Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Diphenhydramine is used to treat symptoms caused by allergies, including itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and skin irritation. This medication also causes drowsiness, and can be used by adults and children 12 years of age and older who occasionally have trouble sleeping (insomnia). Diphenhydramine belongs to a group of medications known as antihistamines. It works by blocking the histamine your body makes.
Uses and Dosage
Diphenhydramine is available in various forms including tablets, rapidly disintegrating tablets, capsules, liquid-filled capsules, dissolving strips, powder, and liquid, all intended for oral administration.
For allergy, cold, and cough symptoms relief, it is typically taken every 4 to 6 hours. For motion sickness, it’s usually taken 30 minutes before departure and optionally before meals and at bedtime. When used for insomnia, it’s taken at bedtime, 30 minutes before planned sleep. For abnormal movements, it’s initially taken three times a day, then four times a day.
Follow the instructions on the package or prescription label carefully. Take diphenhydramine exactly as directed, neither more nor less frequently than prescribed.
Diphenhydramine is available alone or combined with pain relievers, fever reducers, and decongestants. Consult your doctor or pharmacist to determine the best product for your symptoms. Be cautious with nonprescription cough and cold products, as combining them may lead to overdose due to shared active ingredients. This is particularly crucial when administering medications to children.
Nonprescription cough and cold combination products, including those with diphenhydramine, can have serious side effects or cause death in young children. Avoid giving these products to children under 4 years old. For children aged 4 to 11, use caution and carefully follow package instructions.
When giving diphenhydramine to a child, ensure it’s appropriate for their age and follow dosage guidelines on the package label. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided with the liquid medication.
For dissolving strips, place them on your tongue one at a time and swallow after they melt. For rapidly dissolving tablets, place one on your tongue and let it dissolve before swallowing.
Swallow capsules whole; do not break them.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- dry mouth, nose, and throat
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- constipation
- increased chest congestion
- headache
- muscle weakness
- excitement (especially in children)
- nervousness
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- vision problems
- difficulty urinating or painful urination
Caution
- Before taking diphenhydramine, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, dimenhydrinate, or have any other allergies. Inactive ingredients in the product may cause allergic reactions or other issues.
- Share your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have breathing problems, high pressure in the eye (glaucoma), heart problems, high blood pressure, liver disease, seizures, stomach/intestine problems, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), or difficulty urinating.
- This drug may induce dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Alcohol or marijuana can amplify these effects. Avoid activities requiring alertness or clear vision until you can perform them safely.
- Be cautious with liquid products, chewable tablets, or dissolving tablets/strips that may contain sugar and/or aspartame.
- Liquid products may also contain alcohol. If you have diabetes, liver disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition requiring dietary limitations, seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist on using this product safely.
- Children may be more susceptible to the side effects of this drug, experiencing excitement instead of drowsiness.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects, particularly drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, constipation, or difficulty urinating. These effects can increase the risk of falling.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Sleep Eze is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Sleep Eze caplets:
- 25 mg
FAQ
How long does Sleep Eze take to work?
If you’re taking Sleep Eze for short-term sleep problems, it will start to make you feel drowsy around 20 to 30 minutes after you take it.
Is Sleep Eze addictive?
It is unlikely that you’ll become addicted to Sleep Eze but it’s best to only take it for a short time. You can become dependent on Sleep Eze if you take it continuously for too long.
