Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms, insect stings, motion sickness, travel anxiety, and other conditions.
Cats and Dogs
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.
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.
Benadryl (Warner Lambert), Histacalm (Virbac)
Diphenhydramine (dye-fen-hy'-dra-meen)
Various
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms, 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.
Diphenhydramine is a non-prescription (OTC) product available as 25mg tablets and 50mg capsules.
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.
Side effects of diphenhydramine include drowsiness, dry mouth and urinary retention. Rarely, vomiting and diarrhea can occur.
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.
Contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency room. Symptoms of overdose can include seizures, extreme drowsiness, coma, respiratory depression, and death.
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 Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.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.
The slow release capsule should NOT be mixed or dissolved in food. Do not use sinus or cold medications containing diphenhydramine in your pet.
Store this medication at room temperature, away from excess heat, light and moisture.