Questions and Answers
What is the drug class of Diphenhydramine?
Which of the following are uses of Diphenhydramine? (Select all that apply)
What is the action of Diphenhydramine?
Competes with histamine for receptor sites, preventing a histamine response.
Diphenhydramine is contraindicated in patients with ______.
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How is Diphenhydramine administered?
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What are some interactions of Diphenhydramine?
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Common side effects of Diphenhydramine include ______.
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What is a life-threatening adverse effect of Diphenhydramine?
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What should be done if a patient experiences an allergic reaction?
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When is diphenhydramine HCl administered with epinephrine?
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Study Notes
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Overview
- Classified as a first-generation antihistamine, effective in allergic reactions.
Uses
- Treats acute and allergic rhinitis, reduces itching and sneezing.
- Functions as an antitussive (cough suppressant).
- Commonly used as a sleep aid and for motion sickness.
Mechanism of Action
- Competes with histamine at receptor sites to block histamine responses.
- Reduces nasopharyngeal secretions, alleviating allergy symptoms.
Contraindications and Precautions
- Not recommended for patients with severe liver disease and narrow-angle glaucoma.
- Caution in cases of urinary retention, acute asthma attacks, and lower respiratory diseases.
- Avoidance advised during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in infants.
Administration Routes
- Can be administered orally, intramuscularly (IM), or intravenously (IV).
Drug Interactions
- Can amplify central nervous system (CNS) depression when combined with alcohol or other CNS depressants.
- Use of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) should be avoided due to potential interactions.
Side Effects
- Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, and blurred vision.
- Other effects may include wheezing, photosensitivity, urinary retention, constipation, and gastrointestinal distress.
Adverse Effects
- Severe, life-threatening adverse effect includes blood dyscrasias.
Nursing Interventions
- Gather comprehensive history of environmental exposures in patients experiencing allergic reactions.
- Administer with food to minimize gastric distress.
- Advise patients about the risk of drowsiness; recommend avoiding driving or operating machinery until stabilized on the medication.
- Encourage avoiding alcohol and other CNS depressants during treatment.
- Breastfeeding is not recommended while using diphenhydramine.
Emergency Use
- Diphenhydramine HCl can be administered alongside epinephrine in emergency settings for allergic reactions.
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Test your knowledge on Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) with these flashcards. Each card covers important aspects such as the drug's class, uses, action, and contraindications. Perfect for students or professionals in the pharmaceutical field.
