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What Are The Side Effects Of Diphenhydramine?

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Posted on Tue, 4 Apr 2017
Question: What are the side effects of diphenhydramine? What specifically is the reason for caution in using this drug in pediatric patients in the 2 year old age group? What can be the adverse effects? YYYY@YYYY
doctor
Answered by Dr. Remy Koshy (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Explained below..

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query,

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to treat for rhinitis, skin rashes, hives etc. It is usually marketed as Benadryl.

General side effects of Diphenhydramine are:

- CNS depressant: causes increased drowsiness and sedation.
- Gastro-intestinal: dry mouth and mild nausea.
- Hypersensitivity: rash, photosensitivity and eczema.
- Cardiovascular- palpitations, tachycardia and hypotension.
- urinary retention in some, more common in elderly.
- Ocular- Blurred vision and dry eyes

This medication works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction. Its drying effects on such symptoms as watery eyes and runny nose are caused by blocking another natural substance made by your body (acetylcholine).

Ideally it is not recommended in children less than 2 years of age, as they will be more prone to the general side effects like sedation and drowsiness, and may instead of sedation cause excitement in some.

Some of the adverse effects (which are also quite rare) are listed here:

- Blood disorders: thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia and agranulocytosis.
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Ectopic heartbeats

I would suggest you to only use this drug after proper prescription from a pediatrician.

Hope this helps.

I will be at your disposal for any further queries.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Remy Koshy (10 hours later)
So, it appears that the only reason for diphenhydramine not to be given to very young children is the risk it will be its greater sedative effect or there may be the reverse reaction of excitement. Any other reasons for being restrictive? It seems to me that the potential gains in the proper patient outweigh the rather minor risks. Am I missing anything? Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Remy Koshy (12 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Diphenhydramine can be given in proper doses.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
Thanks for writing back,

Sorry for the delay in replying back,

Yes, you are right. Like I have said before, I have just mentioned the general and possible side effects. But, diphenhydramine can be given in proper calculated doses as per the weight and the age of the child, in relation to the symptomatic demand.

Kindly consult with a pediatrician for proper prescription and duration of the medicine for your granddaughter.

Hope this helps.

Please feel free to discuss further,

Regards
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
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Answered by
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Dr. Remy Koshy

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 476 Questions

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What Are The Side Effects Of Diphenhydramine?

Brief Answer: Explained below.. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query, Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to treat for rhinitis, skin rashes, hives etc. It is usually marketed as Benadryl. General side effects of Diphenhydramine are: - CNS depressant: causes increased drowsiness and sedation. - Gastro-intestinal: dry mouth and mild nausea. - Hypersensitivity: rash, photosensitivity and eczema. - Cardiovascular- palpitations, tachycardia and hypotension. - urinary retention in some, more common in elderly. - Ocular- Blurred vision and dry eyes This medication works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction. Its drying effects on such symptoms as watery eyes and runny nose are caused by blocking another natural substance made by your body (acetylcholine). Ideally it is not recommended in children less than 2 years of age, as they will be more prone to the general side effects like sedation and drowsiness, and may instead of sedation cause excitement in some. Some of the adverse effects (which are also quite rare) are listed here: - Blood disorders: thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia and agranulocytosis. - Hallucinations - Seizures - Ectopic heartbeats I would suggest you to only use this drug after proper prescription from a pediatrician. Hope this helps. I will be at your disposal for any further queries. Regards