Benadryl

Last updated

Benadryl
Type Antihistamine, allergy medication
Inception1946 (1946)
Manufacturer Kenvue
AvailableAvailable
Website www.benadryl.com

Benadryl is a brand of various antihistamine medications used to stop allergies, whose content varies in different countries, but which includes some combination of diphenhydramine, acrivastine, and/or cetirizine.

Contents

It is sold by Kenvue and is used to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, rash, and hives. [1] Some forms of Benadryl are to be taken orally, while some creams and gels are to be applied to the skin. [2] Common side effects of the drug include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth and throat, confusion, and blurred vision. [2]

In the United States and Canada, the active ingredient is diphenhydramine. In the United Kingdom, the active ingredients of Benadryl are the second-generation antihistamines acrivastine [3] or cetirizine. [4] Benadryl is also sold as a cough medicine in Australia, India and New Zealand containing diphenhydramine, as well as the antitussive dextromethorphan or the expectorant guaifenesin. [5]

Types of Benadryl

There are many different forms of Benadryl found in different countries. In the United States and Canada, there are several versions of Benadryl for allergies, some to be taken orally and some as a topical analgesic. In Australia, New Zealand and India, Benadryl is known as a cough liquid.

Benadryl Allergy

Benadryl Allergy is the name of a Benadryl product found in the United States and Canada. It is an antihistamine drug used to relieve allergies. Its active ingredient is diphenhydramine, a first-generation antihistamine. It is known to be sedative, making drowsiness a common side effect. It is an oral drug to be taken by mouth, to relieve symptoms of allergy, hay fever and the common cold. [1] It can also be used to relieve allergies such as itching, sneezing, runny nose, rash and hives. [1]

Benadryl Allergy tablets Benadryl tablets (4438315926).jpg
Benadryl Allergy tablets

Benadryl Allergy for Children is also available. It comes in liquid form and can be used to provide fast and effective relief for allergies such as sneezing, itchy, runny nose, itchy eyes and hives. [2]

Benadryl Allergy is widely used as a sleep aid among adults. While it is not marketed as an over-the-counter (OTC) sleeping aid, most versions of Benadryl contain diphenhydramine, a drug with sedative properties. [6] Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) has also been used by parents to help improve their infant's sleep habits. However, this has been met by criticism on whether it is appropriate to do so. [7]

Benadryl Allergy Relief

In the United Kingdom, Benadryl can be found as Benadryl Allergy Relief. The main ingredient in this medication is acrivastine. Acrivastine is a non-drowsy antihistamine used to relieve allergies. It can treat hay fever, hives, insect bites and stings, conjunctivitis and eczema. [8] Benadryl Allergy Relief contains 8 mg of acrivastine in each capsule. It is to be taken orally.

Benadryl Allergy Relief Plus Decongestant can also be found in the United Kingdom. It is used to relieve sinus, stuffy and runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing. [9] This version contains acrivastine and pseudoephedrine as its active ingredients. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant used to relieve a nasal congestion. [9] Benadryl Allergy Relief Plus Decongestant contains 8 mg of acrivastine and 60 mg of pseudoephedrine per capsule, and it is to be taken orally. [8]

Benadryl Topical

Benadryl can also be found in a topical form including gels and creams. Benadryl Itch Stopping Cream is a topical cream used to provide temporary itch relief for allergies, hives or even some insect bites. It can be found in the United States and Canada. This topical medication contains 2% of diphenhydramine hydrochloride and 1% of zinc acetate. This medication is intended for topical use only and not to be ingested.

Benadryl Cough Syrup

Cough syrup in a medicine measure cup Cough medicine in a medicine measure cup.jpg
Cough syrup in a medicine measure cup

Benadryl in Australia and New Zealand comes in the form of a cough syrup. It is not to be confused with Benadryl for allergies. There are several forms of cough syrup available in the market for different types of coughs such as dry, tickly cough, chesty coughs and coughs with nasal congestion. Cough liquids for children are also available.

Benadryl Chesty Forte is used to relieve heavy chesty coughs and chest congestion. The main ingredients found are guaifenesin and bromhexine hydrochloride. It is to be taken orally to provide relief from cough and congested chests due to the common cold. [10] Benadryl Dry, Tickly Cough Liquid is a cough medicine found in Australia. It is used to temporarily relieve irritating coughs. Pholcodine is the main ingredient found in this cough liquid. [11] This medication is to be taken orally and may cause drowsiness.

In India, Benadryl can also be found in the form of a cough liquid and also cough lozenges. Benadryl Cough Syrup contains diphenhydramine, ammonium chloride and citrate as its main ingredients. It is used to relieve cough and cold, and also soothes the throat.

Adverse effects

A common side effect of taking Benadryl containing diphenhydramine is drowsiness. [12] Other common side effects can include dry mouth and throat. Symptoms such as confusion and blurred vision can also occur. Other side effects of taking Benadryl include headache and dizziness. [8]

Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine and an anticholinergic drug. Anticholinergic drugs block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. [13] Studies propose that long-term use of anticholinergic drugs is associated with an increased risk for dementia among older people. [14] [13] Long-term use of Benadryl can also lead to constipation and confusion. [15]

Interactions

Benadryl containing diphenhydramine can interact with alcohol as both are central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness may be enhanced when taking alcohol with diphenhydramine. [16] Mixing diphenhydramine with alcohol can also increase the chances of losing consciousness due to sedation. [17] This combination can also lead to impaired motor skills and decreased alertness. Driving, operating machinery or any other activities that require full concentration and consciousness are not recommended as these effects persist. [18] [19]

Benadryl may interact with other medications such as anti-depressants, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants and other antihistamines. [17] [20] [21] It is important to check with a professional before taking Benadryl with any other medications, vitamins and herbal products. [21]

History

In 1940, diphenhydramine was discovered by George Rieveschl while working as a chemical engineer at the University of Cincinnati, where he was conducting research into muscle relaxants. [22]

In 1946, Benadryl was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for prescription use. In 1982 it was approved as an over-the-counter medication. [23]

Before 2007, Benadryl was marketed by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare (originally Warner–Lambert). [24] [25]

Recalls

On 15 January 2010, McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, recalled five lots of Benadryl due to the presence of an unusual odor linked to the chemical 2,4,6-tribromoanisole. [26]

In April 2010, over four million packs of Benadryl Children Allergy tablets were recalled [27] after it was revealed that they might contain a higher concentration of active ingredients than specified on the label, as well as inactive ingredients that had not met internal testing requirements. [28]

Benadryl Topical Packaging Change

In 2010, after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported over one hundred cases of mistaken ingestion by mouth, the packaging of Benadryl Itch Stopping Gel was redesigned to include a new warning ("for skin use only"), and a sticker[ clarification needed ] was added as an additional precaution. [29]

Society and culture

Diphenhydramine has a common side effect of drowsiness or sleepiness. [12] Because of these sedative properties, Benadryl is often used as a sleep aid in people with insomnia. A study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry discovered that approximately one in three adults between the ages of 65 and 80 occasionally use over-the-counter drugs like Benadryl to help with sleep. [15] In 2017, American Academy of Sleep Medicine discouraged the use of over-the-counter antihistamines as a sleep aid in treating chronic insomnia. [30] The usage of antihistamines as a sleep aid could cause sleepiness during the day, grogginess and falls. [30]

Recreational usage and the 'Benadryl challenge'

In May 2020, the Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth, TX reported that 3 teenagers had been hospitalized as a result of diphenhydramine overdose. They claimed that the teenagers had gotten information on how to abuse Benadryl from the social media app TikTok. [31] That August, an Oklahoma teen reportedly died from a Benadryl overdose. After a later-deleted Facebook post by the teen's family member claimed that the death was the result of a "Benadryl challenge," news outlets reported on the dangers of the supposed social media trend. [32] [33] This prompted the FDA to release a statement on the dangers of high doses of diphenhydramine. [34]

Availability

Benadryl is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug in most countries. Benadryl can be found in several countries including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, India, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Benadryl comes in oral tablets and oral liquid to be taken by mouth. [1] Some types of Benadryl such as Benadryl Itch Stopping Cream and gels are meant to be applied to the skin, not to be ingested.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pseudoephedrine</span> Pharmaceutical drug

Pseudoephedrine (PSE) is a sympathomimetic drug of the phenethylamine and amphetamine chemical classes. It may be used as a nasal/sinus decongestant, as a stimulant, or as a wakefulness-promoting agent in higher doses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tylenol (brand)</span> Medication

Tylenol is a brand of medication, advertised for reducing pain, reducing fever, and relieving the symptoms of allergies, cold, cough, headache, and influenza. The active ingredient of its original flagship product is paracetamol, an analgesic and antipyretic. Like the words paracetamol and acetaminophen, the brand name Tylenol is derived from a chemical name for the compound, N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (APAP). The brand name is owned by McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a subsidiary of Kenvue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cold medicine</span> Medication taken to relieve cold symptoms

Cold medicines are a group of medications taken individually or in combination as a treatment for the symptoms of the common cold and similar conditions of the upper respiratory tract. The term encompasses a broad array of drugs, including analgesics, antihistamines and decongestants, among many others. It also includes drugs which are marketed as cough suppressants or antitussives, but their effectiveness in reducing cough symptoms is unclear or minimal.

H1 antagonists, also called H1 blockers, are a class of medications that block the action of histamine at the H1 receptor, helping to relieve allergic reactions. Agents where the main therapeutic effect is mediated by negative modulation of histamine receptors are termed antihistamines; other agents may have antihistaminergic action but are not true antihistamines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diphenhydramine</span> Antihistamine medication

Diphenhydramine (DPH) is an antihistamine and sedative mainly used to treat allergies, insomnia, and symptoms of the common cold. It is also less commonly used for tremors in parkinsonism, and nausea. It is taken by mouth, injected into a vein, injected into a muscle, or applied to the skin. Maximal effect is typically around two hours after a dose, and effects can last for up to seven hours.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Allergic rhinitis</span> Nasal inflammation due to allergens in the air

Allergic rhinitis, of which the seasonal type is called hay fever, is a type of inflammation in the nose that occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the air. Signs and symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, red, itchy, and watery eyes, and swelling around the eyes. The fluid from the nose is usually clear. Symptom onset is often within minutes following allergen exposure, and can affect sleep and the ability to work or study. Some people may develop symptoms only during specific times of the year, often as a result of pollen exposure. Many people with allergic rhinitis also have asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, or atopic dermatitis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Loratadine</span> Antihistamine medication

Loratadine, sold under the brand name Claritin among others, is a medication used to treat allergies. This includes allergic rhinitis and hives. It is also available in drug combinations such as loratadine/pseudoephedrine, in which it is combined with pseudoephedrine, a nasal decongestant. It is taken orally.

A decongestant, or nasal decongestant, is a type of pharmaceutical drug that is used to relieve nasal congestion in the upper respiratory tract. The active ingredient in most decongestants is either pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine. Intranasal corticosteroids can also be used as decongestants and antihistamines can be used to alleviate runny nose, nasal itch, and sneezing.

Vicks NyQuil is a brand of over-the-counter medication manufactured by Procter & Gamble intended for the relief of various symptoms of the common cold. All medications within the NyQuil imprint contain sedating antihistamines, hypnotics, and/or alcohol, and are intended to be taken before sleep. Its daytime counterpart is antihistamine-free DayQuil, formulated to avoid drowsiness. NyQuil is also used as a sleep aid. NyQuil was first marketed in the United States in 1966.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cetirizine</span> Antihistamine medication

Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine used to treat allergic rhinitis, dermatitis, and urticaria (hives). It is taken by mouth. Effects generally begin within thirty minutes and last for about a day. The degree of benefit is similar to other antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, which is a first-generation antihistamine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fexofenadine</span> Antihistamine medication

Fexofenadine, sold under the brand name Allegra among others, is an antihistamine pharmaceutical drug used in the treatment of allergy symptoms, such as hay fever and urticaria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dihydrocodeine</span> Opioid

Dihydrocodeine is a semi-synthetic opioid analgesic prescribed for pain or severe dyspnea, or as an antitussive, either alone or compounded with paracetamol (acetaminophen) or aspirin. It was developed in Germany in 1908 and first marketed in 1911.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phenylephrine</span> Decongestant medication

Phenylephrine is a medication used as a decongestant for uncomplicated nasal congestion, used to dilate the pupil, used to increase blood pressure, and used to relieve hemorrhoids. It can be taken by mouth, as a nasal spray, given by injection into a vein or muscle, or applied to the skin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doxylamine</span> First-generation antihistamine used as a short-term sedative and hypnotic (sleep aid)

Doxylamine, sold under the brand name Unisom among others, is an antihistamine medication which is used in the treatment of insomnia and allergies. It is also used to treat morning sickness in pregnant women in combination with pyridoxine (vitamin B6). Doxylamine is available over-the-counter, and is used in nighttime cold medicines, such as NyQuil, as well as in pain medications containing acetaminophen and codeine, to help with sleep. The medication is taken by mouth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Levocetirizine</span> Antihistamine drug

Levocetirizine, sold under the brand name Xyzal, among others, is a second-generation antihistamine used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and long-term hives of unclear cause. It is less sedating than older antihistamines. It is taken by mouth.

Actifed is a registered trademark for a combination antihistamine and nasal decongestant medication used for cold and allergy symptoms. Actifed was developed in 1958 by Burroughs Wellcome & Company, later Haleon.

Sominex is the trademarked name for several over the counter sleep aids.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dexbrompheniramine</span> Chemical compound

Dexbrompheniramine is an antihistamine with anticholinergic properties used to treat allergic conditions such as hay fever or urticaria. It is the pharmacologically active dextrorotatory isomer of brompheniramine. It was formerly marketed in combination with pseudoephedrine under the name Drixoral in the US and Canada. It is an alkylamine antihistamine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Acrivastine</span> Chemical compound

Acrivastine is a medication used for the treatment of allergies and hay fever. It is a second-generation H1-receptor antagonist antihistamine and works by blocking histamine H1 receptors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Antihistamine</span> Drug that blocks histamine or histamine agonists

Antihistamines are drugs which treat allergic rhinitis, common cold, influenza, and other allergies. Typically, people take antihistamines as an inexpensive, generic drug that can be bought without a prescription and provides relief from nasal congestion, sneezing, or hives caused by pollen, dust mites, or animal allergy with few side effects. Antihistamines are usually for short-term treatment. Chronic allergies increase the risk of health problems which antihistamines might not treat, including asthma, sinusitis, and lower respiratory tract infection. Consultation of a medical professional is recommended for those who intend to take antihistamines for longer-term use.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Benadryl: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects". Drugs.com. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  2. 1 2 3 "Drugs & Medications". www.webmd.com. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  3. ↑ "Benadryl Allergy Relief - Summary of Product Characteristics". eMC. May 21, 2016. Retrieved December 11, 2016.
  4. ↑ "Benadryl Allergy One A Day 10mg Tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics". eMC. November 11, 2015. Retrieved December 11, 2016.
  5. ↑ "ARTG, PI and CMI results searching for Benadryl". Department of Health Therapeutic Goods Administration, Australia. Archived from the original on February 25, 2021. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  6. ↑ Albert, Steven M.; Roth, Thomas; Toscani, Michael; Vitiello, Michael V.; Zee, Phyllis (October 28, 2015). "Sleep Health and Appropriate Use of OTC Sleep Aids in Older Adults—Recommendations of a Gerontological Society of America Workgroup". The Gerontologist. 57 (2): 163–170. doi:10.1093/geront/gnv139. PMC   6281330 . PMID   26511271.
  7. ↑ Miller, Karl E. (November 1, 2006). "Should Diphenhydramine Be Used as a Sleep Aid in Infants?". American Family Physician. 74 (9): 1619–1620. ProQuest   234249689.
  8. 1 2 3 "Acrivastine (Benadryl): antihistamine that relieves allergy symptoms". nhs.uk. October 30, 2018. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  9. 1 2 "Pseudoephedrine: decongestant that relieves a stuffy or blocked nose". nhs.uk. September 2, 2019. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  10. ↑ Australia, Healthdirect. "Benadryl Chesty Forte". www.healthdirect.gov.au. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  11. ↑ Australia, Healthdirect. "Benadryl Dry Tickly Cough". www.healthdirect.gov.au. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  12. 1 2 Publishing, Harvard Health (March 2019). "Choosing an over-the-counter allergy medication". Harvard Health. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  13. 1 2 Publishing, Harvard Health (October 21, 2015). "Two types of drugs you may want to avoid for the sake of your brain". Harvard Health. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  14. ↑ Wong, H.C. George (October 6, 2015). "Long-term use of diphenhydramine". Canadian Medical Association Journal. 187 (14): 1078.2–1078. doi:10.1503/cmaj.1150066. PMC   4592307 . PMID   26438591.
  15. 1 2 "Here's Why You Shouldn't Take a Sleeping Pill Every Night". Time. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  16. ↑ "Benadryl and Alcohol / Food Interactions". Drugs.com. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
  17. 1 2 Kandola, Aaron (February 28, 2018). "Benadryl and alcohol: 10 dangers of mixing" . Medical News Today.
  18. ↑ "Drugs & Medications". www.webmd.com. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
  19. ↑ "Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) - Side Effects, Interactions, Uses, Dosage, Warnings". Everyday Health. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
  20. ↑ "Benadryl (Diphenhydramine): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions, Warning". RxList. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
  21. 1 2 "Benadryl: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects". Drugs.com. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
  22. ↑ Hevesi, Dennis (September 29, 2007). "George Rieveschl, 91, Allergy Reliever, Dies". The New York Times.
  23. ↑ "Child-Resistant Packaging for Certain Over-The-Counter Drug Products, 65 Fed. Reg. 52678". casetext.com. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  24. ↑ "Johnson & Johnson Acquisition of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare Receives Clearance from U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)" (Press release). Johnson & Johnson. December 12, 2006.
  25. ↑ "Johnson & Johnson Completes Acquisition of Pfizer Consumer Healthcare" (Press release). Johnson & Johnson. December 20, 2006.
  26. ↑ "Five lots of Benadryl, Tylenol added to drug recall - CNN.com". www.cnn.com. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  27. ↑ "Children's Benadryl Tablets Recalled". The New York Times. November 23, 2010.
  28. ↑ DeNoon, Daniel J. "Recall of Kids' Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec, Benadryl". WebMD. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  29. ↑ "FDA: Serious Side Effects From Swallowing Benadryl Gel". The Wall Street Journal. The Wall Street Journal. March 27, 2015.
  30. 1 2 Publishing, Harvard Health (December 2018). "Drugstore sleep aids may bring more risks than benefits". Harvard Health. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
  31. ↑ "Cook Children's says it treated three teens for Benadryl overdoses in May following TikTok challenge". wfaa.com. July 15, 2020. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  32. ↑ "Dangerous 'Benadryl Challenge' on Tik Tok may be to blame for the death of Oklahoma teen". KFOR.com Oklahoma City. August 28, 2020. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  33. ↑ Forster, Victoria. "Teen Dies After Doing TikTok 'Benadryl Challenge' As Doctors Warn Of Dangers". Forbes. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  34. ↑ "FDA warns about serious problems with high doses of the allergy medicine diphenhydramine (Benadryl)". U.S. Food and Drug Administration. October 2020. Archived from the original on September 24, 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.