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Benadryl Warnings and Precautions
Before taking Benadryl, you should talk with your healthcare provider if you have glaucoma, asthma, or high blood pressure. Other warnings and precautions with Benadryl include avoiding this drug if you are breastfeeding, watching out for potential drug interactions, and being aware of the medicine's sedation effects. Benadryl products (oral or topical) should never be used in newborns or premature infants.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Benadryl?
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Benadryl?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Benadryl® (diphenhydramine hydrochloride) if you have:
- Glaucoma
- Stomach ulcers
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- An enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH)
- Difficulty passing urine
- Asthma
- An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Alzheimer's disease
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Breastfeeding.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD