Date ordered: April 25, 2021

Doctor’s order: Pre BT med: Diphenhydramine 50mg

IVTT
Generic Name: Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride
Trade Name: Benadryl
Classification

Therapeutic: Antihistamines

Pharmacologic: Histamine H1 antagonist

Actions: Diphenhydramine acts as an inverse

agonist at the H1 receptor, thereby

reversing effects of histamine on

capillaries, reducing allergic reaction

symptoms. Lastly, diphenhydramine acts

as an intracellular sodium channel

blocker, resulting in local anesthetic

properties. Has atropine-like, antipruritic,

and sedative effects.

Indications: Relief symptoms associated with

perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis;

vasomotor rhinitis; mild, uncomplicated

urticaria and angioedema; allergic

reactions to blood or plasma; adjunctive

therapy in anaphylactic reactions

Contraindication: Contraindicated if patient is allergic to

 antihistamines, third trimester of

pregnancy and if patient is lactating.

Interactions: Drug-drug: Possible increased and

prolonged anticholinergic effects with

MAOIs. Risk for increased sedation with

alcohol, CNS depressants; avoid this

combination.

Drug-food: Increased risk of

hepatotoxicity with alcohol.

Adverse Effects: CNS: Drowsiness, sedation, dizziness,

disturbed coordination, fatigue, confusion,

restlessness, excitation, nervousness,

tremor, headache, blurred vision, diplopia

CV: Hypotension, palpitations,

bradycardia, tachycardia, extrasystoles

GI: Epigastric distress, anorexia,

increased appetite and weight gain,

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation

 GU: Urinary frequency, dysuria, urinary

retention, early menses, decreased libido,

impotence

Hematologic: Hemolytic anemia,

hypoplastic anemia, thrombocytopenia,

leukopenia, agranulocytosis,

pancytopenia

Respiratory: Thickening of the bronchial

secretions, chest tightness, wheezing,

nasal stuffiness, dry mouth, dry nose, dry

throat, sore throat

Other: Urticaria, rash, anaphylactic shock,

photosensitivity, excessive perspiration

Nursing Responsibilities: -monitor patient response, and arrange

for adjustment of dosage to lowest

possible effective dose

-give with food if GI upset occurs

-instruct to avoid alcohol to avoid serious

sedation

-educate patient on its common and

 serious side effects and instruct to report

to the NOD

-instruct patient to report if there is DOB,

hallucinations, tremors, loss of

coordination, bleeding or bruising, visual

disturbances and cardiac arrhythmias.

Rationale: Used to temporarily relieve symptoms

due to hay fever, upper respiratory

allergies, or the common cold, such as

runny nose and sneezing.