Before You Buy Benadryl

Benadryl is a popular antihistamine drug that can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. It is effective in treating symptoms of the cold and mild allergy, including a runny nose, sneezing, hives, and itching. It is available in different generic formulations.

Benadryl works by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance released by the body involved in allergies. The drug usually starts to work within an hour.

Benadryl comes in a tablet, liquigel, syrup, chewable tablet, and topical cream formulation. The active ingredient is diphenhydramine, the amount of which can vary by formulation:

• Tablet - 25 to 50 milligrams (mg)
• Liquigel - 25 mg
• Adult syrup - 12.5 mg per five milliliters (mL)
• Children's syrup - 6.5 mg per 5.0mL
• Children's chewable tablet - 12.5 mg
• Topical cream - 2 percent per gram

Benadryl is short-acting, meaning that it needs to be taken every four to six hours to ensure persistent relief. It is generally prescribed as follows:

• For adults and children over 12, the standard dose is 25 mg to 50 mg taken every four to six hours, not to exceed six doses in 24 hours.
• For children six to 12, a dose of 12.5 mg (one chewable tablet) to 25 mg (one adult tablet) may be taken every four to six hours, not to exceed six doses in 24 hours.
• For children under six, Benadryl should not be given unless directed to do so by a pediatrician.

The topical cream can be used safely in adults and children over six, applied thinly over areas of rash but for no longer than seven days.

While Benadryl is effective in treating symptoms of the cold and allergy, there may be side effects. Most are mild and usually resolve within a few hours. The most common (occurring in more than one percent of users) are:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Impairment of mental or motor function
• Excitability, primarily in children
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Thickening of mucus

Benadryl can impair your ability to function and should never be used if you are planning to drive. Many state laws will charge you with a DUI (driving under the influence) if you are deemed to have been impaired by Benadryl.

You should never drink alcohol when taking Benadryl as this can only enhance the effect. The same applies to any tranquilizers or sedatives.

You should not use any topical cream containing diphenhydramine if you have chickenpox, measles, broken skin, or large areas of skin that need to be treated.

If you experience blurred vision, confusion, painful urination, or have difficulty urinating after taking Benadryl, call your doctor immediately.

Moreover, you should stop treatment and seek emergency care in the unlikely event you experience a potentially deadly, all-body reaction known as anaphylaxis (characterized by severe hives, difficulty breathing, abnormal heartbeat, and the swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat).