Question: How Do I Choose An Over
Dr. James: For many years, people used diphenhydramine as an antihistamine for their allergies. But for many reasons, this medicine is not a good choice to take for allergy symptoms because of its short-term action to manage symptoms and several known negative side effects. The major side effects of diphenhydramine include drowsiness, sedation, and fatigue. It can also impair alertness, concentration, multitasking, and memory. In turn, this antihistamine can affect important functions, such as learning and test performance in children, as well as operation of machinery and cars in adults.
Diphenhydramine and related short-acting antihistamines should be avoided.
Fortunately, there are many newer over-the-counter antihistamines available that work much better, are longer acting, and are safer than diphenhydramine. These newer antihistamines are less likely to have major clinical side effects compared to older antihistamines like diphenhydramine. Also, these newer medicines do not carry the risk of toxicity and death that has been associated with older antihistamines. Finally, regarding the use of antihistamines in pregnancy, cetirizine and loratadine are the medicines of choice.
Important note: If you are experiencing symptoms of a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, the recommended treatment is epinephrine .
Potential Side Effects And Risks Of Benadryl For Dogs
Every medication has the potential to trigger side effects and adverse reactions, and Benadryl for dogs is no exception. For a simpler understanding, we will classify the side effects of Benadryl into two categories: common side effects and rare side effects.
The group of common side effects in dogs includes:
Basically, if you are unsure whether you should give your dog the medication, it always helps to check with your local veterinarian or clinic. The vet consultation is also the perfect time to talk about Diphenhydramine dosage for your dog.
Finally, Benadryl can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive dogs. In such cases, a quick trip to the vets office is warranted. Since Benadryl is used to treat allergies, the dogs allergy symptoms will worsen in case of sensitivity to the medication.
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Seasonal Allergies And Copd: Tips To Avoid Complications
Seasonal allergies are a nuisance for most people. For people with COPD, however, any extra condition that makes breathing difficult is automatically more serious.
According to a 2012 study at the Johns Hopkins Allergy and Asthma Center, people who had COPD and seasonal allergies experienced worsened respiratory symptoms such as coughing and wheezing.
They were also significantly more likely to need medical attention for their symptoms.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a group of lung conditions usually made up of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD is commonly linked to a history of smoking cigarettes.
The condition results in airway blockages and mucus production, often causing serious breathing difficulties. Symptoms include:
- persistent cough
- feeling winded after activities that werent difficult in the past
- coughing up mucus
Seasonal allergies are very common. Millions of people deal with the itchy, watery eyes and stuffy noses that seasonal allergies cause.
These symptoms occur when your immune system reacts to allergens youve inhaled such as:
Your immune system activates certain cells that produce substances, including histamine. These substances produce allergy symptoms.
People with COPD seem to be more sensitive to other breathing conditions. Of course, if you have COPD, you likely already have some trouble breathing.
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What If I Forget To Take Or Use It
If you’re taking diphenhydramine to help you sleep and you forget to take it by bedtime, skip your missed dose and start again the next evening.
If you’re taking any other medicine containing diphenhydramine and forget to take a dose, take your medicine when you next need it to ease your symptoms.
Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.
If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
What If I Take Or Use Too Much
Too much diphenhydramine can be dangerous.
If you’ve taken more than the usual dose you may:
- feel very sleepy
- feel your heart beating very fast
In serious cases you can become unconscious and may need emergency treatment in hospital.
Do not use diphenhydramine cream at the same time as other products containing diphenhydramine. This can lead to overdose.
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice if:
- you take more than your prescribed dose of diphenhydramine
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call
If you need to go to A& E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.
Take the diphenhydramine packet or leaflet inside it plus any remaining medicine with you.
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Can Benadryl Be Crushed
Benadryl tablets can be crushed. If you have trouble swallowing whole tablets, Benadryl liquid solution and chewable tablets are available.
Benadryl is an antihistamine. If you have allergies or have a cold, your body releases a chemical messenger called histamine. This messenger causes symptoms such as inflammation, edema , itchiness, and runny nose.
Benadryl blocks some of the effects of histamine and decreases some of the symptoms caused by it.
Becky Saunders 34 Has An Allergy To Tree Pollen And Year
I dont know what life is like without asthma
I don’t remember being told I had asthma as I was so young. My parents took me to the hospital when I was six-months-old. The doctors thought I had pneumonia to start with, then they realised it was probably asthma – though this wasnt formally diagnosed until I got a bit older.
I used to think early pollen was just a cold
When I was younger, I thought the sneezing and running nose were just signs of a winter cold, but it was really my allergy to tree pollen.
When I was 13 my mum made me go to the doctor, as I was getting hay fever symptoms all the time, not just summer. The doctor told me it was year-round hay fever and recommended I start taking an antihistamine every day.
In my twenties my allergies really flared up and I had a blood test, which confirmed I had an allergy to tree pollen and dust, which I already knew at that point and I was then prescribed a more intense antihistamine, which is 100% a life saver for me. If I didnt take it, I know my hay fever would make my asthma a lot worse.
On the odd occasion Ive forgotten my antihistamine, Ive slightly panicked and left work early to go home and take it, as I didnt want to risk feeling bad. Without it, my eyes swell up, they go puffy and itchy and the roof of my mouth is very itchy too. Its horrible.
Asthma, hay fever and a chest infection is not a fun combination
I have routines to remember my medication
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Benadryl For Dogs: Recommended Dosage Side Effects And More
Benadryls active ingredient, Diphenhydramine HCl, is very safe and effective on dogs. You can actually help stop your dogs itching and allergy symptoms with this inexpensive and over-the-counter medication.
In this article, we will talk about Benadryl for dogs. We will explain what Benadryl is, how it works, and what conditions may benefit from its effects. We will also discuss the right dosage and go through the risks and usage considerations.
Who May Not Be Able To Take Diphenhydramine
Diphenhydramine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to diphenhydramine or any other medicine
- have lung problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , or an illness that creates a lot of phlegm
- have an eye problem called primary angle closure glaucoma
- have a blockage in your stomach or gut
- have kidney or liver problems
- have problems peeing or emptying your bladder
- have epilepsy or any other health problem that causes fits
- are due to have an allergy test â diphenhydramine can affect your results, so you may need to stop taking it a few days before your test â ask a pharmacist or your doctor for advice
- are unable to have any alcohol â some liquid diphenhydramine products contain a small amount of alcohol, so check the ingredients and the packaging carefully
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What If I Dont Have Benadryl Are There Alternatives
If your dog has allergies and you dont have any Benadryl at home, you can also use cetirizine or loratadine . As usual, always check with a vet first before administering any human medications to your dog. Especially if your dog has preexisting conditions or is on other medication.
Natural allergy relief can be gained by using quercetin which is a natural ingredient derived from the peels of fruits and vegetables. Not only does quercetin contain antihistamine properties, but it contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Chat to your vet about quercetin as an allergy reliever in dogs.
CBD is another natural alternative to Benadryl. Its derived from hemp plants and contains absolutely no psychoactive properties so theres no chance of getting your dog high. The benefits of CBD include the relief of skin conditions, as well as itching and hives related to allergies. Dogs that experience motion sickness will also benefit from CBD, as will those suffering from anxiety, pain, or nausea.
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Does Benadryl Help With Dog Skin Allergies
It can guarantee symptomatic relief until you reach medical help and prevent a minor injury Milk of Magnesia Benadryl Allergy Relief an antihistamine for adults Piriton syrup
How To Stop Dog Barking While Away Both of them work demanding jobs with long hours, so they were using the furbo dog camera to stay connected to their pup when they were away from it seems that while the Barking Alert may Best Large Breed Dog Food 2016 Use Whole Dog Journalâs annual ratings of dry dog foods to
Can dogs get poison ivy Topical hydrocortisone lotions or creams can limit mild skin reactions. Oral antihistamines like Benadryl help relieve itching. If the rash is severe or these products
Heres what allergy sufferers said might help: Avoidance diphenhydramine , an older antihistamine that can cause drowsiness loratadine (Claritin and generic
Here are 6 easy things you can do today to help control any discomfort your dog other allergens from your dogâs fur and skin without the hassle of a full bath. a professional can provide more aggressive treatments such as anti
If I had allergies dog. If he sees my EpiPen he will bark until I give him the command to stop. This way, if I have to use my device I will not be alone. As well, if Im not able to alert anyone
Its important to stay aware of your dogs behavior. If allergies does require a vet prescription. What we like: Common, reputable source of treatment that helps improve skin quality. May
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Im Pregnant Can I Take Allergic Rhinitis Medicines
If your allergic rhinitis is troublesome, or if effective treatment for your allergic rhinitis helps control your asthma symptoms, your doctor might recommend that you take medicine while you are pregnant.
If you discover that you are pregnant while using medicines for allergic rhinitis, tell your doctor straight away.
Some corticosteroid nasal sprays have a good safety rating during pregnancy. Most allergic rhinitis medicines have no particular safety concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before taking any medicines when you are pregnant.
Will Aspirin And Other Pain Relievers Make My Asthma Worse
Aspirin and other drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be harmful for people who have asthma. Ibuprofen and naproxen are a few examples of NSAIDs. If you are allergic to aspirin, ask your doctor or pharmacist to make sure any new medicine you might take is not related to aspirin.
People who have asthma can usually take acetaminophen safely. This medicine is typically used to relieve fever and pain. Very rarely, even acetaminophen may make asthma worse, which has prompted further studies to explore the link between acetaminophen and asthma. If acetaminophen makes your asthma worse, tell your doctor. He or she can help you find another type of pain reliever.
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Can You Take Benadryl If You Have Asthma
It is safe to take Benadryl for a short duration. However, you should consult your doctor before taking Benadryl when you have asthma. Since Benadryl is a sedative, there is a risk that it can cause sleep apnea in patients with underlying respiratory disease. That is the most common side effect of Benadryl. If you take too much of it, it can cause other serious side effects like slow heart rate, fainting and confusion..
How Should I Use This Medication
Adults and children 12 years of age and older: The usual dose is 25 mg to 50 mg taken by mouth 3 or 4 times a day. No more than 300 mg should be taken in a 24-hour period. As there are various strengths and forms of diphenhydramine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication. Take diphenhydramine exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
Children: The dose of diphenhydramine for children varies based on age and body weight. Always read the label on the product you have to ensure the correct dose. If you are not sure, ask your health care professional to calculate the dose. This medication should not be used for children under the age of 2 years unless recommended by your physician.
Do not give diphenhydramine capsules or caplets to children younger than 12 years of age unless directed to do so by your child’s doctor. As there are various strengths and forms of diphenhydramine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medication to a child.
Use an oral syringe to measure each dose of the liquid, as it gives a more accurate measurement than household teaspoons.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones above, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.
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Will Benadryl Help Allergic Asthma
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Benadryl For Dog Allergies
While dogs do get allergies, they often do not look like human allergies at all. Instead, dog allergies typically produce skin irritation, which can result in lots of scratching and biting. Respiratory symptoms, like sneezing and coughing, can also occur but are much rarer.
There are two main types of allergies in dogs: acute allergies and chronic allergies.
Acute allergies are short-term only. They can be caused by any number of things, including specific foods, insect bites, environmental irritants, and pollen. Benadryl works very well for mild to moderate acute allergies.
You should remove the underlying cause of your dogs allergies if possible. In the meantime, Benadryl can help control your dogs symptoms.
If your dog is experiencing extreme face swelling or difficulty breathing, it is essential to contact your vet instead of trying to treat the reaction at home.
Benadryl is also somewhat capable of treating anaphylaxis in dogs. In emergencies, it can be used to stop a deadly allergic reaction.
Chronic allergies are much rarer than acute allergies. They occur when a dog is allergic to many different substances or one prevalent substance. If a dog is allergic to many types of proteins, for example, it can be nearly impossible to clear their diet of all allergens. You might also not know what is causing your dogs allergies in the first place, which can make removing the underlying cause very difficult.
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Tips For Staying Alert
In treating allergies or a cold with antihistamines, you may experience drowsiness, a common side effect of the medication.
How does this happen? Histamine is a chemical produced by the immune system to fight off allergens and germs. When there is a threat of allergies or infection , histamine is even more active. In its search-and-destroy process, it can cause allergy or cold symptoms such as runny nose, coughing, sneezing and itch eyes. Antihistamine medications relieve these symptoms by blocking the unwanted effects of histamine.
Unrelated to the immune system, histamine is also produced in the brain, where it plays an important part in feeling awake. Antihistamines used to treat respiratory symptoms can get into the brain and interrupt this work, making you feel drowsy.
Question: Are Spacers Or Valved Holding Chambers For Asthma Inhalers Only For Children Or Should Adults Use Them Too
Dr. James: Children and adults can use spacers and valved holding chambers with certain asthma inhalers. They tend to be used more with children, but they can also be effective in adults with asthma. Spacers/VHCs are medical devices approved by the Food and Drug Administration and they are readily available from your doctor or pharmacist.
The purpose of using a spacer/VHC is to improve the delivery of inhaled medicines to the lower airways of your lungs. This also decreases potential side effects from asthma medicines .
Spacers or valved holding chambers are used with the type of inhalers known as metered dose inhalers or press-and-breathe inhalers.
The speed of inspiration is important, so the asthma medicine is deposited into your lungs and not your mouth or throat. Instructions should be given to both children and adults using these devices. The correct use for press-and-breathe inhalers include:
Some asthma inhalers are breath activated and do not need spacers/VHCs. Check with your doctor or pharmacist regarding this issue.
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