Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Diphenhydramine hydrochloride in the injectable form is effective in adults and pediatric patients, other than premature infants and neonates, for the following conditions when diphenhydramine hydrochloride in the oral form is impractical. Antihistaminic: For amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma, in anaphylaxis as an adjunct to epinephrine and other standard measures after the acute symptoms have been controlled, and for other uncomplicated allergic conditions of the immediate type when oral therapy is impossible or contraindicated. Motion Sickness: For active treatment of motion sickness. Antiparkinsonism: For use in parkinsonism, when oral therapy is impossible or contraindicated, as follows: parkinsonism in the elderly who are unable to tolerate more potent agents; mild cases of parkinsonism in other age groups, and in other cases of parkinsonism in combination with centrally acting anticholinergic agents.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION THIS PRODUCT IS FOR INTRAVENOUS OR INTRAMUSCULAR ADMINISTRATION ONLY. Diphenhydramine hydrochloride in the injectable form is indicated when the oral form is impractical. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. DOSAGE SHOULD BE INDIVIDUALIZED ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS AND THE RESPONSE OF THE PATIENT. Pediatric Patients, other than premature infants and neonates: 5 mg/kg/24 hr or 150 mg/m 2 /24 hr. Maximum daily dosage is 300 mg. Divide into four doses, administered intravenously at a rate generally not exceeding 25 mg/min, or deep intramuscularly. Adults: 10 mg to 50 mg intravenously at a rate generally not exceeding 25 mg/min, or deep intramuscularly, 100 mg if required; maximum daily dosage is 400 mg.

WARNINGS Antihistamines should be used with considerable caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, stenosing peptic ulcer, pyloroduodenal obstruction, symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy, or bladder-neck obstruction. Local necrosis has been associated with the use of subcutaneous or intradermal use of intravenous diphenhydramine. Use in Pediatric Patients: In pediatric patients, especially, antihistamines in overdosage may cause hallucinations, convulsions, or death. As in adults, antihistamines may diminish mental alertness in pediatric patients. In the young pediatric patient, particularly, they may produce excitation. Use in the Elderly (approximately 60 years or older): Antihistamines are more likely to cause dizziness, sedation, and hypotension in elderly patients.

CONTRAINDICATIONS Use in Neonates or Premature Infants: This drug should not be used in neonates or premature infants. Use in Nursing Mothers: Because of the higher risk of antihistamines for infants generally, and for neonates and prematures in particular, antihistamine therapy is contraindicated in nursing mothers. Use as a Local Anesthetic: Because of the risk of local necrosis, this drug should not be used as a local anesthetic. Antihistamines are also contraindicated in the following conditions: Hypersensitivity to diphenhydramine hydrochloride and other antihistamines of similar chemical structure.

Drug Interactions: Diphenhydramine hydrochloride has additive effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants (hypnotics, sedatives, tranquilizers, etc). MAO inhibitors prolong and intensify the anticholinergic (drying) effects of antihistamines.

Pregnancy: Pregnancy Category B: Reproduction studies have been performed in rats and rabbits at doses up to 5 times the human dose and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to diphenhydramine hydrochloride. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

ADVERSE REACTIONS The most frequent adverse reactions are underscored: 1. General: Urticaria, drug rash, anaphylactic shock, photosensitivity, excessive perspiration, chills, dryness of mouth, nose, and throat. 2. Cardiovascular System: Hypotension, headache, palpitations, tachycardia, extrasystoles. 3. Hematologic System: Hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis. 4. Nervous System: Sedation, sleepiness, dizziness, disturbed coordination , fatigue, confusion, restlessness, excitation, nervousness, tremor, irritability, insomnia, euphoria, paresthesia, blurred vision, diplopia, vertigo, tinnitus, acute labyrinthitis, neuritis, convulsions. 5. GI System: Epigastric distress, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation. 6. GU System: Urinary frequency, difficult urination, urinary retention, early menses. 7. Respiratory System: Thickening of bronchial secretions , tightness of chest or throat and wheezing, nasal stuffiness.