Sominex

Sominex is an antihistamine used to treat symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other cold or allergy symptoms.

Sominex is also used to help with motion sickness, to help induce sleep, and to treat certain 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.

Sominex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Sominex is only for short-term use until your symptoms improve.

Taking too much Sominex can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or death.

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

For motion sickness, take Sominex 30 minutes before you expect to be in a situation that causes you motion sickness (such as a long car ride, airplane or boat travel, amusement park rides, etc). Continue 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 Sominex within 30 minutes before bedtime.

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

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

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

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

Do not use Sominex for longer than 2 weeks to treat sleep problems, or longer than 7 days to treat cold or allergy symptoms.

Sominex can affect the results of allergy skin tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Sominex.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Use Sominex exactly as directed. Taking too much Sominex can cause serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or death.

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

You should not use Sominex if you are allergic to it.

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

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

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

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

• severe drowsiness; or
• painful or difficult urination.

Side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and confusion may happen more often in older adults.

Common side effects of Sominex 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 Sominex is taken as needed, you might not have a regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and it's almost time for your next dose, 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.

Symptoms of an overdose may include vomiting, confusion, extreme drowsiness, ringing in your ears, not urinating, very dry eyes and mouth, dilated pupils, fast heartbeats, tremors, agitation, hallucinations, or seizures.

Avoid driving or doing anything dangerous until you know how Sominex affects you. Your reactions could be affected.

Drinking alcohol can make some side effects of diphenhydramine worse.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine that may contain Sominex. This includes medicines for sleep, cold or allergy symptoms, or anti-itch medicine for the skin. Taking too much of this medicine may result in a fatal overdose.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Sominex with any other medicines, especially those that can cause drowsiness (such as opioid medication, sleep medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Inform your doctor about all your current medicines and any 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.