Valu-Dryl

Valu-Dryl is an antihistamine that helps relieve sneezing, a runny nose, watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other symptoms of colds or allergies.

Valu-Dryl is also used to help with motion sickness, to promote 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.

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

Use exactly as directed on the label or as your doctor prescribes. Valu-Dryl is meant for short-term use until your symptoms improve.

Taking too much Valu-Dryl can cause serious heart issues, seizures, coma, or death.

Always follow the instructions on the medicine label for giving Valu-Dryl to a child. Do not use this medicine just to make a child sleepy. Misusing antihistamines in very young children can lead to death.

For motion sickness, take Valu-Dryl 30 minutes before you expect to be in a situation that may cause motion sickness (like a long car ride, flying, boating, amusement park rides, etc.). Continue taking this medicine with meals and at bedtime while you are in a motion-sickness situation.

As a sleep aid, take Valu-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).

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

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

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

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

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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

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

You should not use Valu-Dryl 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 with urination;
• asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or another breathing issue;
• glaucoma; or
• a thyroid disorder.

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

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

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

• severe drowsiness; or
• painful or difficult urination.

Older adults may be more likely to experience side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and confusion.

Common side effects of Valu-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 a "hangover" feeling after using it at night.

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

Since Valu-Dryl is taken as needed, you might not follow a specific 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 once.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of diphenhydramine 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 dangerous activities until you know how Valu-Dryl will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of diphenhydramine.

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

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