A restful sleep is important to good mental and physical health, according to the National Sleep Foundation. But with stress, changes to daily activities or aging sleep patterns are disrupted. Taking longer to fall asleep or inability to stay asleep affects work performance and causes a tired feeling. Sominex is a sleep aid available in two formulas, original and maximum strength. It prepares the body for sleep and can promote a full night's sleep.
Diphenhydramine
The one active ingredient in Sominex is diphenhydramine HCl. Drugs.com lists diphenhydramine HCl as an antihistamine that blocks histamine in the body. Used as a sleep aid, diphenhydramine HCl has sedative effects and works in about an hour to relax the body and mind to prepare for sleep. Since diphenhydramine HCl stays in the body for four to six hours, it can help provide needed rest and a long night's sleep.
Each tablet of Sominex original formula contains 25 mg of diphenhydramine HCl, with the recommended dosage for adults and children over the age of 12 years of age being two tablets. Sominex maximum strength formula contains 50 mg of diphenhydramine HCl in one tablet, with the recommended dosage for adults being one tablet.
Diphenhydramine HCl is a sedative, and as such alcohol or other medications containing diphenhydramine should be avoided when using Sominex.
Filler Ingredients
A number of inactive ingredients are added to Sominex to manufacture the tablets. These ingredients are used as tableting agents and as disintegration aids. The inactive ingredients include dibasic calcium phosphate, FD&C Blue No. 1 aluminum lake, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, and starch.
Dicalcium phosphate is used in preparations from animal treats to supplements. It is used as a tableting agent in Sominex for its ability to keep the pill's ingredients stable. According to NBent.com, microcrystalline cellulose is a naturally occurring substance used as a binder because it is stable, safe, and physiologically inert. It is used as a tableting agent because it has the capacity to compact and create hard tablets. Magnesium stearate is a dilutant and lubricant used in the manufacture of tablets and capsules. Silicon dioxide is used as a preservative, while starch is used as a binder and to aid in tablet disintegration. FD&C Blue No. 1 aluminum lake is used as a coloring agent.
Precautions
According to package directions, if sleeplessness persists continuously for more than two weeks, Sominex should be stopped and a doctor should be consulted. Drugs.com also cautions that Sominex should not be used by individuals who take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or antidepressants as contraindications can occur. Consulting with a physician prior to taking Sominex to discuss any interactions or potential side effects with other medications is also recommended.
