Diphenhydramine and phenylephrine

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine. Phenylephrine is a decongestant.

Diphenhydramine and phenylephrine is a combination medicine used to treat a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and sinus congestion caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

Diphenhydramine and phenylephrine may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use.

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine only to make a child sleepy. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicines in very young children.

Ask a doctor before giving the medicine to a child.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the doctor ahead of time if you have taken a cold medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not use diphenhydramine and phenylephrine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous interaction with the drug could happen. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine, among others.

Use this medicine exactly as instructed. Taking too much diphenhydramine can cause serious heart issues, seizures, coma, or death.

Do not use this medicine to make a child sleepy. Check with a doctor before giving this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old.

Consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine that may have diphenhydramine. Taking too much of this medicine can lead to a fatal overdose.

Do not use diphenhydramine and phenylephrine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. This could lead to a dangerous drug interaction. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine, among others.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if diphenhydramine and phenylephrine is safe for you if you have ever had:

• asthma or COPD, cough with mucus, or cough from smoking, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis;
• high blood pressure or heart disease;
• an enlarged prostate or problems with urination;
• glaucoma;
• diabetes; or
• a thyroid disorder.

This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

diphenhydramine and phenylephrine can cause serious side effects. Stop taking diphenhydramine and phenylephrine and call your doctor right away if you experience:

• severe drowsiness;
• sleeplessness;
• painful or hard urination;
• fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats;
• difficulty breathing;
• anxiety, nervousness;
• a seizure; or
• issues with balance or speech.

Common side effects of diphenhydramine and phenylephrine may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness, headache;
• dry mouth, nose, or throat;
• nausea, vomiting, constipation;
• blurred vision; or
• difficulty sleeping.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1 800 FDA 1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

Diphenhydramine 12.5 mg / phenylephrine 5 mg per 10 mL liquid: 20 mL every 4 hoursMaximum dose: 6 doses per 24 hoursDiphenhydramine 25 mg / phenylephrine 10 mg per tablet: 1 tablet every 4 hoursMaximum dose: 6 doses per 24 hours

Usual Adult Dose for Cold Symptoms:

Diphenhydramine 12.5 mg / phenylephrine 5 mg per 10 mL liquid: 20 mL every 4 hoursMaximum dose: 6 doses per 24 hoursDiphenhydramine 25 mg / phenylephrine 10 mg per tablet: 1 tablet every 4 hoursMaximum dose: 6 doses per 24 hours

Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

Diphenhydramine 6.25 mg / phenylephrine 2.5 mg per 5 mL liquid:6 to under 12 years: 10 mL every 4 hoursMaximum dose: 6 doses per 24 hoursDiphenhydramine 12.5 mg / phenylephrine 5 mg per 10 mL liquid:12 years and older: 20 mL every 4 hours6 to under 12 years: 10 mL every 4 hoursMaximum dose: 6 doses per 24 hoursDiphenhydramine 25 mg / phenylephrine 10 mg per tablet:12 years and older: 1 tablet every 4 hoursMaximum dose: 6 doses per 24 hours

Usual Pediatric Dose for Cold Symptoms:

Diphenhydramine 6.25 mg / phenylephrine 2.5 mg per 5 mL liquid:6 to under 12 years: 10 mL every 4 hoursMaximum dose: 6 doses per 24 hoursDiphenhydramine 12.5 mg / phenylephrine 5 mg per 10 mL liquid:12 years and older: 20 mL every 4 hours6 to under 12 years: 10 mL every 4 hoursMaximum dose: 6 doses per 24 hoursDiphenhydramine 25 mg / phenylephrine 10 mg per tablet:12 years and older: 1 tablet every 4 hoursMaximum dose: 6 doses per 24 hours

Since diphenhydramine and phenylephrine is taken as needed, you might not have a regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and it’s nearly time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of diphenhydramine and phenylephrine can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include vomiting, confusion, severe drowsiness, ringing in your ears, no urination, very dry eyes and mouth, dilated pupils, fast heartbeats, tremor, agitation, hallucinations, or seizure.

Avoid driving or doing anything dangerous until you know how diphenhydramine and phenylephrine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine that may contain diphenhydramine. This includes medicines for sleep, cold/allergy symptoms, or anti-itch medicine used on the skin. Using too much diphenhydramine may lead to a fatal overdose.

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using diphenhydramine and phenylephrine with any other medicines, especially those that can make you sleepy (like opioid medication, sleep medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking and any new medicine you begin or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.