Benadryl Side Effects





Benadryl Side Effects - Product



Benadryl Side Effects - Benadryl's drug class and mechanism - Diphenhydramine Benadryl is an antihistamine with drying and sedative effects. It relieves red, inflamed eyes caused by food allergies and the itching, swelling, and redness from hives and other rashes that are caused by mild allergic reactions. It also relieves the sneezing, coughing, runny or stuffy nose, and red, teary, itching eyes caused by seasonal allergies (hay fever) and the common cold. Antihistamines work by decreasing the effects of histamine, a chemical released in the body that narrows air passages in the lungs and contributes to inflammation. Antihistamines reduce itching and swelling and dry up secretions from the nose, eyes, and throat.

Benadryl Side Effects

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can commonly cause:

  • sedation


  • tiredness


  • sleepiness


  • dizziness


  • disturbed coordination


  • drying and thickening of oral and other respiratory secretions


  • and stomach distress

Side Effects Benadryl

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may also cause:
  • low blood pressure


  • palpitations


  • increased heart rate


  • confusion


  • nervousness


  • irritability


  • blurred vision


  • double vision


  • tremor


  • or nausea


Side Effects Benadryl - Use with Caution

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) - should be used with caution (if at all) in persons with narrow-angle glaucoma, enlarged prostate gland, hyperthyroidism, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and asthma.

PREGNANCY: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) has not been adequately evaluated in pregnant women. It should be used only if the benefit outweighs the potential but unknown risks.

NURSING MOTHERS: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is secreted in breast milk. Because of the risk of stimulation and seizures in infants, especially newborns and premature infants, antihistamines should not be used by nursing mothers.

Side Effects Benadryl

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication.

Benadryl may increase the effects of alcohol, and alcohol may increase the sedative effects of Benadryl. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.

If Benadryl is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Benadryl with the following:
  • Antidepressant drugs known as MAO inhibitors, such as Parnate and Nardil


  • Sedative/hypnotics such as Halcion, Nembutal, and Seconal Tranquilizers such as Xanax and Valium


    • This is not a complete summary of safety information. Please discuss the full information with your health care provider and do the necessary research.

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