1. Benadryl Unwrapped
Benadryl is a brand name for a drug called Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine packaged under a variety of brand names. It's used to treat allergies and allergy symptoms brought on by colds and sinus irritation. For instance, Benadryl is considered safe for treating seasonal allergy symptoms like a runny nose.
2. Defensive Block
The Benadryl works as an antihistamine blocker. This is to say that it blocks histamine, the chemical that creates an allergic response in the body, from bonding to the nerve receptors. Benadryl doesn't actually treat the cause of the symptoms. Instead, it blocks the body from recognizing the signals that result in allergy symptoms. Your body is tricked out of swelling, sneezing and a runny nose.
3. Too Much of a Good Antihistamine
The instructions on the box clearly outline who should take Benadryl and who should not. For instance, no child under 6 should take Benadryl unless it's prescribed by a doctor. Children under the age of 2 should not take Benadryl at all. If you take more Benadryl than the instructions recommend, you could react with fatigue or hyperactivity. An overdose can also cause longterm liver damage. Alcohol consumption seems to enhance the drowsy effects of Benadryl; some people have even died from the combination. You shouldn't drive after taking Benadryl until you know how you'll react.
4. Dangerous Combinations
The active ingredients in Benadryl can react with other medications in your system and result in a serious reaction. People who are medicated for a heart condition should not take Benadryl unless they've discussed it with their doctor. The same is true of those who are medicated for high blood pressure, diabetes and thyroid issues or glaucoma. People with breathing conditions like bronchitis, asthma or emphysema should also stay away from Benadryl. It's not clear how Benadryl affects fetal development, so it's commonly recommended that pregnant women not use it. Talk to your doctor and see what else you can do to treat your allergy symptoms.
5. Benadryl's Useful Side Effects
Benadryl is often used as a sleep aid even though it's not marketed as such. Since sleepiness is a side effect of the allergy medicine, it may be effective as a sleep aid but should only be used as such rarely. Benadryl is often used to treat allergic reactions to such things like bee stings in both people and pets. While not a substitute for medical intervention, Benadryl can minimize the severity of the symptoms until the patient can get some medical attention.
