- Drowsiness: The most common side effect of Benadryl cough syrup is drowsiness. This can make it difficult to focus or perform tasks that require alertness.
- Dry mouth: Benadryl cough syrup can cause a dry mouth, which can be uncomfortable and may increase the risk of tooth decay.
- Allergic: Benadryl cough syrup may cause dizziness, making it difficult to stand or walk.
- Blurred vision: Some people may experience blurred vision after taking Benadryl cough syrup.
- Nausea: Benadryl cough syrup may cause nausea and vomiting in some people.
Managing the Side Effects
- Drowsiness: Diphenhydramine hydrochloride, one of the active ingredients in Benadryl syrup, may cause drowsiness. It is essential to avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or engaging in activities that require mental alertness until you know how the medication affects you.
- Dry mouth: Drinking plenty of water and avoiding sugary or acidic beverages can help alleviate dry mouth caused by Benadryl syrup.
- Blurred vision: If you experience blurred vision while taking Benadryl syrup, avoid driving or performing tasks that require visual acuity. Talk to your healthcare professional if the problem persists.
- Nausea or upset stomach: Taking the medication with food or milk can help alleviate nausea or upset stomach.
- Allergic reactions: Rarely, Benadryl syrup may cause allergic reactions. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Precautions
Pregnancy
It is not recommended to use Benadryl cough syrup during pregnancy. It can cause harm to the unborn baby, so consult with your doctor before taking it. If you take Benadryl cough syrup during pregnancy, take the lowest dose for the shortest time possible and follow your doctor's instructions.
Breastfeeding
It is not known if Benadryl cough syrup in any form passes into breast milk. Consult with your doctor before taking Benadryl cough syrup if you are breastfeeding.
Alcohol
Alcohol may increase the sedative effects of Benadryl cough syrup. Patients should avoid drinking alcohol when taking this medication.
Liver
Benadryl cough syrup should be taken with precaution by people who have severe liver disease or alcohol-induced liver disease. Before you start taking it, consult your doctor.
Kidney
It's likely unsafe to take Benadryl cough syrup in people with kidney problems. If you have any problems, you should consult your doctor.
Allergy
Individuals who are allergic to any of the active ingredients in Benadryl syrup, such as ammonium chloride, diphenhydramine hydrochloride, or sodium citrate, should not take this medication.
Using Machines and Driving
Benadryl cough syrup can cause drowsiness and impair your ability to operate machines or drive. Therefore, it is vital to be aware of the dosage you are taking and to take precautions when operating machines or driving.
Use in Children
Benadryl cough syrup should be used cautiously in children. The recommended dosage for children is based on their age and weight. It is crucial to follow the directions on the label carefully and never exceed the dosage recommended for children.
Use in Older Patients
The Benadryl composition makes it relatively safe for older patients. However, they should be prescribed dosages at most the standard one teaspoonful (5 mL) 1 to 2 times a day, with no more than six teaspoonfuls (30 mL) in 24 hours.
Interaction
Drug-Drug Interaction
Benadryl syrup may interact with other medications, affecting how the medication works or increasing the risk of side effects. Here are some common drug-drug interactions with Benadryl syrup:
- Sedatives or tranquillisers: Taking Benadryl syrup with sedatives or tranquillisers, such as benzodiazepines or opioids, may increase the risk of drowsiness, confusion, and other central nervous systems (CNS) depressant effects.
- Anticholinergic medications: Taking Benadryl syrup with other anticholinergic medications, such as certain antidepressants or antipsychotics, may increase the risk of dry mouth, constipation, and other side effects.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Taking Benadryl syrup with MAOIs, which treat depression, may increase the risk of high blood pressure or other serious side effects.
- Blood-thinning medications: Taking Benadryl syrup with blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, may increase the risk of bleeding.
Drug-Food Interaction
Benadryl cough syrup should not be taken with:
- Grapefruit juice
- Citrus juices as it may increase the side effects of the medication.
- Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt
Drug-Disease Interaction
Benadryl syrup may interact with certain medical conditions, affecting how the medication works or increasing the risk of side effects. Patients suffering from:
- Glaucoma
- Heart conditions
- Hypertension
- Respiratory depression
- Glaucoma
- Urinary retention