Benadryl Dry Cough Active

Composition of Benadryl Dry Cough Active

Benadryl Dry Cough Active contains Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide IP 10 mg/5 ml, Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride IP 12.5 mg/5 ml, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride IP 5 mg/5 ml. It belongs to the Dextromethorphan (antitussive), Diphenhydramine (first-generation H1 antihistamine), Phenylephrine (alpha-1 adrenergic agonist decongestant) class of medicines.

Uses of Benadryl Dry Cough Active

Symptomatic relief of dry (non-productive) cough and associated cold symptoms such as runny nose/sneezing and nasal congestion.

Key benefits

• Relieves dry cough
• Reduces throat irritation-related cough
• Helps control sneezing/runny nose
• Provides nasal decongestion
• Improves comfort during common cold

How Benadryl Dry Cough Active works

Dextromethorphan suppresses the cough reflex by acting on the cough centre in the brain. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that reduces allergy symptoms and also helps reduce cough due to post-nasal drip. Phenylephrine is a decongestant that constricts nasal blood vessels to relieve blocked nose.

How to take Benadryl Dry Cough Active

Oral syrup. Shake well before use and measure with a dosing cup/spoon. Take as directed by a doctor/label; commonly taken every 6–8 hours as needed. Can be taken with or without food; take after food if stomach upset occurs. Do not exceed the recommended dose; avoid use in children below the age mentioned on the label unless prescribed.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, skip the one you missed — never take two doses together to catch up.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause vomiting, severe drowsiness, a racing heart and, with codeine, dangerously slow breathing. It can cause severe drowsiness, a fast heartbeat, confusion and, in children, agitation and fits. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Benadryl Dry Cough Active

Most side effects of Benadryl Dry Cough Active are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• nausea
• vomiting
• constipation
• blurred vision
• nervousness/restlessness
• headache
• palpitations
• increased blood pressure

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Benadryl Dry Cough Active

Warnings and precautions

May cause drowsiness—avoid driving or operating machinery. Do not use with/within 14 days of MAO inhibitors; risk of serious reactions. Use with caution in hypertension, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, glaucoma, enlarged prostate/urinary retention, liver disease, asthma/COPD. Not recommended for chronic cough due to smoking/asthma/emphysema unless advised by a doctor. Overuse may cause abuse or serotonin syndrome (especially with serotonergic medicines). Seek medical help if cough persists >7 days, is recurrent, or is accompanied by fever/rash/persistent headache.

Do not take Benadryl Dry Cough Active if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Codeine-containing preparations are not for children, or for anyone with breathing difficulty. The sedating antihistamines are not suitable for very young children, or for people with glaucoma or an enlarged prostate, without medical advice.

Interactions with other medicines

MAO inhibitors (contraindicated), SSRIs/SNRIs/TCAs/linezolid/triptans (risk of serotonin syndrome with dextromethorphan), alcohol and other CNS depressants (increased sedation), antihypertensives (phenylephrine may reduce effect), other antihistamines/cough & cold products (duplicate therapy), anticholinergics (increased dry mouth/urinary retention), beta-blockers and sympathomimetics (BP/heart rate effects)

How to store Benadryl Dry Cough Active

Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place. Protect from light. Keep bottle tightly closed and out of reach of children.

Expert advice for Benadryl Dry Cough Active

Drink plenty of water — it thins mucus better than any syrup. Steam inhalation helps congestion and costs nothing. Measure the dose with the cup supplied. Taking it at bedtime reduces the impact of any drowsiness. Identify and avoid your triggers where you can — dust, pollen, cold air.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

JOHNSON & JOHNSON LIMITED

Therapeutic class:

Cough & Cold (Antitussive/Antihistamine/Decongestant)

Drug class:

Dextromethorphan (antitussive), Diphenhydramine (first-generation H1 antihistamine), Phenylephrine (alpha-1 adrenergic agonist decongestant)