Pronunciation: dye-fen-HYE-dra-meen
Generic Name: DiphenhydramineBrand Name: Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt
Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets are used for:
Preventing or treating symptoms of hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies or the common cold, such as runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose and throat, and itchy, watery eyes, and relieving cough. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets are an antihistamine and anticholinergic. It works by blocking the action of histamine, reducing the symptoms of an allergic reaction. It also works in the brain to cause sedation.
Do NOT use Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets or other similar medicines
- you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB)
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets:
Some medical conditions may interact with Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
- if you have a history of asthma; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); chronic bronchitis; lung problems (eg, emphysema); shortness of breath; sleep apnea; heart blood vessel problems; stroke; seizures; a blockage of your stomach, intestine, or bladder; difficulty urinating; diabetes; ulcers; an enlarged prostate or other prostate problems; glaucoma; heart problems; high blood pressure; porphyria; phenylketonuria; or an overactive thyroid
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Sodium oxybate (GHB) because an increase in sleep duration and a decrease in the ability to breathe are likely to occur
- Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (eg, phenelzine) because they may increase the risk of Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tabletss side effects
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets:
Use Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Take Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets by mouth with or without food.
- Let the tablet dissolve in the mouth before swallowing.
- Use Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets exactly as directed on the package, unless instructed differently by your doctor. If you are taking Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets without a prescription, follow any warnings and precautions on the label.
- If you miss a dose of Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets.
Important safety information:
- Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
- Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
- Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active; heatstroke may occur.
- Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets may interfere with skin allergy tests. If you are scheduled for a skin test, talk to your doctor. You may need to stop taking Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets for a few days before the tests.
- Some of these products contain phenylalanine. If you must have a diet that is low in phenylalanine, ask your pharmacist if it is in your product.
- Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
- Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets has diphenhydramine in it. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has diphenhydramine in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Do not use Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets for a cough with a lot of mucous. Do not use it for a long-term cough (eg, caused by asthma, emphysema, smoking). However, you may use it for these conditions if your doctor tells you to.
- If your symptoms persist for more than 1 week or if you develop a fever, contact your health care provider.
- Use Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness, sedation, and lightheadedness upon standing.
- Different brands of Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets may have different dosing instructions for CHILDREN. Follow the dosing instructions on the package labeling. If your doctor has given you instructions, follow those. If you are unsure of the dose to give a child, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets while you are pregnant. Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets are found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, throat, and nose; excitability; thickening of mucus in nose or throat.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); convulsions; fast heartbeat or pounding in the chest; decreased alertness; hallucinations; tremor; wheezing.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include coma; excitement; hallucinations; loss of consciousness; muscle twitching; seizures; tremor; weakness.
Proper storage of Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets:Store Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets at room temperature, between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Dispersible Tablets. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Issue Date: February 1, 2012
Database Edition 12.1.1.002
Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.
More Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt resources
- Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Side Effects (in more detail)
- Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Drug Interactions
- Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt Support Group
- 18 Reviews for Benadryl Allergy Fastmelt - Add your own review/rating
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