BENADRYL® Ingredients List | BENADRYL®

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Active Ingredient: Diphenhydramine HCl

The active ingredient in BENADRYL® is an antihistamine called diphenhydramine HCl. Antihistamines are used for relief from symptoms related to hay fever, upper respiratory allergy, or the common cold .

MORE ABOUT DIPHENHYDRAMINE HCL

BENADRYL® Ingredients

Carnauba Wax

Gives the tablets their shine

Croscarmellose Sodium NF

Helps break down the tablet in your stomach

D&C Red No. 27 Aluminum Lake

Provides nice color

Dibasic Calcium Phosphate

Helps hold the tablet together

Hypromellose

Helps mask bitter taste

Magnesium stearate

Coats ingredients and helps prevent them from sticking to each other and to other things

Microcrystalline Cellulose NF (Avicel PH-102)

Helps hold the tablet together

Polyethylene Glycol

Helps maintain the flexibility and structure of the tablet coating

Polysorbate 80

Helps incorporate the coating ingredients to make them uniform

Titanium dioxide

Creates a bright white coating

Children’s BENADRYL® Ingredients

Anhydrous citric acid

Helps keep the product stable and improves flavor

Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium

Thickens to improve the consistency of the product

Edetate disodium

Helps keep the product stable

D&C red no.

33

Provides kid friendly color

FD&C Blue no.1

Provides kid friendly color

FD&C Red no. 40

Provides kid friendly color

Flavors (Bubble Gum)

Improves the flavor of the product

Flavors (Cherry)

Improves the flavor of the product

Glycerin

Used to sweeten and help dissolve the active ingredient in medicine

Monoammonium Glycyrrhizinate MM 100P

Used to improve flavor by blocking bitterness

Poloxamer 407 NF

Thickens to improve the consistency of the product

Purified water

Acts as a base for our products

Saccharin Sodium

Provides sweetness to improve taste and flavor

Sodium Chloride USP

Helps keep product stable and improves flavor

Sodium Citrate

Helps keep product stable

Sodium Citrate Dihydrate

Helps keep product stable

Sodium Benzoate

Helps keep the product stable

Sorbitol Solution

Provides hydration and sweetness to improve the flavor

Sucralose

Provides sweetness and blocks bitterness of the active ingredient to improve the flavor

Sucrose

Provides sweetness to improve the flavor

Other Children’s Benadryl® Ingredients

Crospovidone, D&C red no. 30 aluminum lake, D&C red no.7 calcium lake, dextrose excipient, ethylcellulose, gum arabic, sugar spheres, and tartaric acid

Topical BENADRYL® Ingredients

Alcohol, camphor, cetyl alcohol, citric acid, diazolidinyl urea, glycerin, methylparaben, polyethylene glycol monostearate 1000, povidone, propylene glycol, propylparaben, SD alcohol 38-B, sodium citrate, and tromethamine

Related Products

BENADRYL® Extra Strength Allergy Relief Antihistamine Tablets with 50 mg of Diphenhydramine HCl

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BENADRYL® Allergy ULTRATABS® Tablets with Allergy Relief and Diphenhydramine HCI 25 mg

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Original Strength BENADRYL® Itch Stopping Cream Topical Analgesic for Skin Relief

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About Diphenhydramine HCl: The Active Ingredient in BENADRYL®

What Is Diphenhydramine HCl and What Does It Do?

The active ingredient in BENADRYL® is an antihistamine called diphenhydramine HCl. Antihistamines are used for relief from symptoms related to hay fever, upper respiratory allergy, or cold symptoms.

Antihistamines are a class of drugs that block histamine from binding to h2 receptors in the body. Histamines are molecules in the body’s cells that are responsible for many allergy symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.

What Is Diphenhydramine HCl Used For?

Diphenhydramine can be taken as oral allergy medicine, oral cold medicine, or topical antihistamine.

Diphenhydramine taken orally provides temporary relief from allergy and cold symptoms such as:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Itchy throat

Diphenhydramine is often combined with another active ingredient, zinc acetate. The combination applied to the skin topically helps protect skin and temporarily relieves itching associated with:

• Insect and bug bites
• Sunburn
• Scrapes
• Minor skin irritations and burns
• Rashes caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and sumac

Find more information about uses and indications for BENADRYL® oral and topical products here.

What Forms Does Diphenhydramine HCl Come In?

Diphenhydramine in medicines can come in two main forms — oral and topical.

Oral diphenhydramine is available in different dosage forms including tablets, liquid gels, liquid medicine, and chewable tablets. Dosage forms are available for adults and children.

Topical diphenhydramine is available in cream, spray, stick, and gel to help relieve itchy skin.

Oral Allergy & Cold Symptom Relief Medicine

For temporary relief of allergy symptoms in adults and children 6 years and older, consider BENADRYL® Allergy ULTRATABS® Tablets or BENADRYL® Allergy Dye-Free LIQUI-GELS® with diphenhydramine 25 mg.

For children, BENADRYL® products can provide effective relief from hay fever and allergy symptoms. For children ages 6 to 11 years, consider Children’s BENADRYL® Allergy Liquid and Children’s BENADRYL® Dye-Free Allergy Liquid Antihistamine Medicine with diphenhydramine 12. 5 mg per 5 mL. For adults and children 6 years and older, consider Children’s BENADRYL® Chewables with diphenhydramine 12.5 mg.

For allergy and cold symptom relief for adults and children 12 years and older, consider BENADRYL® Allergy Plus Congestion for Sinus Pressure & Nasal Congestion Relief. For adults and children 6 years and older, consider Children’s BENADRYL® Allergy Plus Congestion Nasal Decongestant & Sinus Medicine for Kids.

Topical Itchy Skin Relief

BENADRYL® topical products can provide temporary relief from pain and itching associated with insect bites, rashes, and minor skin irritations. To help protect skin and temporarily relieve itching, consider BENADRYL® Itch Stopping Cream or BENADRYL® Extra Strength Itch Stopping Cream. Consider BENADRYL® Extra Strength Spray to quickly apply to your rash or insect bite as soon as itching starts.

For easy-to-apply immediate relief in stick form, consider BENADRYL® Extra Strength Itch Relief Stick for Rashes, Insect and Bug Bites. Or consider the soothing relief of gel with BENADRYL® Itch Stopping Gel Extra Strength Topical Analgesic Gel for Itchy Skin.

Diphenhydramine HCl Side-Effects, Safety, and Dosage

Just like with any medication you might take, sometimes diphenhydramine can cause side effects if misused. To avoid misuse, see the following warnings:

Do not use:

• To make a child sleepy
• With any other product containing diphenhydramine, even one used on skin

Ask a doctor before use if you have:

• A breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis
• Glaucoma
• Trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland
• Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking sedatives or tranquilizers.

Diphenhydramine side effects and things to remember when using this product:

• Marked drowsiness may occur
• Avoid alcoholic drinks
• Alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness
• Be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery
• Excitability may occur, especially in children

If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. (1-800-222-1222)

You should also speak to your doctor before taking diphenhydramine if you’re allergic to any medications or taking another prescribed medication.

When taking diphenhydramine, alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness, so these should be avoided. Be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery.

The appropriate dosage of diphenhydramine depends on your age and symptoms. Find the right BENADRYL® product to give you or your child relief, and carefully read and follow the entire product label before giving the medication.

The safety of the people who use our products is our top priority. To learn more about steps taken to address misuse and abuse of BENADRYL® and other diphenhydramine-containing products, visit our SAFETY page.

Diphenhydramine HCl FAQ

Can Diphenhydramine Make You Sleepy?

Yes, diphenhydramine can cause you to be drowsy or sleepy.

Does BENADRYL® Contain Diphenhydramine HCl?

Yes. Diphenhydramine HCl is the active ingredient in all BENADRYL® allergy medications. Our products contain diphenhydramine to provide relief from your allergy symptoms.

BENADRYL® Allergy Plus Congestion for Sinus Pressure & Nasal Congestion Relief and Children’s BENADRYL® Allergy Plus Congestion Nasal Decongestant & Sinus Medicine for Kids are medicines that contain diphenhydramine plus phenylephrine, which is a nasal decongestant.

BENADRYL® topical products, such as Original Strength BENADRYL® Itch Stopping Cream Topical Analgesic for Skin Relief, contain diphenhydramine as an analgesic, plus zinc acetate as a skin protectant.

What Is the Difference Between Diphenhydramine and Hydrocortisone Cream?

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine, which works by blocking histamine from binding to h2 receptors in the body.

Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid, which is used on the skin to reduce swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions. ²

What Can You Not Take with Diphenhydramine?

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using diphenhydramine if you are taking sedative or tranquilizers. Avoid consumption of alcohol with diphenhydramine as well, is this may increase drowsiness.

This may not encompass all possible interactions with diphenhydramine. Give your doctor or healthcare provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use.¹

At What Frequency Can Diphenhydramine 25 mg Be Taken?

Take every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by a doctor. Do not take more than 6 times in 24 hours.

Where Can You Buy BENADRYL® (Diphenhydramine)?

BENADRYL® can often be found over-the-counter at your local pharmacy in the allergy medication section. You can also find out where to buy BENADRYL® medications online here.

Additional Resources

Find additional information about BENADRYL®’s inactive ingredients here.

Compare BENADRYL® (Diphenhydramine HCl) and other allergy relief products here.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for additional answers to your questions about BENADRYL®.

Benadryl for Dogs Instructions for Use

The temptation to reach into our medicine cabinets to treat pets can be very dangerous.

People and dogs react differently to medications, so veterinarians warn dog owners against making arbitrary decisions about how to treat their animals.

However, some human medicines are safe for dogs if used properly.

Veterinarians regularly use Benadryl for dogs to treat allergies, travel anxiety and motion sickness. While you should always check with your veterinarian before giving a dog human medication, here’s what you need to know about using Benadryl for dogs.

Contents

What is Benadryl?

Benadryl is the brand name for the active ingredient diphenhydramine HCL. Diphenhydramine is a first-generation ethanolamine-based antihistamine that is a scientific way of classifying antihistamines that can cross the blood-brain barrier from those that cannot.

The ability to cross the blood-brain barrier makes them very effective, but also increases the risk of side effects compared to less effective second-generation antihistamines.

How does Benadryl work?

Diphenhydramine is a receptor antagonist, which means that the drug works by blocking the receptors that receive histamine in the body. It relieves many of the symptoms associated with allergies such as itching, sneezing and hives.

The body still produces histamines, but the receptor antagonist blocks the registration of histamines by the receptors. It’s a bit like a postman trying to deliver mail to an already full mailbox. The letter comes, but there is no place for it.

What does Benadryl treat in dogs?

Benadryl is an excellent remedy for dogs with mild to moderate allergies. Seasonal allergies, food allergies, environmental allergies, and allergic reactions to snake and insect bites are most likely to respond to Benadryl. Benadryl is commonly used to treat itching in dogs caused by skin allergies and also reduces many other allergy symptoms, including:

• Itching
• Urticaria
• Swelling and inflammation
• Redness of the skin
• Hrylore and watery eyes
• cough
• Chikhai
• Anaphylactic reaction

One of the side effects of Benadril is the drowsiness that helps to reassure alarming dogs. The Merck Veterinary Manual states that diphenhydramine may relieve symptoms of mild to moderate travel-related anxiety in pets. It may also help relieve motion sickness during car and plane travel.

Veterinarians prescribe Benadryl to dogs with mast cell tumors to help mitigate the effects of massive histamine release caused by mast cell degranulation.

Benadryl is also used as adjunctive therapy for other conditions. Veterinarians sometimes prescribe diphenhydramine during heartworm treatment as it helps prevent allergic reactions associated with heartworm treatment.

Benadryl is a great addition to your pet’s first aid kit. If you don’t already have an emergency kit or pet travel kit, consider building one today.

When to ask your veterinarian about Benadryl for dogs

Before you get to Benadryl, check with your veterinarian about your dog’s symptoms. Allergy symptoms, such as itchy and red eyes, are also signs of more serious conditions.

In some cases, such as glaucoma, taking Benadryl may worsen the dog’s condition. Red, dull eyes can be a sign of an allergy, and can also be a sign of an eye condition such as glaucoma or dry eye, which Benadryl won’t help with.

Similarly, itching is often associated with both allergies and other skin conditions. Because Benadryl is not effective for certain skin conditions, it’s always a good idea to check with your veterinarian to make sure you’re doing the best you can for your dog’s health.

Your veterinarian may recommend that you bring your dog in for a checkup. If you decide not to bring your dog against the advice of a veterinarian, or if you administer Benadryl without consulting a veterinarian first, be sure to monitor your dog closely and call the veterinarian if your pet’s condition worsens.

Side effects of Benadryl

There are side effects associated with the use of Benadryl in dogs that all dog owners should be aware of. Just as people consult their doctors before taking a new medication, you should always check with your veterinarian before administering

Benadryl to see if it has any potential drug interactions with your dog’s other medications. or whether it may worsen a pre-existing condition.

If your dog has any of the following conditions, use Benadryl only after consulting a veterinarian:

• Angle-closure glaucoma
• Severe heart failure
• Prostate hypertrophy
• Bladder neck obstruction 90 032
• Convulsive disorders
• Hypertension
• Allergic lung disease
• Pregnancy

Common side effects associated with the use of Benadryl in dogs include:

• Sedation
• Dry mouth
• Urinary retention
• Hypersalivation
• Increased heart rate
• Rapid breathing

Red Some side effects:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Increased appetite

Most side effects occur within the first hour of exposure, so monitor your dog closely during this time.

Benadryl overdose

Benadryl overdose possible. Signs of overdose include increased excitability of the central nervous system (CNS) and may be fatal. Other warning signs to look out for:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Constipation
• Seizures

If you suspect your dog has overdosed on Benadryl, contact your veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital immediately.

Some dogs develop an allergic reaction to Benadryl. If your dog shows symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Because Benadryl for dogs is often used to treat allergies, monitor your dog after taking Benadryl for the first time to make sure that allergy symptoms do not worsen.

Dosage of Benadryl for Dogs

The best way to determine the correct dosage of Benadryl for dogs is to consult your veterinarian. Merck Veterinary guidelines recommend administering 2-4mg of Benadryl per kilogram of body weight, two to three times per day. However, this dosage may vary depending on your dog’s health condition.

Never use sustained release capsules for dogs as capsules are absorbed differently in dogs than in humans and may affect your dog’s dosage. They can also open when chewed and give too much medication at one time, putting your dog at risk of overdosing.

If you choose to use liquid Benadryl, it is safer to use liquid infant formula as most of them do not contain alcohol (although they do contain sodium).

Benadryl Children’s Tablets can also be used to dose very small dogs. The dosage of liquid Benadryl is different from the dosage of Benadryl tablets. Consult your veterinarian for an appropriate dosage and use a syringe to improve measurement accuracy and ease of administration.

Benadryl usually starts working in 30 minutes, so plan accordingly if you plan to use it to treat anxiety or mild motion sickness.

For dogs with chronic allergies or conditions requiring daily doses, consult your veterinarian for appropriate dosage as this may change over time.

Always consult your veterinarian before giving Benadryl to pregnant or lactating dogs as it is not recommended for use in these animals.

Is Benadryl safe for your dog?

Benadryl is a relatively safe and effective drug for dogs when used according to veterinarian instructions.

As with any new medication, always monitor your dog carefully after taking it to make sure it doesn’t have any adverse reactions. If you have further questions about Benadryl for dogs, please contact your veterinarian for more information.

Benadryl for dogs and cats

09.11.2022 Medications507

Product information

• Drug name: Benadryl for dogs and cats
• Drug type: antihistamine
• Used for: allergies, inhalation allergies, motion sickness in dogs, irritability.
• Species: Dogs, Cats
• Distribution: OTC
• Available forms: 25 mg and 50 mg capsules, 12. 5 and 50 mg tablets, oral liquid, injection.

General Description

Benadryl® is an antihistamine commonly used by both humans and pets. It is used to treat many symptoms, including allergies and motion sickness. It does not treat the underlying problems causing these symptoms.

Can I give my cat or dog Benadryl ® ?

Yes, but you should only give this medicine to a cat or dog on the advice of a veterinarian.

How much Benadryl can be given to a cat or dog?

Benadryl® g osages for dogs and cats vary. You should always check with your veterinarian before giving this medication to your pet for the correct dosage.

How it works

Antihistamines work by counteracting histamine, a chemical that causes inflammation and itching as part of an allergic reaction.

Diphenhydramine works by blocking the H-1 receptors that occur on small blood vessels and smooth muscle.

When histamine attaches to these receptors, it causes these vessels to dilate, causing inflammation and itching, and the muscles around the airways to contract, making breathing difficult.

The anti-motion sickness property of Benadryl® works by blocking impulses to the vomiting center in the brain. It is only effective in dogs.

Storage information

Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature.

What should I do if I miss my medication?

Give the missed dose as soon as possible. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not give your pet two doses at once.

Side effects and drug reactions

Benadryl may cause the following side effects:

• Hyperexcitability in cats
• Dry mouth
• Decreased urination
• Sedation 9003 2
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite

Benadryl may react with the following drugs:

• Central nervous system depressants
• Amitraz
• Furazolidone
• Selegiline

9003 1 Adrenaline

• Sodium or calcium heparin
• Sodium warfarin

USE CAUTION THIS DRUG FOR PETS WITH HEART DISEASE OR HIGH PRESSURE, BLADDER DISEASE OR HYPERTHYROIDISM.