Antihistamines: Benadryl

Benadryl is the brand name of a common antihistamine medication. The generic name of the drug – in other words the active ingredient – is diphenhydramine. Like other antihistamine medications Benadryl reduces histamine production and sensitivity in the skin. Histamine is a natural chemical your body produces in response to foreign organisms. Occasionally your body will produce too much histamine, and the results will be the typical allergy symptoms: itchy eyes, sneezing, rash, etc. . . Benadryl reduces these symptoms by reducing the amount of histamine in the bloodstream.

Benadryl can be an effective treatment for most kinds of itching: chicken pox, insect bites, poison ivy, or an allergic reaction. In all these cases the itching is usually caused by an overproduction of histamine which Benadryl can address. Benadryl is also effective at reliving common cold symptoms (stuffy, runny nose, etc. . .) Benadryl can be used safely with children, and one of its well known side effects – drowsiness – can be a blessing to parents: Benadryl will not only relive your child’s cold symptoms, but often help them get some much needed rest.

Benadryl is sold in three forms: Liquid, with a dosage of 12.5mg per 5ml; Chewable tablets with a dosage of 12.5mg, and regular tablets with a dosage of 25mg. Very young children should use the liquid medication exclusively, while older children may also use the caplets.

An effective way to give a proper dose of Benadryl for children is to use the following rule: 0.5mg per pound, repeated every 4-6 hours. Trying to administer these “in-between” doses will be easiest with the liquid form of the drug, as that saves you having to chop up pills.

Like all antihistamines, Benadryl has the potential side effects drowsiness, dry mouth, and an upset stomach. In rarer cases, Benadryl can have the effect of winding children up rather then making them drowsy, though this should be of little concern medically. Adults should avoid consuming alcohol when taking Benadryl, as this can increase the side effects of drowsiness and dizziness. In addition, people taking MAO inhibitors should never take Benadryl, as the interactions of the two drugs could result in serious side effects. 

Benadryl can be taken with or without food, and each dose should be accompanied by drinking a full glass of water. In the event that you are using Benadryl as a sleep aid, the dosage should be given 30 minutes before bedtime. As with all over the counter medication, the daily dosage of Benadryl should not be exceeded except under the advice of a physician.