Description
Diphenhydramine belongs to a group of medications known as antihistamines. Antihistamines are used to treat symptoms caused by allergies, including itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and skin irritation. Diphenhydramine also causes drowsiness, and can be used by adults and children 12 years of age and older who occasionally have trouble sleeping (insomnia). The effects of diphenhydramine can last for up to 6 hours.
If you have trouble sleeping, do not take this medication for more than a few nights in a row. Talk to your doctor about other treatment options suitable for you if you have chronic (long-term) insomnia that persists for more than a few nights at a time.
The usual dose for adults and children 12 years of age and older to help with sleep is 25 mg to 50 mg taken by mouth at bedtime. Some people may only need to take 25 mg at bedtime if they are drowsy in the morning (e.g., they find it interferes with their daily activities) after taking the 50 mg dose.
