What is a diphenhydramine pill?
Diphenhydramine is used to relieve red, irritated, itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; and runny nose caused by hay fever, allergies, or the common cold. Diphenhydramine is also used to relieve cough caused by minor throat or airway irritation.
Is diphenhydramine safe for sleep aid?
Unfortunately, although diphenhydramine may be effective at inducing sleep, it has several side effects that make it a poor sleep aid overall. First, diphenhydramine is only safe to use as a sleep aid in the short term.
What happens if you take diphenhydramine every night?
Exposure to diphenhydramine over the short term can make older folks a little squirrely, but long-term use over many years may lead to Alzheimer’s disease. If people are unable to achieve a good night’s sleep, they really need to consult with a physician.
How does diphenhydramine make you sleep?
Diphenhydramine blocks the effects of histamine in your brain and this reduces symptoms. It enters the brain in large quantities and this can make you feel drowsy. Diphenhydramine also blocks the effects of another chemical called acetylcholine.
When should I take diphenhydramine for sleep?
To help you sleep, you’ll usually take diphenhydramine 20 minutes before you go to bed. It normally takes about 30 minutes to work. Common side effects include feeling sleepy, dizzy or unsteady on your feet.
How is diphenhydramine used as an antihistamine?
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. Diphenhydramine is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other cold or allergy symptoms.
What are the side effects of diphenhydramine in humans?
Diphenhydramine is a potent anticholinergic agent. This activity is responsible for the side effects of dry mouth and throat, increased heart rate, pupil dilation, urinary retention, constipation, and, at high doses, hallucinations or delirium.
When to call the doctor about diphenhydramine?
Stop using diphenhydramine and call your doctor at once if you have: 1 pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest; 2 painful or difficult urination; 3 little or no urinating; 4 confusion, feeling like you might pass out; or. 5 tightness in your neck or jaw, uncontrollable movements of your tongue.
When was diphenhydramine first approved for over the counter use?
When exceeding approved doses, diphenhydramine produces powerful deliriant effects. Diphenhydramine was first synthesized in 1943. In 1946, it became the first prescription antihistamine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It was approved for over-the-counter use in the 1980s.