Benadryl, a commonly recommended medication for various purposes such as sleep aid, antihistamine, and occasional pain relief, has potential side effects. Understand the Benadryl side effects and the possibility of addiction among individuals.
Learn more about what you need to know about this medication below.
What Is the Lethal Dose of Benadryl?
Benadryl is a medication that treats allergies, colds, and other respiratory infections. It is also utilized as a sleep aid.
The Benadryl side effect regarding its lethal dose in humans remains uncertain. In mice, the lethal dose ranges from 500 to 1000 mg/kg. To reach the lethal dose, an individual would have to ingest approximately 35 to 70 grams of Benadryl.
Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that Benadryl, despite potential side effects, maintains a wide margin of safety. Obtaining a lethal amount of this drug through standard therapeutic use would prove challenging.
How Benadryl Works
Benadryl is an antihistamine. That means it functions by cutting off the effects of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic reactions.
When someone has an allergy, their body overreacts to a normally harmless substance by producing histamine. This can cause symptoms like itching, sneezing, and runny nose. In severe cases, it can cause difficulty breathing.
Benadryl works by binding to histamine receptors. This prevents histamine from binding and causing an allergic reaction.
Benadryl is available as an oral tablet, solution, and topical cream. It can be taken with or without food. The oral tablet and solution are typically taken every 4-6 hours. The topical cream can be applied as needed.
What Are the Uses of Benadryl?
Benadryl is an over-the-counter medication that can be used for various purposes. Here are the top uses for Benadryl:
- Allergy Relief
Benadryl is often used as a first-line allergy treatment. It can help to relieve symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
- Motion Sickness
Benadryl can help relieve symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
- Insomnia
Benadryl can be a short-term treatment for insomnia. It can help to promote drowsiness and allow for a restful night’s sleep.
- Cold Relief
Benadryl can help relieve common cold symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, and congestion.
- Pain Relief
Benadryl can help to relieve pain and discomfort associated with conditions such as headaches, toothaches, and menstrual cramps.
- Itching
Benadryl can relieve itching from insect bites, hives, and other conditions.
What Are the Common Side Effects of Benadryl?
There is no denying that Benadryl is among the most widely used over-the-counter medications available. Its popularity stems from its effectiveness in addressing allergies, colds, and even sleeplessness. However, despite its generally safe nature, it is crucial to be cognizant of potential Benadryl side effects associated with this medication.
- Drowsiness
This is Benadryl’s most common side effect. If you take Benadryl for allergy relief, it is best to take it at night.
- Dry Mouth
Benadryl can cause your mouth and throat to feel dry. This is usually not a severe side effect, but it can be uncomfortable. To help relieve dry mouth, drink plenty of fluids and chew sugar-free gum or suck on hard candy.
- Dizziness
Benadryl can cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Sit or lie down and avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel any of these symptoms.
- Nausea and Vomiting
These are less common side effects of Benadryl, but they can occur. If you experience these symptoms, drink plenty of fluids and eat small, frequent meals.
- Blurred Vision
Benadryl can cause your vision to become blurred. If you experience this side effect, it is recommended to stop for a while and avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
- Constipation
Benadryl can cause constipation. To help relieve this side effect, drink plenty of fluids and eat high-fiber foods.
- Difficulty Urinating
Benadryl can cause difficulty urinating. If you experience this side effect, drink plenty of fluids and avoid caffeine.
How to Safely Use Benadryl
Benadryl is available over the counter and does not require a prescription. It is generally considered safe for most people, but some precautions should be taken.
When taking the medication, be sure to adhere to the directions on the package. The recommended dosage for adults is 25-50 mg every four to six hours. Children should take a lower dose; the exact dosage will depend on their weight.
Benadryl can cause drowsiness, so it is essential not to take it before driving or operating heavy machinery. It is also important not to drink alcohol while taking the medication, as it can increase the risk of side effects.
When taken as directed, Benadryl is safe and effective for most people. However, there are a few points to remember when using this medication.
First, always read the label carefully and follow the directions for use. Benadryl is available in pill and liquid form; the dosage will vary depending on the form and the person’s weight. It is essential to take the medication exactly as directed.
Second, Benadryl can cause drowsiness. For this reason, it is essential not to drink alcohol or take other medications that can cause drowsiness when taking Benadryl. It is also vital to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking this medication.
Third, Benadryl can interact with other medications. Be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Benadryl before taking any other drugs, including over-the-counter medicines.
Fourth, some people may be allergic to it. If you experience any allergic reactions after taking this medication, stop taking it and seek medical attention.
Overall, Benadryl is a safe and effective medication when used as directed. By following the tips above, you can help ensure that you use it safely.
Who Can Take Benadryl?
Benadryl is safe for most people, but some should not take it. These include people with glaucoma, asthma, COPD, and those taking certain medications.
Pregnant women and young children should also avoid Benadryl, which can cross the placenta and enter the breast milk. If pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking Benadryl.
Can You Overdose on Benadryl?
The recommended dose of Benadryl for adults is 25-50 mg every 4-6 hours. The maximum daily amount is 300 mg.
For children, the recommended dose is 1-2 mg/kg (up to 50 mg) every 4-6 hours. The maximum daily amount is 150 mg.
Benadryl is generally safe when taken as directed. However, please be reminded that it is possible to overdose on Benadryl. Additionally, improper usage can even lead to addiction and worse damage to your overall health.
Signs of Benadryl Overdose
When taken in large doses, Benadryl can cause drowsiness and impair coordination. In extreme cases, a Benadryl overdose can lead to coma and death.
Signs of Benadryl overdose include:
- Drowsiness
- Impaired coordination
- Coma
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Death
If you or someone you know has taken too much Benadryl, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.
Conclusion
Benadryl is a medicine that can be used to treat a range of conditions, including allergies, colds, and motion sickness. It is generally safe and effective but can have side effects like all medications. Some common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness.
Even though you can also get them over-the-counter and not require you any prescription, it is better to take note that this medicine can also cause addiction. Many individuals have suffered due to substance abuse, but help is available when you need it.