Sunday, April 5, 2009

Diphenhydramine


Generic Name: diphenhydramine (DYE fen HYE dra meen)

Brand names: Aler-Tab, Allergy, Allermax, Altaryl, Benadryl Allergy, Benadryl DF, Benadryl Dye Free Allergy, Benadryl Ultratab, Children's Allergy, Diphen Cough, Diphenhist, Dytuss, PediaCare Children's Allergy, Q-Dryl, Q-Dryl A/F, Siladryl, Siladryl Allergy, Silphen Cough, Simply Sleep, Sleep-ettes, Sleep-ettes D, Sominex Maximum Strength Caplet, Theraflu Thin Strips Multi Symptom, Triaminic Thin Strips Cough & Runny Nose, Unisom Sleepgels Maximum Strength, Valu-Dryl, ...show all 87 brand names.


What is diphenhydramine?

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine. Diphenhydramine blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body.


Diphenhydramine is used to treat sneezing; runny nose; itching, watery eyes; hives; rashes; itching; and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold.


Diphenhydramine is also used to suppress coughs, to treat motion sickness, to induce sleep, and to treat mild forms of Parkinson's disease.


Diphenhydramine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about diphenhydramine?


Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Diphenhydramine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking diphenhydramine.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking diphenhydramine?


Do not take diphenhydramine 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



  • glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye;




  • a stomach ulcer;




  • an enlarged prostate, bladder problems or difficulty urinating;




  • an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism);




  • hypertension or any type of heart problems; or




  • asthma.



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


Diphenhydramine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take diphenhydramine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Infants are especially sensitive to the effects of antihistamines, and side effects could occur in a breast-feeding baby. Do not take diphenhydramine without first talking to your doctor if you are nursing a baby. If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from diphenhydramine. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

How should I take diphenhydramine?


Take diphenhydramine exactly as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor. 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.

Diphenhydramine can be taken with or without food.


For motion sickness, a dose is usually taken 30 minutes before motion, then with meals and at bedtime for the duration of exposure.


As a sleep aid, diphenhydramine should be taken approximately 30 minutes before bedtime.


To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid forms of diphenhydramine 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.


Never take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. The maximum amount of diphenhydramine that you should take in any 24-hour period is 300 mg.


Store diphenhydramine 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 the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a diphenhydramine overdose include extreme sleepiness, confusion, weakness, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, large pupils, dry mouth, flushing, fever, shaking, insomnia, hallucinations, and possibly seizures.


What should I avoid while taking diphenhydramine?


Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Diphenhydramine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking diphenhydramine.

Diphenhydramine side effects


Stop taking diphenhydramine 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 diphenhydramine and talk to your doctor if you experience



  • sleepiness, fatigue, or dizziness;




  • headache;




  • dry mouth; or




  • difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.



This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


Diphenhydramine Dosing Information


Usual Adult Dose for Extrapyramidal Reaction:

Parenteral: 10 to 50 mg IV or IM as needed. May increase dose to 100 mg if required. Maximum daily dose 400 mg.

Oral: 25 to 50 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours.

Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia:

25 to 50 mg orally at bedtime.

Usual Adult Dose for Motion Sickness:

Parenteral: 10 to 50 mg IV or IM as needed. May increase dose to 100 mg if required. Maximum daily dose 400 mg.

Oral: 25 to 50 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours. Administer first dose 30 minutes before exposure to motion and repeat before meals and upon retiring for the duration of the journey.

Usual Adult Dose for Cough:

25 mg orally every 4 hours as needed, not to exceed 150 mg per day.

Usual Adult Dose for Cold Symptoms:

25 to 50 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed, not to exceed 300 mg/24 hours.

Usual Adult Dose for Pruritus:

25 to 50 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed, not to exceed 300 mg/24 hours.

Usual Adult Dose for Urticaria:

25 to 50 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed, not to exceed 300 mg/24 hours.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

Greater than or equal to 2 to less than 6 years: 6.25 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours, not to exceed 37.5 mg/24 hours.

Greater than or equal to 6 to less than 12 years: 12.5 to 25 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours, not to exceed 150 mg/24 hours.

Greater than or equal to 12 years: 25 to 50 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours, not to exceed 300 mg/24 hours.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Cold Symptoms:

Greater than or equal to 2 to less than 6 years: 6.25 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours, not to exceed 37.5 mg/24 hours.

Greater than or equal to 6 to less than 12 years: 12.5 to 25 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours, not to exceed 150 mg/24 hours.

Greater than or equal to 12 years: 25 to 50 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours, not to exceed 300 mg/24 hours.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Motion Sickness:

Greater than or equal to 2 to less than 6 years: 6.25 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours, not to exceed 37.5 mg/24 hours.

Greater than or equal to 6 to less than 12 years: 12.5 to 25 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours, not to exceed 150 mg/24 hours.

Greater than or equal to 12 years: 25 to 50 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours, not to exceed 300 mg/24 hours.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Insomnia:

Greater than or equal to 12 years: 25 to 50 mg orally at bedtime.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Cough:

Greater than or equal to 2 to less than 6 years: 6.25 mg orally every 4 hours, not to exceed 37.5 mg/24 hours.

Greater than or equal to 6 to less than 12 years: 12.5 mg orally every 4 hours, not to exceed 75 mg/24 hours.

Greater than or equal to 12 years: 25 mg orally every 4 hours, not to exceed 150 mg/24 hours.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Extrapyramidal Reaction:

In dystonic reactions: 1 to 2 mg/kg (max: 50 mg) IV or IM [Pediatric Advanced Life Support]

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Reaction:

1 to 12 years: 5 mg/kg/day or 150 mg/m2/day administered orally, IM or IV, in equally divided doses every 6 to 8 hours, not to exceed 300 mg/24 hours.

In acute hypersensitivity reactions: 1 to 2 mg/kg IV or IM (max: 50 mg) [Advanced Pediatric Life Support]


What other drugs will affect diphenhydramine?


Do not take diphenhydramine 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.

Talk to your pharmacist before taking other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or insomnia medications. These products may contain medicines similar to diphenhydramine, which could lead to an antihistamine overdose.


Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:



  • anxiety or sleep medicines such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), temazepam (Restoril), or triazolam (Halcion);




  • medications for depression such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), or paroxetine (Paxil); or




  • any other medications that make you feel drowsy, sleepy, or relaxed.



Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with diphenhydramine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.



More diphenhydramine resources


  • Diphenhydramine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Drug Images
  • Diphenhydramine Drug Interactions
  • Diphenhydramine Support Group
  • 58 Reviews for Diphenhydramine - Add your own review/rating


  • Banophen MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Ben-Tann Suspension MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Benadryl Consumer Overview

  • Benadryl Cream MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Benadryl Allergy Chewable Tablets MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Children's Allergy Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Diphen Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

  • Diphenhydramine MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Diphenhydramine Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride Monograph (AHFS DI)

  • Diphenoxylate Hydrochloride Monograph (AHFS DI)

  • Dytuss Elixir MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Simply Sleep MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Sominex MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)



Compare diphenhydramine with other medications


  • Allergic Reactions
  • Cold Symptoms
  • Cough
  • Extrapyramidal Reaction
  • Hay Fever
  • Insomnia
  • Motion Sickness
  • Nausea/Vomiting
  • Pruritus
  • Urticaria


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist can provide more information about diphenhydramine.



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Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Desogen


Generic Name: ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel (EH thih nill ess tra DYE ole and des oh JESS trel)

Brand Names: Apri, Cesia, Cyclessa, Desogen, Kariva, Mircette, Ortho-Cept, Reclipsen, Solia, Velivet


What is ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel?

Ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel contains a combination of female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). This medication also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.


Ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel are used as contraception to prevent pregnancy.


Ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel?


Do not use birth control pills if you are pregnant or if you have recently had a baby. Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions: a history of stroke or blood clot, circulation problems (especially if caused by diabetes), a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, liver disease or liver cancer, severe high blood pressure, migraine headaches, a heart valve disorder, or a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.

You may need to use back-up birth control, such as condoms or a spermicide, when you first start using this medication. Follow your doctor's instructions.


Taking hormones can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, especially if you smoke and are older than 35.

Some drugs can make birth control pills less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, including vitamins, minerals and herbal products. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.


What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel?


This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant, or if you miss two menstrual periods in a row. If you have recently had a baby, wait at least 4 weeks before taking birth control pills (6 weeks if you are breast-feeding). Do not use this medication if you have:

  • a history of a stroke or blood clot;




  • circulation problems (especially if caused by diabetes);




  • a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer;




  • abnormal vaginal bleeding;




  • liver disease or liver cancer;




  • severe high blood pressure;




  • severe migraine headaches;




  • a heart valve disorder; or




  • a history of jaundice caused by birth control pills.



Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. You may need a dosage adjustment or special tests to safely take birth control pills.



  • high blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure, angina (chest pain), or a history of heart attack;




  • high cholesterol or if you are overweight;




  • a history of depression;




  • gallbladder disease;




  • diabetes;




  • seizures or epilepsy;




  • a history of irregular menstrual cycles; or




  • a history of fibrocystic breast disease, lumps, nodules, or an abnormal mammogram.




The hormones in birth control pills can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel?


Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. You will take your first pill on the first day of your period or on the first Sunday after your period begins (follow your doctor's instructions).


You may need to use back-up birth control, such as condoms or a spermicide, when you first start using this medication. Follow your doctor's instructions.


The 28-day birth control pack contains seven "reminder" pills to keep you on your regular cycle. Your period will usually begin while you are using these reminder pills.


You may have breakthrough bleeding, especially during the first 3 months. Tell your doctor if this bleeding continues or is very heavy.

Take one pill every day, no more than 24 hours apart. When the pills run out, start a new pack the following day. You may get pregnant if you do not use this medication regularly. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of pills completely.


If you need to have any type of medical tests or surgery, or if you will be on bed rest, you may need to stop using this medication for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using birth control pills.


Your doctor will need to see you on a regular basis while you are using this medication. Do not miss any appointments.


Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?


Missing a pill increases your risk of becoming pregnant. Follow the directions on the patient information sheet provided with your medicine. If you do not have an information sheet, call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.


If you miss one "active" pill, take two pills on the day that you remember. Then take one pill per day for the rest of the pack.


If you miss two "active" pills in a row in week one or two, take two pills per day for two days in a row. Then take one pill per day for the rest of the pack. Use back-up birth control for at least 7 days following the missed pills.


If you miss two "active" pills in a row in week 3, or if you miss three pills in a row during any of the first 3 weeks, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new one the same day if you are a Day 1 starter. If you are a Sunday starter, keep taking a pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new one that day.


If you miss three "active" tablets in a row during any of the first 3 weeks, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack on the same day if you are a Day 1 starter. If you are a Sunday starter, keep taking a pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, throw out the rest of the pack and start a new one that day.


If you miss two or more pills, you may not have a period during the month. If you miss a period for two months in a row, call your doctor because you might be pregnant.

If you miss any reminder pills, throw them away and keep taking one pill per day until the pack is empty. You do not need back-up birth control if you miss a reminder pill.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding.


What should I avoid while taking ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel?


Do not smoke while using this medication, especially if you are older than 35. Smoking can increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack caused by birth control pills.

This medication will not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases--including HIV and AIDS. Using a condom is the only way to protect yourself from these diseases.


Ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel side effects


Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;




  • sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;




  • chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;




  • a change in the pattern or severity of migraine headaches;




  • nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);




  • swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;




  • a breast lump; or




  • symptoms of depression (sleep problems, weakness, mood changes).



Less serious side effects may include:



  • mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps;




  • breast pain, tenderness, or swelling;




  • freckles or darkening of facial skin;




  • increased hair growth, loss of scalp hair;




  • changes in weight or appetite;




  • problems with contact lenses;




  • vaginal itching or discharge;




  • changes in your menstrual periods, decreased sex drive; or




  • headache, nervousness, dizziness, tired feeling.



This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


What other drugs will affect ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel?


Some drugs can make birth control pills less effective, which may result in pregnancy. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:



  • acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ascorbic acid (vitamin C);




  • an antibiotic;




  • phenylbutazone (Azolid, Butazolidin);




  • St. John's wort;




  • seizure medicines such as phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), topiramate (Topamax), and others;




  • a barbiturate such as amobarbital (Amytal), butabarbital (Butisol), mephobarbital (Mebaral), secobarbital (Seconal), or phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton); or




  • HIV medicines such as amprenavir (Agenerase), atazanavir (Reyataz), indinavir (Crixivan), saquinavir (Invirase), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), ritonavir (Norvir), and others.



This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can affect birth control pills. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.



More Desogen resources


  • Desogen Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Desogen Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Drug Images
  • Desogen Drug Interactions
  • Desogen Support Group
  • 10 Reviews for Desogen - Add your own review/rating


  • Desogen Consumer Overview

  • Desogen MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • Desogen Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Apri Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Caziant Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Cesia Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Cyclessa Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Cyclessa Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

  • Emoquette Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Kariva Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Mircette Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Mircette Consumer Overview

  • Ortho-Cept Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Reclipsen Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Solia Prescribing Information (FDA)

  • Velivet Prescribing Information (FDA)



Compare Desogen with other medications


  • Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
  • Birth Control
  • Endometriosis
  • Gonadotropin Inhibition
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist can provide more information about ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel.

See also: Desogen side effects (in more detail)



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Monday, February 23, 2009

Diphentann-D


Generic Name: diphenhydramine and phenylephrine (DYE fen HYE dra meenand FEN il EFF rin)

Brand Names: Alahist LQ, Aldex-CT, Children's Triacting Night Time, D-Tann, Dimetapp Nighttime Cold & Congestion, Diphenmax D, Dytan-D, PediaCare Children's Allergy & Cold, Robitussin Night Time Cough & Cold, Robitussin Night Time Cough & Cold Children's, Robitussin Night Time Cough & Cold Pediatric, Triaminic Night Time Cold & Cough


What is Diphentann-D (diphenhydramine and phenylephrine)?

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.


Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).


The combination of diphenhydramine and phenylephrine is used to treat runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and sinus congestion caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.


Diphenhydramine and phenylephrine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.


What is the most important information I should know about Diphentann-D (diphenhydramine and phenylephrine)?


Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. Do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or sleep medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of one or more types of medicine. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains an antihistamine, decongestant, or cough suppressant. Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking this medication. It can add to drowsiness caused by an antihistamine.

Avoid taking diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants (such as ADHD medications) without your doctor's advice. Taking a stimulant together with a decongestant can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects.


This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by diphenhydramine.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Diphentann-D (diphenhydramine and phenylephrine)?


You should not use this medication if you are allergic to diphenhydramine or phenylephrine.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:



  • asthma;




  • heart disease or high blood pressure;




  • diabetes;




  • a thyroid disorder;




  • glaucoma;




  • kidney disease;




  • an enlarged prostate; or




  • problems with urination.



If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.


This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. This medication may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medication.

Artificially-sweetened liquid forms of cold medicine may contain phenylalanine. This would be important to know if you have phenylketonuria (PKU). Check the ingredients and warnings on the medication label if you are concerned about phenylalanine.


How should I take Diphentann-D (diphenhydramine and phenylephrine)?


Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended. Cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.


Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

Measure the liquid form of this medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.


Make sure you chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.


This medication can cause you to have unusual results with allergy skin tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are taking an antihistamine.


Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture.

What happens if I miss a dose?


Since cold or allergy medicine is usually taken only as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.


What happens if I overdose?


Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include feeling restless or nervous, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, warmth or tingly feeling, or seizure (convulsions).


What should I avoid while taking Diphentann-D (diphenhydramine and phenylephrine)?


Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking this medication. It can add to drowsiness caused by an antihistamine. Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by diphenhydramine.

Avoid taking diet pills, caffeine pills, or other stimulants (such as ADHD medications) without your doctor's advice. Taking a stimulant together with a decongestant can increase your risk of unpleasant side effects.


This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather.


Do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or sleep medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Antihistamines, decongestants, and cough suppressants are contained in many medicines available over the counter. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of one or more types of medicine. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains an antihistamine, decongestant, or cough suppressant.

Diphentann-D (diphenhydramine and phenylephrine) side effects


Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat;




  • confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;




  • urinating less than usual or not at all;




  • severe dizziness, anxiety, restless feeling, or nervousness;




  • easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;




  • increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure); or




  • nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).



Less serious side effects may include:



  • blurred vision;




  • dry mouth;




  • nausea, stomach pain, constipation;




  • dizziness, drowsiness;




  • problems with memory or concentration;




  • ringing in your ears;




  • mild loss of appetite;




  • warmth, tingling, or redness under your skin;




  • feeling excited or restless;




  • sleep problems (insomnia); or




  • skin rash or itching.



This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


What other drugs will affect Diphentann-D (diphenhydramine and phenylephrine)?


Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:



  • medicines to treat high blood pressure;




  • a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal), sotalol (Betapace), timolol (Blocadren), and others;




  • antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), clomipramine (Anafranil), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), and others; or




  • an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate).



This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with diphenhydramine and phenylephrine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.



More Diphentann-D resources


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


  • Alahist LQ Liquid MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

  • D-Tann Chewable Tablets MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)



Compare Diphentann-D with other medications


  • Cold Symptoms
  • Hay Fever
  • Sinusitis


Where can I get more information?


  • Your pharmacist can provide more information about diphenhydramine and phenylephrine.

See also: Diphentann-D side effects (in more detail)



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