Diphenhydramine is one of the first antihistamines with good efficacy and is available in various dosage forms. The drug Dimedrol can be found in ampoules for injections and droppers, in the form of tablets, suppositories, gel and pencils.
Effect of diphenhydramine and indications for use
In addition, that Diphenhydramine has an antihistamine effect, it is used as an antiemetic and sedative, for local anesthesia and the removal of spasms. When prescribing the drug during lactation, it is possible to provide a sedative to the baby through the milk.
The use of diphenhydramine in ampoules allows to work on the body through the central nervous system, reducing the permeability of capillaries and removing spastic manifestations in smooth muscles.
Diphenhydramine is prescribed for allergic diseases:
- angioedema;
- vaskulit ;
- hay fever;
- urticaria;
- dermatoses, etc.
Also, this drug can be used to eliminate unwanted reactions caused by taking other medicines, with radiation therapy, blood transfusion, stomach ulcer.
A solution of Diphenhydramine in ampoules can be used as an independent agent, and in conjunction with other medications.
With bronchial asthma, this drug is ineffective, but with a strong cough, Diphenhydramine acts directly on the cough center in the brain, reducing its excitability.
Dosage of diphenhydramine
Dosage of diphenhydramine in ampoules is selected individually. For an adult, it can be from one to five milliliters of a solution of Diphenhydramine 1% one to three times within 24 hours. For children under fourteen years of age this ratio is 0.3-0.5 ml of the solution. The introduction of the drug occurs either in the muscle, or intravenously. Subcutaneous injections of diphenhydramine are not recommended.
The injection of Diphenhydramine should be carried out very carefully, in some cases such individual reactions as the occurrence of tachycardia, dizziness, sensation of dryness of mucous membranes, lowering of arterial pressure are possible. In addition, with an increase in the recommended dose, there may be abnormalities on the part of certain body systems:
- nervous system (disorientation, irritability, increased excitability, confusion);
- cardiovascular system (systole, increased heart rate);
- gastrointestinal tract (nausea, stool, epigastric distress).
Also, the occurrence of urticaria, rash and anaphylactic shock is not ruled out. Especially attentively to the use of Diphenhydramine for injections should be treated in the case of its appointment to older people (over 60 years), small children, car drivers and public transport and people for whom increased concentration and attention is important.
During treatment with diphenhydramine in ampoules it is not recommended to take alcohol and stay in the sun or sunbathe for a long time.
In the case of an overdose of Diphenhydramine in ampoules, there is an increase in pupils, delusions, a state of depression or excessive excitation, cardiac disorders. With a significant overdose, a lethal outcome is possible. Therefore, in case of exceeding the recommended dose, you should immediately call your doctor.
The shelf life of Diphenhydramine in ampoules does not exceed five years, with proper storage conditions (dark dry place).
Drug analogues
Like many drugs, Diphenhydramine in ampoules has analogs that have the same pharmacological and medicinal characteristics. But it is worth noting that the substitutes have a smaller list of side effects. For Dimedrol, analogues are antihistamines:
- Loratadine;
- Claritin ;
- Erius;
- Zirtek;
- Cetrin.