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DIPHENHYDRAMINE (dye fen HYE dra meen) treats the symptoms of allergies and allergic reactions. It may also be used to prevent and treat motion sickness or symptoms of Parkinson disease. It works by blocking histamine, a substance released by the body during an allergic reaction. It belongs to a group of medications called antihistamines.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. To prevent motion sickness start taking this medication 30 to 60 minutes before you leave.
Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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Do not take this medication with any of the following:
-MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Alcohol
-Barbiturates, like phenobarbital
-Medications for bladder spasm like oxybutynin, tolterodine
-Medications for blood pressure
-Medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
-Medications for movement abnormalities or Parkinson's disease
-Medications for sleep
-Other medications for cold, cough or allergy
-Some medications for the stomach like chlordiazepoxide, dicyclomine
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Visit your care team for regular check-ups. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.
This medication may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
-Trouble passing urine
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Constipation
-Drowsiness
-Dry mouth
-Headache
-Upset stomach
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Keep out of the reach of children and pets. This medication can be abused. Keep your medication in a safe place.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container closed tightly. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
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