Patient/Family Teaching

Instruct patient to take medication as directed; do not exceed recommended amount. Caution patient not to use oral OTC diphenhydramine products with any other product containing diphenhydramine, including products used topically

» May cause drowsiness. Caution patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to drug is known.

» Inform patient that this drug may cause dry mouth. Frequent oral rinses, good oral hygiene, and sugarless gum or candy may minimize this effect. Notify health care professional if dry mouth persists for more than 2 wks

» Teach sleep hygiene techniques (dark room, quiet, bedtime ritual, limit daytime napping, avoidance of nicotine and caffeine) to patients taking diphenhydramine to aid sleep

» Advise patient to use sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent photosensitivity reactions

» Caution patient to avoid use of alcohol and other CNS depressants concurrently with this medication

» Pedi: Can cause excitation in children. Caution parents or caregivers about proper dose calculation; overdosage, especially in infants and children, can cause hallucinations, seizures, or death

» Geri: Instruct older adults to avoid OTC products that contain diphenhydramine due to increased sensitivity to anticholinergic effects and potential for adverse reactions related to these effects

» Advise patients taking diphenhydramine in OTC preparations to notify health care professional if symptoms worsen or persist for more than 7 days

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