Benadryl

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Benadryl treats the symptoms of allergies and colds such as runny nose, sneezing and red, tearing, scratchy eyes. Its primary active ingredient is the antihistamine diphenhydramine, which works by blocking histamine, a symptom-causing chemical that the body produces naturally. Benadryl is also frequently used as a sleep aid, for motion sickness, and to treat coughs caused by throat irritation. [1] In addition, Benadryl is also sometimes used to help curb symptoms of early-stage Parkinson's disease.[2]



Flickr: thebluedino
Brand name for Diphenhydramine[2]
Manufacturer McNeil[3]
Generic available? Yes
Common side effects Drowsiness, dizziness, throat irritation, upset stomach[2]
Major side effects Trouble with eyesight, urination problems[2]
Warnings Mixing alcohol with Benadryl can cause excessive sedation[2]
Disclaimer The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician.
 

Contents

Benadryl Overview

Benadryl is a trademarked name used by the pharmaceutical company Johnson and Johnson's for its products that contain diphenhydramine hydrochloride. Benadryl, which is is manufactured and marketed by Johnson and Johnson's McNeil Consumer Healthcare unit, is an antihistamine that treats and prevents common allergic reactions. Benadryl is available in both prescription and non-prescription formulations. Although Benedryl will relieve the symptoms of allergies and colds, it is not a cure.[2]

Varieties of Benadryl include BENADRYL® Allergy Plus Cold KAPGELS, BENADRYL® Allergy ULTRATAB® Tablets, BENADRYL® Severe Allergy Plus Sinus Headache Caplet, Children’s BENADRYL® Allergy FASTMELT® Tablets and many more.[4] Benadryl also makes topical formulas that have diphenhydramine hydrochloride and zinc, such as Extra Strength BENADRYL® Itch Stopping Cream.[5]

Benadryl was first developed in the 1940s. It was was approved by the FDA in 1948. Parke, Davis & Company held the original patent.[6] The patent expired in 1964, enabling many other manufacturers to produce drugs that contain diphenhydramine. In the 1980's, The FDA approved Benadryl for over-the-counter sales.[7]

Benadryl Abuse

Largely because of its effect as a sedative, Benadryl can be a drug of abuse. Just as with cough medicines and multi-symptom preparations such as Nyquil, Benadryl can be used as a mild intoxicant, especially when combined with other over the counter medications. At very high doses, Benadryl can cause delirium and hallucinations.[8]

Prescription Drugs

Although Benedryl is primarily purchased in over-the-counter form, it is also available in various prescription formulations.

Benadryl Side Effects

Some common side effects of Benadryl are loss of appetite, headache, drowsiness, vomiting, increased chest congestion, dry mouth, nose, and throat; constipatiion, nausea, dizziness, muscle weakness, excitability or nervousness. Difficulties with eyesight, trouble urinating or pain while urinating are more serious side effects.[2]

Benedryl Precautions and Warnings

There was a Johnson & Johnson recall of Benadryl in January of 2011 due to unsatisfactory cleaning procedures on the equipment used to manufacture the drug. In addition to the initial recall Johnson and Johnson added more products to the list in March of 2011. The affected products include BENADRYL® Allergy Plus Sinus Headache KAPGELS 24 and 48 count packages, lot numbers BAC008 and BAC009.[9]


Also See: Benadryl Coupons, Benadryl Free Samples, Benadryl Recall, Benadryl Side Effects, Zyrtec Free Samples, Alavert Free Samples, Alavert Coupons, Allegra, Allegra Free Samples, Allegra Coupons, Allegra Side Effects, Claritin Free Samples, Claritin Coupons

References

  1. ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682539.html#why
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000704
  3. ↑ http://www.benadryl.com/
  4. ↑ http://www.benadryl.com/products
  5. ↑ http://www.benadryl.com/products/allergy/topical/benadryl-itch-stopping-cream
  6. ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/29/business/29rieveschl.html?_r=1&ref=health
  7. ↑ http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=2591
  8. ↑ http://allergies.emedtv.com/benadryl/benadryl-abuse.html
  9. ↑ http://www.mcneilproductrecall.com/page.jhtml?id=/include/faq_march_2011.inc#faq1
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