Diphenhydramine and Pseudoephedrine



Benadryl® Allergy and Sinus Fastmelt™[OTC]; Benadryl® Allergy/Sinus [OTC]; Benadryl® Children's Allergy and Cold Fastmelt™[OTC]; Benadryl® Children's Allergy and Sinus [OTC]







Diphenhydramine and Pseudoephedrine

(dye fen HYE dra meen & soo doe e FED rin)

U.S. Brand Names
Benadryl® Allergy and Sinus Fastmelt™[OTC]; Benadryl® Allergy/Sinus [OTC]; Benadryl® Children's Allergy and Cold Fastmelt™[OTC]; Benadryl® Children's Allergy and Sinus [OTC]
Pharmacologic Category
Antihistamine/Decongestant Combination
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to diphenhydramine, pseudoephedrine, or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to relieve allergy symptoms.
How does it work?
  • Diphenhydramine blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing or preventing the body's reaction to the allergen.
  • Pseudoephedrine shrinks swollen nasal tissue and opens up passages.
How is it best taken?
  • This medicine is most effective if started before contact with the allergen. Take at least 1-3 hours before.
  • Take this medicine on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
  • A liquid (solution) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
  • Oral-disintegrating tablet: Place on tongue and let dissolve. Water is not needed. Do not swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
  • Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than every 4 hours, unless instructed by healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Wear disease medical alert identification.
  • If you have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • If you have PKU, talk with healthcare provider. Some products do contain phenylalanine.
  • You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) or other medicines and natural products that slow your actions and reactions. These include sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, antihistamines, and other pain medicine.
  • Limit caffeine (for example, tea, coffee, cola) and chocolate intake. Use with this medicine may cause nervousness, shakiness, and fast heartbeat.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Nervous and excitable.
  • Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Chest pain or pressure, fast heartbeat, or passing out.
  • Severe headache.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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