Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Nursing Considerations

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Diphenhydramine

Trade Name

Benadryl

Indication

Allergy, anaphylaxis, sedation, motion sickness, antitussive

Action

Antagonizes effects of histamine, CNS depression

Therapeutic Class

Allergy, cold and cough remedy, antihistamine, antitussive

Pharmacologic Class

Antihistamine

Nursing Considerations

• May cause drowsiness, anorexia, dry mouth, nausea, chest tightness, thick secretions, hypotension, blurred vision, headache • Anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, sedation) • Assess purpose of medication prior to giving it • Assess allergies, sleep patterns, cough and lung sounds • Patient should avoid other over-the-counter cough and cold remedies