diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine (Benadryl Children's Allergy and Cold Fastmelt, Benadryl D Allergy and Sinus Fastmelt, Benadryl D Children's Allergy and Sinus)

Dosing and uses of Benadryl Children's Allergy and Cold Fastmelt, Benadryl D Allergy and Sinus Fastmelt (diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine)

• Adult
• Pediatric

 

Adult dosage forms and strengths

diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine

liquid

• (12.5mg/30mg)/5mL

quick dissolving tablet

• 19mg/30mg

 

Relief of Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Mucosal Congestion

Based on pseudoephedrine component: 60 mg PO q4-6hr; not to exceed 240 mg/day

 

Pediatric dosage forms and strengths

diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine

liquid

• (12.5mg/30mg)/5mL

quick dissolving tablet

• 19mg/30mg

 

Relief of Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Mucosal Congestion

Ask a pediatrician

 

Benadryl Children's Allergy and Cold Fastmelt, Benadryl D Allergy and Sinus Fastmelt (diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine) adverse (side) effects

Frequency not defined

Arrhythmia

Hypotension

Palpitations

Tachycardia

Convulsion

Dizziness

Drowsiness

Excitability

Sedation

Tremor

Weakness

Increased appetite

Xerostomia

Urinary retention

 

Warnings

Contraindications

Contraindicated in documented hypersensitivity to the drugs or within 14 days of MAO inhibitor therapy; asthma attacks, narrow-angle glaucoma, symptomatic prostate hypertrophy, and bladder-neck obstruction

Diphenhydramine may cause significant confusional symptoms; not for administration to premature or full-term neonates

 

Cautions

Caution in cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, prostatic hypertrophy and increased intraocular pressure when taking pseudoephedrine

 

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek advice of health professional before using OTC drugs

 

Pregnancy categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

 

Pharmacology of Benadryl Children's Allergy and Cold Fastmelt, Benadryl D Allergy and Sinus Fastmelt (diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine)

Mechanism of action

Diphenhydramine competitively blocks histamine from binding to H1 receptors. Has significant antimuscarinic activity and penetrates CNS, which causes pronounced tendency to induce sedation

Pseudoephedrine stimulates the alpha-adrenergic receptors causing bronchodilation and vasoconstriction