

Monitor your pet at home for adverse effects.Īll formulations of diphenhydramine should be stored at room temperature between 15☌ and 30☌ (59☏ to 86☏) and protected from light. Your veterinarian may monitor your pet to be sure that the medication is working.

There is no specific monitoring that needs to be done while your pet is taking this medication. Is there any monitoring that needs to be done with this medication? The following medications should be used with caution when given with diphenhydramine: anticholinergic drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, and CNS depressant agents such as sedatives, anesthetics, and pain medications.īe sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications ( including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking. Use with caution in pets that are pregnant or lactating, geriatric, or are working dogs.Īre there any drug interactions I should be aware of? Diphenhydramine should be used cautiously in pets with glaucoma, prostate enlargement, intestinal or bladder obstruction, COPD, elevated thyroid hormone, heart disease, or high blood pressure. Do not use in pediatric or neonatal pets. This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.Īre there any risk factors for this medication?ĭiphenhydramine should not be used in patients that are allergic to it or similar antihistamines.
DOES BENADRYL MAKE DOGS SLEEPY SKIN
Diphenhydramine can alter the results of skin allergy testing discontinue this medication at least 2 weeks before testing. Excitement rather than lethargy can occur occasionally, especially in cats. Vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite are also possible. The most common side effect is lethargy, dry mouth, and urinary retention. Never give your pet two doses at once or give extra doses. If you miss a dose, give it when you remember, but if it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and give it at the next scheduled time, and return to the regular dosing schedule.

What if I miss giving my pet the medication? This medication will take effect quickly, in about 1 to 2 hours, and improvement in clinical signs should follow.

The injection is typically given in the hospital, either in the vein, muscle, or under the skin. The liquid has a bad taste to cats, and administration by mouth may be difficult. If your pet vomits after dosing on an empty stomach, give future doses with food or a treat. The oral formulations can be given with or without food. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully as their direction may be significantly different from those on the label.ĭiphenhydramine is given by mouth in the form of a tablet, capsule, oral liquid, or liquid injection. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off label use in veterinary medicine. Its use in small and large animals to treat allergic reactions and other conditions is ‘off label’ or ‘extra label’. It is also used as a mild sedative, and is one of the therapies for mast cell tumors. Diphenhydramine (brand name: Benadryl®, Vetadryl®, Banophen®, Genahist®, Diphenhist®, Unisom®, Sominex ®) is an antihistamine used in cats, dogs, ferrets and other small mammals, birds, horses, and cattle to treat allergic reactions, motion sickness, and vomiting.
