Geri-Dryl

Geri-Dryl is an antihistamine that helps with sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other symptoms from colds or allergies.

Geri-Dryl is also used to help with motion sickness, to help you sleep, and to treat some symptoms of Parkinson's disease. This sleep aid is not for use in children younger than 12 years old.

There are many brands and forms of diphenhydramine available. Not all brands are mentioned in this leaflet.

Geri-Dryl may also be used for reasons not listed in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Geri-Dryl is only for short-term use until your symptoms go away.

Taking too much Geri-Dryl can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or death.

Always follow the instructions on the medicine label when giving Geri-Dryl to a child. Do not use the medicine just to make a child sleepy. Death can happen from the misuse of antihistamines in very young children.

For motion sickness, take Geri-Dryl 30 minutes before you expect to be in a situation that causes motion sickness (like a long car ride, airplane or boat travel, amusement park rides, etc). Keep taking this medicine with meals and at bedtime for the rest of the time you will be in a motion-sickness situation.

As a sleep aid, take Geri-Dryl within 30 minutes before bedtime.

You must chew the chewable tablet before swallowing it.

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

Take an orally disintegrating tablet from the package only when you are ready to take the medicine. Place the tablet in your mouth and let it dissolve, without chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with Geri-Dryl does not improve, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.

Do not use Geri-Dryl for more than 2 weeks to treat sleep problems, or more than 7 days to treat cold or allergy symptoms.

Geri-Dryl can affect the results of allergy skin tests. Inform any doctor who treats you that you are using Geri-Dryl.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Use Geri-Dryl exactly as directed. Taking too much Geri-Dryl can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or death.

Do not use this medicine to make a child sleepy. Geri-Dryl sleep aid medicine is not for use in children younger than 12 years old.

You should not use Geri-Dryl if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

• an enlarged prostate or urination problems;
• asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing disorder;
• glaucoma; or
• a thyroid disorder.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Geri-Dryl may slow down breast milk production.

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

Geri-Dryl may cause serious side effects. Stop using Geri-Dryl and call your doctor right away if you have:

• severe drowsiness; or
• painful or difficult urination.

Side effects like dry mouth, constipation, and confusion may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of Geri-Dryl may include:

• drowsiness;
• dry eyes, blurred vision;
• dry mouth, nose, or throat;
• decreased urination;
• constipation;
• feeling restless or excited (especially in children); or
• daytime drowsiness or "hangover" feeling after night-time use.

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

Since Geri-Dryl 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 one, just skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Taking too much diphenhydramine can be deadly.

Signs of an overdose may include vomiting, confusion, extreme sleepiness, ringing in your ears, not being able to urinate, very dry eyes and mouth, dilated pupils, fast heartbeats, shaking, restlessness, hallucinations, or seizures.

Do not drive or engage in dangerous activities until you know how Geri-Dryl will affect you. Your ability to react may be affected.

Drinking alcohol can make some side effects of diphenhydramine worse.

Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine that might contain Geri-Dryl. This includes medicines for sleep, cold or allergy symptoms, or anti-itch creams. Taking too much of this medicine may result in a deadly overdose.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Geri-Dryl 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 medicines you begin or stop using. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are mentioned here.