What is Diphenhydramine (Generic Benadryl)?
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms, insect stings, motion sickness, travel anxiety, and other conditions.
For:
Cats and Dogs
Benefits:
- Effectively relieves allergy symptoms and itching caused by insect bites
- Can be used as a sedative to treat motion sickness or travel anxiety
- Relieves coughing
How does Diphenhydramine (Generic Benadryl) work?
Diphenhydramine comes in 25 mg minitabs or 50 mg capsules, and is a generic version of Benadryl. As an antihistamine, it counteracts the effect of histamine, which causes symptoms like itching and sneezing.
Cautions:
This medication should not be used in pregnant or nursing animals. Do not use the diphenhydramine available in combination with sinus or cold medicines in your pet.
Brand Name:
Benadryl (Warner Lambert), Histacalm (Virbac)
Generic Name:
Diphenhydramine (dye-fen-hy'-dra-meen)
Manufacturer:
Various
What is the most important thing I should know about Diphenhydramine (Generic Benadryl)?
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms, insect bites or stings and other causes of itching. It is also used for its sedative and antiemetic effects in the treatment of motion sickness and travel anxiety. It is also used for its antitussive effect. Diphenhydramine is a non-prescription (OTC) product available as 25 mg minitabs and 50 mg capsules.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Diphenhydramine (Generic Benadryl) to my pet?
Tell your veterinarian if your pet is allergic to diphenhydramine or other antihistamines. Also tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating, or has history of glaucoma, prostate disease, urinary obstruction, or high blood pressure. Always tell your veterinarian and pharmacist what other medications your pet is taking.
How should Diphenhydramine (Generic Benadryl) be given?
Oral diphenhydramine is not FDA-approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice to use this medication in dogs and cats. The usual dose in dogs and cats is 0.5-2 mg/lb every 8-12 hours. The slow release capsule should not be mixed or dissolved in food.
What are the potential side effects of Diphenhydramine (Generic Benadryl)?
Side effects of diphenhydramine include drowsiness, dry mouth and urinary retention. Rarely, vomiting and diarrhea can occur.
What happens if I miss giving a dose of Diphenhydramine (Generic Benadryl)?
Give the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give your pet two doses at once.
What happens if I overdose my pet on Diphenhydramine (Generic Benadryl)?
Contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency room. Symptoms of overdose can include seizures, extreme drowsiness, coma, respiratory depression, and death.
What should I avoid while giving Diphenhydramine (Generic Benadryl) to my pet?
Do not give other sinus or cold medicines containing diphenhydramine to your pet while giving Diphenhydramine (Generic Benadryl).
What other drugs will affect Diphenhydramine (Generic Benadryl)?
Use with caution when given with other CNS (central nervous system)-depressant drugs such as tranquilizers or barbiturates.
Diphenhydramine (Generic Benadryl) Directions:
- Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms, insect stings, motion sickness, travel anxiety and other conditions.
- It is available over-the-counter (OTC) as 25 mg tablets and 50 mg capsules.
- Diphenhydramine should not be used in dogs or cats that are pregnant or nursing.
The slow release capsule should NOT be mixed or dissolved in food. Do not use sinus or cold medications containing diphenhydramine in your pet.
Diphenhydramine (Generic Benadryl) Dosage:
Weight | Dosage |
---|---|
All weights | Give 0.5-2 mg/lb of pet's body weight every 8-12 hours |
Weight | Dosage |
---|---|
All weights | Give 0.5-2 mg/lb of pet's body weight every 8-12 hours |
Horses | Do not use! |
---|
Storage:
Store this medication at room temperature, away from excess heat, light and moisture. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed. Store this medication at room temperature, away from excess heat, light, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Keep medication away from children and pets.
Diphenhydramine (Generic Benadryl) Ingredients:
Active Ingredients (per minitab) | Amount |
---|---|
Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride | 25 mg |
Other Ingredients: Corn starch, D&C red #27, Dicalcium Phosphate, Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Polyethylene Glycol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Silicon Dioxide, Stearic Acid, Talc, Titanium Dioxide. |
Active Ingredients (per capsule) | Amount |
---|---|
Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride | 50 mg |
Other Ingredients: Colloidal Silicon Dioxide, Croscarmellose Sodium, D&C Red #28, FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Red #3, FD&C Red #40, Gelatin, Lactose, Magnesium Stearate. May also contain Polysorbate 80 and iron oxide. |