Diphenhydramine HCI is an antihistamine.Pronounced as (dye fen HYE dra meen) or brand name(s) Benadryl Benylin, doctors usually prescribed antihistamine for people suffering from itchy skin.

Controlling the itch

How does diphenhydramine stop the itch? It works by blocking the release of histamine and other itch-producing chemicals in your skin.

This helps to decrease itchiness and prevent other symptoms of allergic reaction. With the transitory respite of itch from eczema or other minor itchy skin conditions, you can sleep better and more peacefully at night.

Usually taken orally, tour doctor will normally prescribe about 25mg to 50mg up to four times daily if you are an adult. Children would take less, somewhere between 13mg to less than 25mg.

The key effect this drug has on most people is drowsiness. Do not drive or operate any heavy machinery when you are on this medication. If you missed a dosage, do not feel that you need to double up to offset the shortfall. Such acts can be dangerous.

Manufacturers have started adding Diphenhydramine HCI into anti-itch lotions such as calamine lotion. Calamine lotion is an over-the-counter medication, which can help to soothe itchy skin. Excessive concentration of diphenhydramine could result in skin sensitivities problems. Hence, most lotions usually contain less than 2% of diphenhydramine.

Precautions

As a safety warning, patients with the following diseases should refrain from taking Diphenhydramine HCI:

• Peptic ulcer disease
• Bowel obstructions
• Asthma
• Heart disease
• High blood disease

Diphenhydramine HCI creams should not be applied areas of your body where there are open wounds, blisters or swelling skin. It may provoke adverse skin reaction and may cause your itch to worsen.

Side Effects

Temporary side-effects like headache, constipation, blurred vision and dry mouth could take place. For some people, they may encountered skin rashes and other minor reactions.

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