diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine

Pronunciation:	dye fen HYE dra meen/ soo doe e FED rin
Brand:	Actifed Allergy Day/Night, Benadryl Allergy Decongestant, Benylin Multi-Symptom

What is the most important information I should know about diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, talk to your doctor.

What is diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine?

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine. It prevents sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and nose; and other symptoms of allergies and hay fever.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. It constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins and arteries). This reduces the blood flow to certain areas, which decreases swelling and allows nasal and respiratory (breathing) passages to open up.

Diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine is used to treat nasal congestion and sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) associated with allergies, hay fever, and the common cold.

Diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine?

Do not take diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A very dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

kidney or liver disease,
diabetes,
glaucoma,
any type of heart disease or high blood pressure,
thyroid disease,
emphysema or chronic bronchitis, or
difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.

You may not be able to take diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

This medication passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before treating a child with this medication. Children are much more susceptible than adults to the effects of medicines and may have unusual reactions. Read the package label for directions for use in children. Do not use this medication for children if it is not recommended.

How should I take diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine?

Take diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine exactly as directed. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Do not crush, chew, or break the long-acting or sustained-release forms of this medication. Swallow them whole. If you are unsure about the formulation of your medicine, ask your pharmacist for help. If you cannot swallow the tablets or capsules, look for a liquid form of this medication.

To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid forms of dipenhydramine and pseudoephedrine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. Take a maximum of one tablet every 12 hours. An overdose of this medication can cause serious harm.

Do not take diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine for longer than 7 days in a row. If your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you have a fever, talk to your doctor.

Store diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine overdose include a dry mouth, large pupils, flushing, nausea, and vomiting.

What should I avoid while taking diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine?

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine.

What are the possible side effects of diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine?

Serious side effects are unlikely to occur. Stop taking diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine and talk to your doctor or try another similar medication if you experience

dry eyes, nose, and mouth;
drowsiness or dizziness;
blurred vision;
difficulty urinating; or
excitation in children.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine?

Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, or sleep aids while taking diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine unless you pharmacist or doctor approves. Other medications may also contain diphenhydramine, pseudoephedrine, or other similar drugs. You may accidentally overdose.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other medications that you are taking, especially antidepressants, tranquilizers (anxiety medications), sedatives (sleeping pills), and blood pressure pills.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine is available over the counter under several brand names. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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