Benadryl Syrup uses, side effects, precautions
| Composition | Diphenhydramine (14.08mg/5ml) + Ammonium Chloride (138mg/5ml) + Sodium Citrate (57.03mg/5ml) |
| Company | Johnson and Johnson Ltd |
| Medicine type | Antihistamine, Expectorant, Mucolytic |
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Uses | Cough and Common cold |
| Side effects | Dizziness, Sleepiness, Stomach upset |
| Precautions | Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, Liver or kidney disease |
General Uses of Benadryl Syrup
Benadryl Syrup is a combination of three medicines and is used in treating cough and cold. It can be used in treating dry cough as well as wet cough (cough with mucus).
This syrup helps in breaking and thinning the mucus and makes it easier to cough out.
It can also be used in treating common cold symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, stuffy nose, and sneezing.
Ingredients of Benadryl Syrup
Diphenhydramine: It contains diphenhydramine (14.08mg/5ml). Diphenhydramine belongs to a class of medications known as antihistamines. It is generally used in treating cough and common cold symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and stuffy nose.
Ammonium chloride: It contains ammonium chloride (138mg/5ml). Ammonium chloride belongs to a class of medicines known as expectorants. Expectorants help in thinning the mucus and facilitate its removal by coughing.
Sodium citrate: It contains sodium citrate (57.03mg). It belongs to a class of medicines known as mucolytics. Mucolytics are the medicine that helps in thinning or breaking down the mucus and makes it easier to cough out.
How does Benadryl Syrup work? / Mechanism of action
Diphenhydramine in this medicine is an H1 Antagonist. It works by blocking the action of a chemical messenger known as “Histamine”. Blocking the action of histamine helps in treating allergic symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and irritation.
Ammonium chloride in this syrup has an irritant effect on the bronchial mucosa, which facilitates the production of respiratory tract fluid. This causes thinning of the mucus and makes it easier to cough out.
Sodium citrate in this syrup is a mucolytic and works by increasing bronchial secretion by salt action. It helps in thinning the mucus and makes it easier to cough out.
When Benadryl Syrup is prescribed?
Cough: Benadryl Syrup comes with a composition that is effective in treating both dry cough and wet cough (cough with mucus).
Common cold: Benadryl Syrup can also be prescribed in treating common cold symptoms such as runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.
Hay fever: Hay fever generally causes cold-like symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itching eyes, watery eyes. Benadryl Syrup may also be prescribed in treating hay fever.
Side effects of Benadryl Syrup
In General, it does not show any serious side effects. but in some patients, it may show some minor side effects like:
- Dizziness
- Stomach upset
- Allergic reaction
- Loss of coordination
- Sleepiness
Precautions
Pregnancy: It is not advised to use Benadryl Syrup during pregnancy.
Alcohol: Avoid using this syrup with alcohol.
Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding women should avoid the use of this medicine.
Driving: This medicine causes symptoms like sleepiness and dizziness. You should avoid doing driving or operating heavy machinery after taking the dose of Benadryl Syrup.
Kidney or liver disease: It should be used with caution in patients with having any kidney or liver disease.
How to use Benadryl Syrup?
- Take the dose of Benadryl Syrup as advised by your doctor.
- It can be taken with or without food.
- Do not consume this syrup direct from the bottle.
- Try to use a measuring cup for the exact prescribed quantity.
- Shake well before use.
Storage of Benadryl Syrup
Keep this syrup away from direct sunlight.
Do not refrigerate or freeze the Benadryl Syrup.
Store Benadryl Syrup at room temperature.
Keep it away from pets and kids.
Tell your doctor if:
- You are allergic to any of the ingredients of Benadryl Syrup.
- You have any liver and kidney disease.
- You are a pregnant of breastfeeding woman.
- You have any breathing problems.
Other Variants of Benadryl Syrup
| Benadryl DR | Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide (15mg/5ml) |
| Benadryl CR | Ambroxol (15mg/5ml) + Guaifenesin (100mg/5ml) |
Some FAQs
Benadryl Syrup comes with a composition that is effective in treating the symptoms of cough and cold. It helps in thinning and breaking the mucus and makes it easier to cough out.
No, It is not safe to use Benadryl Syrup in pregnancy.
Yes, Benadryl Syrup would be effective in treating dry cough. It can also be used in treating wet cough and cold symptoms.
Yes, Benadryl Syrup can be taken on an empty stomach. But it is best to take this syrup after having a meal.
Yes, Benadryl Syrup may cause symptoms that will make you feel sleepy. You should avoid doing driving or operating heavy machinery after taking the dose of this syrup.
No, Benadryl Syrup does not contain any ingredient that will make you habitual to it.
Summary
Benadryl Syrup is a combination of three medicine i.e. diphenhydramine, ammonium chloride, and sodium citrate. It is generally preferred in treating cough. It would be effective in treating dry cough as well as wet cough (cough with phlegm). Benadryl Syrup can also be used in treating common cold symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and stuffy nose.
It is not advised to use this syrup in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
It should be used with caution in patients with having any liver or kidney disease.
Disclaimer: The information contained in pharmbaba.com is presented for the purpose of educating consumers. Nothing contained in pharmbaba.com is intended to be instructional for medical diagnosis or treatment. The information should not be considered complete, nor should it be relied on to suggest a course of treatment for a particular individual. Information obtained in pharmbaba.com is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment.
