Many thanks to Nicole for this very important article!
Side effects of Benadryl
Benadryl is a popular over-the-counter medication. There are a large number of indicated uses for Benadryl. In fact, Benadryl is used along the entire spectrum of the population, from young children to the elderly, and mild self-limited symptoms to dangerous medical conditions.
Despite the fact that Benadryl is available in every corner drug store, the use of this medication does require certain precautions. Benadryl has very real side effects that potential users need to be aware of.
The name Benadryl is actually a synonym for the more generic name Diphenhydramine. Benadryl is a first generation antihistamine and, as such, it is more sedating than the later generation antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin).
Benadryl is used for relief of allergy symptoms and symptoms of the common cold. As a sleep aid, Benadryl is used for the short term treatment of insomnia. Benadryl is also used to treat pruritic (itchy) skin conditions, to prevent itching and swelling reactions to intravenous medications, to relieve nausea and vomiting, and to improve mild anxiety.
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Source: Lexi-Comp Online. Accessed Mar 26, 2010.