Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to treat allergies, insect stings, motion sickness, travel anxiety, and other conditions.
For: Cats and Dogs
Benefits:
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Effectively treats allergies symptoms and itching caused by insect bites
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Can be used as a sedative to treat motion sickness or travel anxiety
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Relieves coughing
How it works:
Diphenhydramine comes in 25mg minitabs or 50mg capsules, and is a generic version of Benadryl. As an antihistamine, it counteracts the effect of histamine, which causes symptoms like itching and sneezing.
Cautions:
This medication should not be used in pregnant or nursing animals. Do not use the diphenhydramine available in combination with sinus or cold medicines in your pet.
Brand Name Benadryl (Warner Lambert), Histacalm (Virbac)
Generic Name Diphenhydramine (dye-fen-hy’-dra-meen)
Manufacturer: Various
What is this medication used for: Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used in the treatment of allergies, insect bites or stings and other causes of itching. It is also used for its sedative and antiemetic effects in the treatment of motion sickness and travel anxiety. It is also used for its antitussive effect.
Availability: Diphenhydramine is a non-prescription (OTC) product available as 25mg tablets and 50mg capsules.
How this medicine should be used: Oral diphenhydramine is not FDA-approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice to use this medication in dogs and cats. The usual dose in dogs and cats is 0.5-2mg/pound every 8-12 hours. The slow release capsule should not be mixed or dissolved in food. Do not give sinus or cold medicines containing diphenhydramine to your pet.
What are the side effects: Side effects of diphenhydramine include drowsiness, dry mouth and urinary retention. Rarely, vomiting and diarrhea can occur.
What special precautions are there: Do not use this medication in animals that are allergic to it or other antihistamines. Do not use in animals with glaucoma, prostate disease, urinary obstruction, and high blood pressure. Do not use in pregnant or nursing animals. Use with caution when given with other CNS (central nervous system)-depressant drugs such as tranquilizers or barbiturates. Always tell your veterinarian and pharmacist what other medications your pet is taking.
In the event of an overdose: Contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency room. Symptoms of overdose can include seizures, extreme drowsiness, coma, respiratory depression, and death.
How should I store this medication: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed. Store this medication at room temperature, away from excess heat, light, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Keep medication away from children and pets.
Directions:
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Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to treat allergies, insect stings, motion sickness, travel anxiety, and other conditions.
•
It is available over-the-counter (OTC) as 25mg tablets and 50mg capsules.
•
Diphenhydramine should not be used in dogs or cats that are pregnant or nursing.
Tip: The slow release capsule should NOT be mixed or dissolved in food. Do not give sinus or cold medications containing diphenydramine to your pet.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs/Cats:
All weights
Give 0.5 – 2mg per lb of pet’s body weight every 8 -12 hours
Horses:
Storage: Store this medication at room temperature, away from excess heat, light, and moisture.
Other Ingredients (per capsule):
Colloidal Silicon Dioxide, Croscamellose Sodium, D&C Red #28, FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Red #3, FD&C Red #40, Gelatin, Lactose, Magnesium Stearate. May also contain Polysorbate 80 and iron oxide.
My 3 yr old Westie Sam was miserable with constantly licking his feet and shaking his head.. It seemed like allergins were everywhere. I tried the Generic Benadryl one a day in a pill pocket and Sam is a different little guy now. He's happy and so am I.
Jaz had been licking & biting her paws and just wasn't having fun any more. We couldn't figure out the problem, but thought she was itching. I give her 1/2 pill in am and 1/2 at night, she is back to her old wild self now! Would definitively recommend for this issue.
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can be used for as long as the pet needs medication to control itching. However, it may be beneficial to find the cause of the itchy skin so as to treat the pet and prevent this reaction in the future. Have you discussed this with your veterinarian? If not perhaps you should.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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