All drugs are classified. Some drugs are effective in combating viral and bacterial infections, others have a positive effect on digestion, others are indicated for hormonal correction ... Antihistamines take a separate step . Drugs are able to relieve allergic manifestations of a different nature. They are divided into several generations. One of the first allergy medicines was Diphenhydramine. This drug will be presented to your attention in the article.
The characteristic of the drug
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine drug that belongs to the first generation of allergy medications. The medicine is available in different forms: tablets, solution for intramuscular administration. You can also find candles with Diphenhydramine on sale. It is currently almost impossible to purchase a medicine. Diphenhydramine injections and tablets are not available without prescription. If a drug was sold to you in a pharmacy network without a doctor’s prescription, then be aware that this is illegal.
The active substance of the drug is diphenhydramine. One tablet contains 50 mg of this component. Injections are available in a volume of 1 ml, which contains 10 mg of diphenhydramine
How does the medicine work?
Diphenhydramine is a drug that fights against an allergic reaction. However, this is not his only action. Instructions for use characterize the drug as sleeping pills and sedatives. In fact, these effects are side effects. But they always arise in everyone. Therefore, doctors use this.
With internal use, the drug quickly begins to act. The patient may have numbness of the oral mucosa. Even when in contact with the skin, the liquid substance "Diphenhydramine" is rapidly absorbed, providing an anesthetic effect. The drug blocks the production of histamines, acts on the brain and central nervous system. The medicine has an antihistamine effect, reduces spasms of smooth muscles, relieves swelling, itching and flushing. Clinical studies show that a noticeable effect from the use of the drug is noted during the first 20 minutes. The medicine "Diphenhydramine" works for about 12 hours.
The purpose of the drug
The drug "Diphenhydramine" (tablets), the instructions for use are recommended for use with the following manifestations of allergies:
- conjunctivitis;
- rhinitis;
- hives;
- sneezing and lacrimation;
- dermatoses;
- Quincke's edema;
- skin reactions;
- anaphylactic reactions.
In addition, the tool is used in the form of tablets and injections for the treatment of stomach ulcers, gastritis, serum and radiation sickness. A medication is prescribed for motion sickness, vomiting of pregnant women, neurological disorders, insomnia and so on. To get a prescription, you need to see a doctor. You will not be able to use this medicine on your own, as it relates to prescription.
Contraindications and adverse reactions
In what situations is it forbidden to use Diphenhydramine (tablets)? Instructions for use do not recommend prescribing medicine to children under 7 years of age. If necessary, the drug is used in the form of injections. The medication is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity, glaucoma, prostate diseases, stenosis of the bladder neck. It is forbidden to use the medicine for bronchial asthma. With caution, the drug is prescribed for pregnant women and nursing mothers. In these situations, you must always consult with a specialist and compare all the risks and benefits.
The main side effect is drowsiness. But, as already mentioned, doctors use this. Also, side effects can be such situations:
- dizziness, agitation, insomnia, tremor, impaired coordination of movements;
- dry nose, increased sputum viscosity;
- decrease in pressure, interruptions in the heart rhythm;
- decreased urge to urinate.
Application
"Diphenhydramine" is a drug that is taken orally or administered intramuscularly. The dose of the drug depends on the general situation and the age of the patient.
- Pills For adults and children from 14 years old, half or an entire tablet (25-50 mg of active ingredient) is used three times a day. The maximum daily serving should not exceed 250 mg. You can take no more than 2 tablets at a time. Children from 7 years old are prescribed a quarter or half tablet at a time. Multiplicity of application is from one to three times.
- Injections are administered intramuscularly. Adults and patients after 14 years of age are shown 1-5 ml three times a day. From 7 to 14 years old use 1.5-3 ml of the drug. Children from 4 to 7 years of age are shown no more than 1.5 ml per administration. Children from one to three years are prescribed 0.5-1 ml of Diphenhydramine. Up to 12 months, 0.3-0.5 ml per injection is prescribed.
Narcotic action of "Diphenhydramine"
The medication is used exclusively in a dosage prescribed by a specialist. If no individual recommendations are given, then the instructions must be followed. Exceeding the established norm of the medication is strictly prohibited. This can lead to an overdose. It is manifested by increased nervous excitability, inhibition of the nervous system, digestive organs.
When combining the drug with alcoholic beverages, a narcotic effect occurs. Even with small doses of ethanol and Diphenhydramine, severe intoxication can occur. For some patients, it is enough to drink a few pills and a beer to fall asleep and never wake up again.
The use of "Analgin" with "Diphenhydramine"
The medication is often used as part of a lytic mixture. Such a substance is intended to relieve fever when other drugs are powerless. At the same time as Diphenhydramine, an antipyretic and an antispasmodic are used. All components are selected in accordance with the age of the patient.
Also on sale you can find rectal suppositories "Analdim". They include analgin and diphenhydramine. The effect of their use is analgesic and antipyretic. Use suppositories mainly in children.
What can be replaced?
Due to the fact that the Dimedrol form of the drug (injections and tablets) is prohibited for free sale, consumers are trying to find an analogue with the same effect. If we talk about structural substitutes, which include diphenhydramine, then we can note "Psilo-balm." But this medication is intended for external use.
Analogs related to the first generation of antihistamines can be called "Tavegil" and "Suprastin." Diphenhydramine, as you already know, is not used to treat children up to six months. The drug "Suprastin", on the contrary, can be used from the first month. Tavegil medication is used for drug allergies and after insect bites. You can buy this medicine without a prescription in any pharmacy. Please note that all first-generation antihistamines cause drowsiness. When using them, you should not drive a car or engage in responsible work. This is an important lack of medication. It is because of the sedative effect that consumers try to find a newer, better medicine that does not cause drowsiness. Experts note that, despite all the side effects of the drug "Diphenhydramine", it is a proven and effective medication.
Substitutes for tablets and injections "Diphenhydramine" can be called antihistamines of the second generation: "Zirtek", "Zodak", "Claritin", "Fenistil" and so on. Their advantage is that they do not cause a sedative effect. The patient can take medicine and do the usual things. You can use some medications during pregnancy.
Summarize
The drug "Diphenhydramine" is an effective tool in the fight against an allergic reaction. The medication is often used in hospitals. He is always in the first-aid kit. But the consumer cannot use this medicine on his own. A few decades ago, it was possible to purchase the medicine "Diphenhydramine" freely. Now it is prohibited for sale without a prescription. A neurologist, therapist, dermatologist or other specialist can prescribe the drug.
After using the medication (even in minimal doses), a state of euphoria, calmness sets in. The patient wants to sleep. That is why the medicine is contraindicated for people whose activity requires attention and concentration. If Diphenhydramine has been prescribed for you, never exceed the permissible dose. Use the medicine for a strictly prescribed time. Be healthy!