Banophen: FAQs, Uses, and Side Effects

Banophen or Diphenhydramine (dyefenHYEdrameen) is an antihistamine. It is used to treat the symptoms of an allergic reaction. It is also used to treat Parkinson's disease, to treat motion sickness and as a nighttime sleep aid.

Banophen or Diphenhydramine (dyefenHYEdrameen) is an antihistamine. It is used to treat the symptoms of an allergic reaction. It is also used to treat Parkinson's disease, to treat motion sickness and as a nighttime sleep aid.

Banophen: Uses and Warnings

What is Banophen?

Banophen or Diphenhydramine was first made by George Rieveschl and came into commercial use in 1946. It is available as a generic medication. It is sold under the trade name Benadryl, among others. In 2017, it was the 241st most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than two million prescriptions.

The antihistamine is mainly used to treat allergies but can be used for insomnia, symptoms of the common cold, tremor in parkinsonism, and nausea. Banophen is a first generation H1-antihistamine and works by blocking certain effects of histamine. Banophen is also an anticholinergic.

It is used as an oral drug, injected into a vein, injected into a muscle, or applied topically to the skin. Maximal effect is typically around two hours post consumption and effects can last for up to seven hours.

Common side effects include sleepiness, poor coordination and an upset stomach. Its use is not recommended in young children or the elderly.

There is no clear risk of harm when used during pregnancy; however, use during breastfeeding is a no-no.

Uses of Banophen

Treats itchy skin caused by psoriasis, seborrhea, dandruff, or other conditions. Some forms of this medicine treat scaling and dry skin, which may cause itching.

Treats pain and itching associated with insect bites, minor cuts, burns, or rashes caused by poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac.

Treats hay fever, allergy, and cold symptoms. Also treats insomnia.

Banophen Warnings

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have an enlarged prostate, or trouble urinating. Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, or a breathing problem such as emphysema, bronchitis, or asthma. Make sure your doctor knows if you have any other allergies.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that needs more awareness and focus.
• This medicine might contain phenylalanine (aspartame) which can be a concern if you have a disorder called phenylketonuria (a problem with amino acids).
• Pain when urinating, or change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Do not use this medicine on skin to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.
• Do not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin as it will irritate it.
• The stick form of this medicine is flammable. Keep the medicine away from fire or open flame.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Do not use this medicine for chickenpox or measles unless your doctor tells you to.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are allergic to preservatives or dyes.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. Let your doctor know if your symptoms go away but come back again within a few days.
• This drug may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Always use sunscreen and avoid using sunlamps or tanning beds.

Banophen Interactions

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Do not use this medicine for chickenpox or measles unless your doctor tells you to.
• The stick form of this medicine is flammable. Keep the medicine away from fire or open flame.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®.
• Ask your doctor before you use any other products that have diphenhydramine in it. This includes medicines that you use on your skin.
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy like allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
• Avoid alcohol while you are using this medicine.

FAQs

How should I use this medicine?

Use orally by mouth with a full glass of water.

Those over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Follow the guide on the prescription label.

Take your doses at regular intervals.

Avoid taking your medicine more often than directed.

To stop motion sickness, take this medicine 30 to 60 minutes before you leave. Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine as special care may be needed for kids.

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

This medicine is only for you and not to be split or shared with others.

What may interact with this medicine?

Avoid use of Banophen with Maois Like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, And Parnate

This medicine may also interact with:

• Alcohol
• Barbiturates, Like Phenobarbital
• Medicines For Bladder Spasm Like Oxybutynin, Tolterodine
• Medicines For Blood Pressure
• Medicines For Depression, Anxiety, Or Psychotic Disturbances
• Medicines For Movement Abnormalities Or Parkinson's Disease
• Medicines For Sleep
• Other Medicines For Cold, Cough Or Allergy
• Some Medicines For The Stomach Like Chlordiazepoxide, Dicyclomine

This list does not describe all possible interactions.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

• Your mouth may get dry.

Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water helps with dryness. Contact your doctor if the problem gets worrisome or severe.

• Dry eyes and blurred vision.

If you wear contact lenses you may feel some it gradually becomes dry and face discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. Contact your doctor if the problem gets worrisome or severe.

• Getting drowsy or dizzy.

Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental focus and awareness until you know how this medicine affects you.

Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are elderly. This will reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

• Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine.

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups and make sure you talk about your symptoms if they do not improve.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, don't worry and take the next dose as soon as you can.

If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose so that you avoid double or extra doses.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you must report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible include:

Serious Side Effects

• Stinging or burning on your skin.
• Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing are common allergic signs.
• Worsened skin rash, itching, redness, or swelling
• Hallucinations (seeing things that are not really there).
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Pain when urinating, or change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Upset stomach.
• Thick mucus in your nose or throat.
• Changes in vision
• Irregular or fast heartbeat
• Tremor
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation, Diarrhea

Less Serious Side Effects

• Nervousness or excitability, especially in children.
• Dry nose, mouth, or throat.
• Thick mucus in your nose or throat.
• Upset stomach.
• Constipation, nausea, or stomach upset.
• Itching or pain that lasts longer than 7 days, or returns after it clears up
• Unusually drowsy, weak or tired

This list may not describe all possible side effects.