Sominex Maximum Strength

Sominex Maximum Strength is an antihistamine that helps with sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other cold or allergy symptoms.

Sominex Maximum Strength is also used for motion sickness, to help you sleep, and to treat some symptoms of Parkinson's disease. This sleep aid is not for children younger than 12 years old.

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

Sominex Maximum Strength may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

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

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

Always follow the instructions on the medicine label when giving Sominex Maximum Strength to a child. Do not use this medicine just to make a child sleepy. Misuse of antihistamines in very young children can lead to death.

For motion sickness, take Sominex Maximum Strength 30 minutes before you expect to encounter motion sickness (such as during a long car ride, airplane or boat travel, amusement park rides, etc). Continue taking this medicine with meals and at bedtime for the duration of your motion-sickness situation.

As a sleep aid, take Sominex Maximum Strength 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).

Remove 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 Sominex Maximum Strength does not improve, or if you experience a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.

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

Sominex Maximum Strength can affect the results of allergy skin tests. Inform any doctor treating you that you are using Sominex Maximum Strength.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

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

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

You should not use Sominex Maximum Strength 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 problems urinating;
• asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or another breathing issue;
• glaucoma; or
• a thyroid problem.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Sominex Maximum Strength 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 Maximum Strength may cause serious side effects. Stop using Sominex Maximum Strength 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 Maximum Strength may include:

• drowsiness;
• dry eyes, blurred vision;
• dry mouth, nose, or throat;
• decreased urination;
• constipation;
• feeling restless or excited (especially in children); or
• day-time 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 Maximum Strength is taken as needed, you might not follow a regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and it is almost time for your next dose, 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, severe drowsiness, ringing in your ears, not urinating, very dry eyes and mouth, enlarged pupils, rapid heartbeats, tremors, agitation, hallucinations, or seizures.

Do not drive or do anything dangerous until you know how Sominex Maximum Strength affects you. Your reactions may be slower.

Drinking alcohol can make some side effects of diphenhydramine worse.

Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine that might have Sominex Maximum Strength in it. This includes medicines for sleep, cold or allergy symptoms, or anti-itch creams. Taking too much of this medicine may cause a fatal overdose.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Sominex Maximum Strength with any other medicines, especially those that can cause drowsiness (like 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.