Diphenhydramine: What Should I Discuss With My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Diphenhydramine
Content provided by Cerner Multum, Inc.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking diphenhydramine?
 | Do not take diphenhydramine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A very dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects. |
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
- glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye;
- a stomach ulcer;
- an enlarged prostate, bladder problems or difficulty urinating;
- an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism);
- hypertension or any type of heart problems; or
- asthma.
You may not be able to take diphenhydramine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
 | Diphenhydramine is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take diphenhydramine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. |
 | Infants are especially sensitive to the effects of antihistamines, and side effects could occur in a breast-feeding baby. Do not take diphenhydramine without first talking to your doctor if you are nursing a baby. |
If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from diphenhydramine. You may require a lower dose of this medication.
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| Last updated: | February 13, 2004 |
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© 2007, Cerner Multum, INC. Version: 5.02.
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