Brand name:

Benadryl Allergy & Sinus

Pronounced: BEH-na-drill

Generic ingredients: Diphenhydramine, Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride

Other brand names: Children's Benadryl Allergy/Cold Fastmelts

What this drug is used for

Like other Benadryl products, this part of the Benadryl line temporarily relieves symptoms of hay fever such as itchy nose or throat, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes, as well as the runny nose and sneezing that accompany the common cold. However, these products also contain an extra ingredient, pseudoephedrine, that relieves stuffy nose. The Children's Allergy/Cold Fastmelts also said to relieve cough.

Benadryl Allergy & Sinus is available in regular tablets, "Fastmelt" dissolving tablets, and a children's liquid. The Children's Allergy/Cold product is available only in Fastmelt form.

How should you take this medication?

* ALLERGY & SINUS TABLETS
Adults
For adults and children 12 years and older, the usual dosage is 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours. Do not take more than 4 tablets each 24 hours. For children under 12 consult a doctor.

* ALLERGY & SINUS FASTMELTS
Adults
For adults and children 12 years and older, the usual dosage is 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours. Do not take more than 8 tablets each 24 hours.

* CHILDREN'S ALLERGY & SINUS LIQUID
Adults
For adults and children 12 years and older, the usual dosage is 2 teaspoonfuls every 4 to 6 hours. Do not take more than 8 teaspoonfuls each 24 hours.

Children
For children 6 to 12, the usual dosage is 1 teaspoonful every 4 to 6 hours. Do not give more than 4 teaspoonfuls in 24 hours. For children under 6, consult your doctor.

* CHILDREN'S ALLERGY/COLD FASTMELTS
Adults
For adults and children 12 years and older, the usual dosage is 2 tablets every 4 hours. Do not take more than 8 tablets each 24 hours.

Children
For children 6 to 12, the usual dosage is 1 tablet every 4 hours. Do not give more than 4 tablets in 24 hours. For children under 6, consult your doctor.

* STORAGE
Store at room temperature in a dry place. Protect tablets from light.

Do not take this medication if...

Avoid these products when taking other medications that contain diphenhydramine, and when taking a prescription drug classified as an "MAOI" (see "Possible food and drug interactions..." below).

Check with your doctor before using these products if you have diabetes, an enlarged prostate gland, high pressure within the eye (glaucoma), heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, or a breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Before using the Allergy/Cold Fastmelts, also check with your doctor if you have a chronic cough.

Special warnings about this medication

These products may make you drowsy. Be especially careful when driving or operating machinery.

These products can also cause excitability in some people, especially in children. If you become nervous or dizzy, or if you have trouble sleeping, stop taking this product and check with your doctor.

Also stop and check if you do not feel better in 7 days or your symptoms are accompanied by a fever. Stop using the Allergy/Cold Fastmelts and check with your doctor if a cough lasts more than a week, tends to come back, or is accompanied by a rash, fever, or lasting headache. These could be signs of a serious condition.

If you need to avoid phenylalanine, be aware that the Fastmelt products contain this substance.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Do not take these products if you are using any other medications containing the active ingredient diphenhydramine, including Actifed Allergy or Sinus, Tylenol Flu NightTime, PM, or Severe Allergy Medication, and Unisom with Pain Relief. Avoid extra diphenhydramine even if only applied to the skin.

In addition, do not use these products within 2 weeks of taking a drug classified as an MAO inhibitor, such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate.

If you are taking a tranquilizer such as Valium or Xanax, or a sleep aid such as Halcion or Seconal, do not take these products without your doctor's approval; the combination could cause extreme drowsiness. For the same reason, avoid alcohol while taking these products.