Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride BP refers to Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride as listed in the British Pharmacopoeia (BP). This means that the diphenhydramine hydrochloride product meets the quality standards and specifications outlined in the British Pharmacopoeia.
Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride is an antihistamine medication primarily used to relieve symptoms of allergies. It works by blocking histamine, a natural chemical in the body that causes allergy symptoms.
Here's a breakdown of its key aspects:
Common Uses:
- Allergy relief: Effective in treating symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat due to hay fever or other allergies.
- Common cold symptoms: Can help relieve a runny nose and sneezing associated with the common cold.
- Sleep aid: Due to its sedative properties, it's often used in over-the-counter sleep medications for short-term insomnia.
- Motion sickness: Can help prevent and treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness.
- Itching and hives: Useful in relieving itching caused by insect bites, stings, eczema, hives, and other skin irritations.
- Parkinsonism symptoms: Sometimes used to manage certain movement problems associated with early-stage Parkinson's disease or drug-induced parkinsonism.
Available Forms:
- Tablets and capsules: For oral administration.
- Liquids and syrups: Also for oral administration, often preferred for children.
- Chewable tablets: Another oral form, convenient for some users.
- Topical creams, lotions, and gels: For localized relief of itching and skin irritation.
- Injectable solutions: Used in clinical settings for more immediate relief.
How to Use (General Guidelines):
- Follow the instructions on the product label or your doctor's prescription carefully.
- Oral forms can usually be taken with or without food.
- For sleep, take it about 30 minutes before bedtime.
- For motion sickness, take it 30 minutes before travel.
- Topical forms should be applied thinly to the affected area as directed.
Common Side Effects:
- Drowsiness: This is a very common side effect due to its antihistamine and sedative properties.
- Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or unsteady.
- Dry mouth, nose, and throat: Anticholinergic effects can lead to reduced saliva and mucus production.
- Blurred vision: Another anticholinergic effect.
- Constipation: Can occur due to slowed muscle movement in the digestive tract.
- Difficulty concentrating: Due to its effects on the central nervous system.
- Increased heart rate: Less common, but possible.
- Difficulty urinating: More likely in older men with prostate issues.
