Diphenhydramine and phenylephrine

Generic name: Diphenhydramine And Phenylephrine
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations

Usage of Diphenhydramine and phenylephrine

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine. Phenylephrine is a decongestant.

Diphenhydramine and phenylephrine is a combination medicine used to treat runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and sinus congestion caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

Diphenhydramine and phenylephrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Diphenhydramine and phenylephrine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

diphenhydramine and phenylephrine may cause serious side effects. Stop using diphenhydramine and phenylephrine and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • severe drowsiness;
  • sleeplessness;
  • painful or difficult urination;
  • fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats;
  • trouble breathing;
  • anxiety, nervousness;
  • a seizure; or
  • problems with balance or speech.

    • Common side effects of diphenhydramine and phenylephrine may include:

  • dizziness, drowsiness, headache;
  • dry mouth, nose, or throat;
  • nausea, vomiting, constipation;
  • blurred vision; or
  • trouble sleeping.

    • This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1 800 FDA 1088.

    Before taking Diphenhydramine and phenylephrine

    Do not use diphenhydramine and phenylephrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine, and others.

    Ask a doctor or pharmacist if diphenhydramine and phenylephrine is safe to use if you have ever had:

  • asthma or COPD, cough with mucus, or cough caused by smoking, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis;
  • high blood pressure, heart disease;
  • an enlarged prostate or urination problems;
  • glaucoma;
  • diabetes; or
  • a thyroid disorder.

    • This medicine may contain phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

    Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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    How to use Diphenhydramine and phenylephrine

    Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

    Diphenhydramine 12.5 mg / phenylephrine 5 mg per 10 mL liquid: 20 mL every 4 hoursMaximum dose: 6 doses per 24 hoursDiphenhydramine 25 mg / phenylephrine 10 mg per tablet: 1 tablet every 4 hoursMaximum dose: 6 doses per 24 hours

    Usual Adult Dose for Cold Symptoms:

    Diphenhydramine 12.5 mg / phenylephrine 5 mg per 10 mL liquid: 20 mL every 4 hoursMaximum dose: 6 doses per 24 hoursDiphenhydramine 25 mg / phenylephrine 10 mg per tablet: 1 tablet every 4 hoursMaximum dose: 6 doses per 24 hours

    Usual Pediatric Dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

    Diphenhydramine 6.25 mg / phenylephrine 2.5 mg per 5 mL liquid:6 to under 12 years: 10 mL every 4 hoursMaximum dose: 6 doses per 24 hoursDiphenhydramine 12.5 mg / phenylephrine 5 mg per 10 mL liquid:12 years and older: 20 mL every 4 hours6 to under 12 years: 10 mL every 4 hoursMaximum dose: 6 doses per 24 hoursDiphenhydramine 25 mg / phenylephrine 10 mg per tablet:12 years and older: 1 tablet every 4 hoursMaximum dose: 6 doses per 24 hours

    Usual Pediatric Dose for Cold Symptoms:

    Diphenhydramine 6.25 mg / phenylephrine 2.5 mg per 5 mL liquid:6 to under 12 years: 10 mL every 4 hoursMaximum dose: 6 doses per 24 hoursDiphenhydramine 12.5 mg / phenylephrine 5 mg per 10 mL liquid:12 years and older: 20 mL every 4 hours6 to under 12 years: 10 mL every 4 hoursMaximum dose: 6 doses per 24 hoursDiphenhydramine 25 mg / phenylephrine 10 mg per tablet:12 years and older: 1 tablet every 4 hoursMaximum dose: 6 doses per 24 hours

    Warnings

    Do not use diphenhydramine and phenylephrine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine, and others.

    Use this medicine exactly as directed. Taking too much diphenhydramine can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or death.

    Do not use this medicine to make a child sleepy. Ask a doctor before giving the medicine to a child younger than 6 years old.

    Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine that may contain diphenhydramine. Taking too much of this medicine can lead to a fatal overdose.

    What other drugs will affect Diphenhydramine and phenylephrine

    Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using diphenhydramine and phenylephrine with any other medicines, especially drugs that can cause drowsiness (such as opioid medication, sleep medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

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