Benadryl--known generically as diphenhydramine--is an antihistamine with anticholinergic effects, according to the manufacturer, Pharmaceutical Associates, Inc. Benadryl has drying and sedating effects, and is used to treat symptoms of allergies and motion sickness. It is also used to treat difficulty sleeping, and is contained in several over-the-counter sleep preparations. Benadryl is available without a prescription. There are several dangers associated with its use.
Drugged Driving
Alcohol is not the only drug involved in driving under the influence, or DUI. Antihistamines, including Benadryl, are one of the top 10 categories of drugs most frequently seen in DIU arrests, according to an article by J. Michael Walsh and colleagues in the August 2008 journal "Addiciton." Benadryl's manufacturer advises against using the drug with alcohol or while engaging in activities that require alertness, such as driving. Other categories of drugs most frequently involved in DUI arrests include marijuana, tranquilizers, narcotic pain relievers, amphetamines and cocaine.
Anticholinergic Side Effects
Anticholinergic medicines, including Benadryl, can cause unexpected and unwanted adverse effects due to the same mechanism of action in the body that causes the desired effects. In the Augst 5, 2009 issue of the Gettysburg Medical News, Dr. P.E. Hoffsten reported a case involving an elderly man that took a product containing diphenhydramine for sleep and developed difficulty urinating, constipation and confusion. Anticholinergic medication effects can cause serious adverse effects in patients with conditions such as narrow-angle glaucoma, enlarged prostate, blockage of the stomach or intestines, difficulty urinating, heart disease, high blood pressure and thyroid disease.
Overdose
The Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, warned of the danger from mistakenly swallowing a product containing Benadryl that is meant to be used on the skin, called Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Stopping Gel. Ingestion of this gel can cause adverse reactions such as confusion, hallucinations and unconsciousness. Confusion about the product and incorrect use are considered serious public health issues by the FDA. They required that manufacturer to add the warning, "for skin use only," to the label.
Dangers for Children and Older Adults
An overdose of Benadryl is dangerous, especially for infants and children. Seizures, hallucinations and death can result, Pharmaceutical Associates, Inc. reports. Benadryl can cause diminished alertness in children. In the very young child, it may have the opposite effect and cause unusual excitation. Adults over 60 are most at risk for the side effects of low blood pressure, dizziness and sedation.
Member Comments