important safety information:


  • Benadryl Allergy/Cold may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Benadryl Allergy/Cold. Using Benadryl Allergy/Cold alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.

  • Do not take diet or appetite control medicines while you are taking Benadryl Allergy/Cold without checking with you doctor.

  • Benadryl Allergy/Cold contains acetaminophen and pseudoephedrine. Before you begin taking any new prescription or nonprescription medicine, read the ingredients to see if it also contains acetaminophen or pseudoephedrine. If it does or if you are uncertain, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Do NOT exceed the recommended dose or take Benadryl Allergy/Cold for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.

  • If your symptoms do not improve within 5 to 7 days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Benadryl Allergy/Cold may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Benadryl Allergy/Cold. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period.

  • Benadryl Allergy/Cold may cause liver damage. If you consume 3 or more alcohol-containing drinks every day, ask your doctor if you should take Benadryl Allergy/Cold or other pain relievers/fever reducers. Alcohol use combined with Benadryl Allergy/Cold may increase your risk for liver damage.

  • If you are scheduled for allergy skin testing, do not take Benadryl Allergy/Cold for several days before the test because it may decrease your response to the skin tests.

  • Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Benadryl Allergy/Cold.

  • Use Benadryl Allergy/Cold with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects.

  • Caution is advised when using Benadryl Allergy/Cold in CHILDREN because they may be more sensitive to its effects.

  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Benadryl Allergy/Cold, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Benadryl Allergy/Cold during pregnancy. It is unknown if Benadryl Allergy/Cold is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Benadryl Allergy/Cold.


Possible side effects of Benadryl Allergy/Cold:


All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:



Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; excitability; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness or anxiety; trouble sleeping; upset stomach; vomiting; weakness.



Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); difficulty urinating or inability to urinate; fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; mood or mental changes; seizures; severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache; severe drowsiness; stomach pain; tremor; trouble sleeping; vision changes; yellowing of skin or eyes.



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.


See also: Benadryl Allergy/Cold side effects (in more detail)


If OVERDOSE is suspected:


Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include blurred vision; confusion; hallucinations; seizures; severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache; severe drowsiness; unusually fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; vomiting.


Proper storage of Benadryl Allergy/Cold:

Store Benadryl Allergy/Cold at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Benadryl Allergy/Cold out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


  • If you have any questions about Benadryl Allergy/Cold, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • Benadryl Allergy/Cold is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Benadryl Allergy/Cold. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.



Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Benadryl Allergy/Cold resources


  • Benadryl Allergy/Cold Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Benadryl Allergy/Cold Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Benadryl Allergy/Cold Drug Interactions
  • Benadryl Allergy/Cold Support Group
  • 0 Reviews for Benadryl Allergy/Cold - Add your own review/rating


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