Overview
DESCRIPTION Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride Injection, USP is a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution for intravenous or deep intramuscular use as an antihistaminic agent. Each mL contains diphenhydramine hydrochloride 50 mg in Water for Injection. pH 4.0 to 6.5; sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid added, if needed, for pH adjustment.
Mechanism of Action
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Diphenhydramine hydrochloride is an antihistamine with anticholinergic (drying) and sedative side effects. Antihistamines appear to compete with histamine for cell receptor sites on effector cells. Diphenhydramine hydrochloride in the injectable form has a rapid onset of action. Diphenhydramine is widely distributed throughout the body, including the CNS. A portion of the drug is excreted unchanged in the urine, while the rest is metabolized via the liver. Detailed information on the pharmacokinetics of diphenhydramine hydrochloride injection, USP is not available.
Indications
- INDICATIONS AND USAGE Diphenhydramine hydrochloride injection, USP is effective in adults and pediatric patients, other than premature infants and neonates, for the following conditions when the oral form is impractical. Antihistaminic For amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma, in anaphylaxis as an adjunct to epinephrine and other standard measures after the acute symptoms have been controlled and for other uncomplicated allergic conditions of the immediate type when oral therapy is impossible or contraindicated. Motion Sickness For active treatment of motion sickness.
Common Doses
- 5 mg
- 150 mg
- 300 mg
- 25 mg
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION THIS PRODUCT IS FOR INTRAVENOUS OR INTRAMUSCULAR ADMINISTRATION ONLY. Diphenhydramine hydrochloride injection, USP is indicated when the oral form is impractical. DOSAGE SHOULD BE INDIVIDUALIZED ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS AND THE RESPONSE OF THE PATIENT. Pediatric Patients, Other Than Premature Infants and Neonates 5 mg/kg/24 hours or 150 mg/m 2 /24 hours. Maximum daily dosage is 300 mg. Divide into four doses, administered intravenously at a rate generally not exceeding 25 mg/min, or deep intramuscularly.
Contraindications
- CONTRAINDICATIONS Use in Neonates or Premature Infants This drug should not be used in neonates or premature infants. Use in Nursing Mothers Because of the higher risk of antihistamines for infants generally, and for neonates and prematures in particular, antihistamine therapy is contraindicated in nursing mothers. Use as a Local Anesthetic Because of the risk of local necrosis, this drug should not be used as a local anesthetic.
Side Effects
- ADVERSE REACTIONS The most frequent adverse reactions are italicized. General Urticaria; drug rash; anaphylactic shock; photosensitivity; excessive perspiration; chills; dryness of mouth, nose and throat. Cardiovascular System Hypotension, headache, palpitations, tachycardia, extrasystoles. Hematologic System Hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis. Nervous System Sedation, sleepiness, dizziness, disturbed coordination , fatigue, confusion, restlessness, excitation, nervousness, tremor, irritability, insomnia, euphoria, paresthesia, blurred vision, diplopia, vertigo, tinnitus,...
Interactions
- Drug Interactions Diphenhydramine hydrochloride has additive effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants (hypnotics, sedatives, tranquilizers, etc.) MAO inhibitors prolong and intensify the anticholinergic (drying) effects of antihistamines.