Get diphenhydramine (Benadryl) online prescriptions for allergies

Diphenhydramine is a prescription medication used to treat allergy symptoms. Talk to a provider to discuss whether diphenhydramine is right for you.

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Product Overview

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

  • What is diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
    Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that prevents and reduces symptoms caused by allergies and the common cold.

    Some strengths of diphenhydramine are available over the counter, meaning they can be purchased without a prescription. Other strengths, or certain formulations, require a written prescription from a licensed health care provider. Diphenhydramine is available in generic form as diphenhydramine or under various brand names or combinations such as Benadryl, Sudafed, or Motrin.

  • What are the common side effects of diphenhydramine (Benadryl)?
    Using diphenhydramine has been shown to cause some side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these adverse reactions become severe or do not go away within a few days.

    Common side effects include dry mouth, drowsiness, and dizziness.

    This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about additional side effects, please contact your provider directly.

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Frequently asked questions about diphenhydramine

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that prevents and reduces symptoms caused by allergies and the common cold. It frequently works in conjunction with other medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve the discomfort these conditions cause in patients. It is also used to alleviate motion sickness in some patients and the symptoms of early-stage parkinsonism in others. Diphenhydramine will not cure any of the conditions listed above but is used to control and minimize the symptoms they cause.

Diphenhydramine can be potentially harmful for the elderly. It can increase the risk of falling, confusion, and dementia. Because of this, it is generally not prescribed for patients over 60. Similarly, because it causes more side effects than second-generation antihistamines, it is not the first choice for use in treating seasonal allergies. Talk to your doctor before taking diphenhydramine.

Some strengths of diphenhydramine are available over the counter, meaning they can be purchased without a prescription. Other strengths, or certain formulations, require a written prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Diphenhydramine is available in generic form as diphenhydramine or under various brand names or combinations such as Benadryl, Sudafed, Robitussin, or Motrin. It’s important to note that these medicines may contain other drugs. Be sure to read the packaging of your medication so you are aware of its active ingredients.

Diphenhydramine is primarily used to treat symptoms caused by allergic reactions. Allergic reactions happen when your body thinks that harmless substances, like pet dander or peanuts, are actually pathogens that could make you sick. When this happens, your body prompts an immune response - which causes symptoms like itchy eyes, itchy or runny nose, and scratchy throat that make allergic reactions troublesome.

Seasonal allergy symptoms can include allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, sinus pressure or pain, nasal congestion, and swollen or red itchy eyes. There is no cure for allergies, but antihistamine medication like diphenhydramine can manage the symptoms listed above. Diphenhydramine is not the first choice for treating seasonal allergy symptoms because of its many side effects. Second-generation antihistamines are preferred for the treatment of seasonal allergy symptoms.

Diphenhydramine is also used for the treatment of motion sickness. Motion sickness is a queasiness usually experienced while traveling by car, train, plane, or boat. This dizziness results from your brain struggling to make sense of the sensory information your eyes, inner ear, and body are providing. Episodes of motion sickness can cause symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Because it causes less sedation, dimenhydrinate is preferred as a treatment for motion sickness to diphenhydramine. These medications are very similar, but dimenhydrinate causes less drowsiness. Talk to your doctor about alternatives to diphenhydramine.

Finally, diphenhydramine is also used to treat symptoms of early-stage Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson's disease is a central nervous system disorder affecting movement. Symptoms develop slowly over time and vary from person to person. In the early stages of the disease, patients may experience a loss of facial expression and changes in handwriting and speech. Later symptoms frequently include tremors, slow movement, limb stiffness, and balance problems. Diphenhydramine is not recommended for the treatment of Parkinson’s symptoms. It increases the risk of serious side effects in the elderly.

Diphenhydramine is classified as an antihistamine. These medications work by blocking the body's natural reaction to histamines. Your body releases histamines in response to irritants. An allergic reaction occurs when your body mistakenly believes a substance is harmful, leading to sneezing, itching, swelling, and other symptoms. Medications like diphenhydramine reduce the symptoms listed above by blocking the effects of histamines.

Antihistamines are standard treatment options for motion sickness. Antihistamines block histamine receptors in the brain, which produce feelings of nausea and dizziness associated with motion sickness. Taking an antihistamine before travel or at the onset of symptoms may reduce or even eliminate unpleasant sensations caused by motion sickness.

Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine that not only blocks the effects of histamine in the body but also demonstrates anticholinergic properties, meaning it can inhibit the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. In Parkinson's disease, there's an imbalance between dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain, usually with a dopamine deficit. By blocking acetylcholine, diphenhydramine can help restore this balance and reduce symptoms such as tremors and muscle rigidity. However, it's important to note that diphenhydramine is not a primary treatment for Parkinson's disease but can serve as a supportive medication under a healthcare provider's supervision.

Diphenhydramine has been shown to cause mild side effects. Talk to a health care provider if these adverse reactions become severe or do not go away after a few days.

Mild symptoms reported from diphenhydramine use include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Headaches
  • Nasal congestion

More severe side effects include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Skin rash
  • Hives
  • Swelling of face, arms, hands, legs or feet
  • Vision problems
  • Difficulty with urination

Seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. These are signs of a severe adverse reaction requiring medical treatment.

As with all medications, inform your doctor of any medical conditions you currently manage before taking this drug. Tell them about any and all medications, prescription drugs, and supplements you are taking before starting treatment with diphenhydramine. This medication can interact with other substances in the body, causing potentially serious adverse reactions.

Let your provider know if you have an enlarged prostate, glaucoma, seizures, ulcers, bladder problems, asthma, sleep apnea, or cancer. You should also inform your provider if you have or have had heart, lung, or liver disease. Tell the doctor or dentist you are taking diphenhydramine if you have any surgery.

Diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness. Because of this, you should not operate a motor vehicle or heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Do not drink alcohol while taking diphenhydramine.

Diphenhydramine can increase the risk of serious side effects in the elderly. This includes an increased risk of dementia, falling, and confusion. Diphenhydramine is not recommended for patients over 60. If you are over 60, talk to your healthcare provider about the risks associated with this medication. They may advise against taking it for Parkinson's symptoms or seasonal allergies.

Finally, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with diphenhydramine. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, inform your healthcare provider right away.

Diphenhydramine is commonly supplied as an oral tablet or capsule. Take this medication with water. Do not crush or chew diphenhydramine.

The recommended dosage varies depending on the patient’s age, body weight, and condition. Take this medication exactly as ordered. Do not increase or discontinue the dosage without consulting your health care provider first.

If you take diphenhydramine for allergies, you should take the medication before bed. This medication causes drowsiness and can make it difficult or dangerous to carry out daily activities. Talk to your doctor about the best method and time of day to take this medication.

Keep all medication bottles out of reach of small children and at room temperature. Avoid exposing the medication to excess heat or moisture. Do not freeze this medication.

If you notice any adverse side effects, notify your health care provider immediately.

If you miss a dose of diphenhydramine, take it as soon as possible. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regularly scheduled amount. Do not take a double dose of diphenhydramine.

Diphenhydramine is widely available over-the-counter. That means that this medication can be purchased without a prescription. Diphenhydramine and its brand-name forms can be found at most convenience stores, grocery stores, and medical retailers (like CVS).

Diphenhydramine can cause adverse side effects when combined with alcohol, other medications, or supplements. Talk to a health care provider before taking diphenhydramine if you are taking any prescription medications or supplements or are managing an ongoing health concern. Additionally, do not take diphenhydramine while drinking alcohol or before drinking alcohol.

Diphenhydramine can be purchased without a prescription, which means you can get it at most stores where OTC medicines are sold. This includes grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations, and medical retailers. Diphenhydramine can also be purchased online for delivery.

Looking for more information? Book an online doctor visit to talk to a health care provider about whether diphenhydramine is right for you.

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