Drug Study: Diphenhydramine

DRUG NAME	CLASSIFICATION	DOSE	ACTION	CONTRAINDICATIONS	SIDE EFFECTS	NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES
Generic Name: Diphenhydramine hydrochloride Brand Name: Benadryl	Classification: First generation antihistamine Indication: Diphenhydramine is a first generation (typical) antihistamine used to treat a number of conditions including: allergic symptoms anditchiness, the common cold, insomnia, motion sickness, and extrapyramidal symptoms.	Dose: 5 mL Route: PO Frequency: OD	Blocks the effect of histamine at the H1 receptor sites, and is used for a wide range of effects, ranging from allergy and itching relief, to sleep aids, to nausea relief. However, in addition to its antihistamine effect, it also has an anticholinergic effect (specifically antagonizing the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors), which means that at higher doses, it can cause an interesting delirium that some find enjoyable. However, there are also numerous side effects associated with this state that will deter many people from using the drug.	·     Pregnancy and Lactation: Safety for use in pregnancy and lactation has not been established. Its use therefore in such patients should involve consideration of expected benefits and possible risks. ·     Use as Local Anesthetic: This drug should not be used as a local anesthetic due to the risk of local tissue necrosis.	· Drowsiness, dizziness, dryness of mouth, nausea and nervousness may occur. Other infrequently reported effects are vertigo, palpitation, blurring of vision, headache, restlessness, insomnia and thickening of bronchial secretions. Allergic reactions, diarrhea, vomiting and excitation may also occur.	· Start with low dosages and work up. People often have drastically different reactions to the same dosages. While reading experience reports may give an idea of what dosages produce what effects, there is no guarantee they will translate to you. · Use a sober trip sitter if possible. At high dosages, the delirium produced by this drug may make it impossible to differentiate between hallucinations and reality. · Patients should be cautioned not to operate vehicles or hazardous machinery until their response to the drug has been determined. · Since the depressant effects of antihistamines are additive to those of other drugs affecting the CNS, patients should be cautioned against drinking psychotherapeutic agents or other drugs with CNS deps.