Diphenhydramine HCl 6.25 mg/5 mL
Class: Paediatric antitussive / Antihistamine cough syrup
Manufacturer:
Dosage Form: Oral syrup
Similar Brands:
Uses:
Symptomatic relief of dry, irritating, non-productive coughs in children, including:
- Dry cough from common cold, flu, or upper respiratory tract irritation.
- Cough associated with minor allergies or hay fever symptoms (runny nose, sneezing).
- Night-time cough to aid rest/sleep.
Not for productive/wet coughs with mucus (may thicken secretions and hinder clearance), persistent coughs from asthma, croup, whooping cough, or smoking exposure—consult a doctor for those. Adjunctive for symptom relief; not curative for infections (antibiotics if bacterial). Many guidelines advise against routine use in children under 6 years due to limited benefit and safety concerns.
Dosage:
Oral, every 6–8 hours as needed (do not exceed 4 doses/24 hours; shake bottle; use measuring device).
Children 6–12 years: 5 mL (1 teaspoonful) every 6–8 hours (max 4 doses/day).
Children 2–6 years (if advised): 2.5 mL (½ teaspoonful) every 6–8 hours (many labels/pharmacists restrict or advise against use in this age group—consult doctor).
Children under 2 years: Not recommended (high risk of sedation/respiratory depression).
Duration: Short-term (e.g., 3–5 days max); stop and seek medical advice if cough persists >5 days, worsens, or includes high fever, wheezing, rash, or breathing difficulty.
Side Effects:
Common (mild/transient): Drowsiness/sedation, dizziness, dry mouth/nose/throat, thickened mucus, constipation, nausea.
Less common: Paradoxical excitation (restlessness, irritability, hyperactivity—especially in young children), blurred vision, headache.
Serious (rare, seek immediate care): Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty), excessive sedation or confusion, respiratory depression (slow/shallow breathing), seizures (high doses), or overdosage symptoms (hallucinations, convulsions).
Warnings & Precautions:
May cause significant drowsiness—avoid activities requiring alertness; do not give with other sedating medicines.
Use extreme caution in children under 6 years (many guidelines recommend avoiding antihistamine-containing cough syrups in this age group due to risks outweighing benefits).
Not for productive coughs, asthma, croup, or chronic conditions—consult doctor.
Monitor for worsening cough, high fever (>3 days), wheezing, ear pain, or other symptoms—seek medical help.
Contains excipients (e.g., sweeteners like sorbitol—may cause GI upset in high doses; preservatives).
Discard opened bottle after 4 weeks (contamination risk).
Use extreme caution in children under 6 years (many guidelines recommend avoiding antihistamine-containing cough syrups in this age group due to risks outweighing benefits).
Not for productive coughs, asthma, croup, or chronic conditions—consult doctor.
Monitor for worsening cough, high fever (>3 days), wheezing, ear pain, or other symptoms—seek medical help.
Contains excipients (e.g., sweeteners like sorbitol—may cause GI upset in high doses; preservatives).
Discard opened bottle after 4 weeks (contamination risk).
Pregnancy & Lactation:
Pregnancy: Not applicable (paediatric product); adult use of diphenhydramine generally avoided unless clearly needed—consult doctor.
Lactation: Not recommended (diphenhydramine passes into milk; risk of infant sedation/respiratory effects).
Drug Interactions:
CNS depressants (alcohol, sedatives, opioids, other antihistamines): Enhanced drowsiness/respiratory depression.
Anticholinergics: Additive effects (dry mouth, constipation).
MAO inhibitors: Potential interactions (avoid).
Anticholinergics: Additive effects (dry mouth, constipation).
MAO inhibitors: Potential interactions (avoid).
Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to diphenhydramine or any ingredient.
Children under 2 years (per many labels).
Acute asthma exacerbation or severe respiratory depression.
Concomitant MAO inhibitors (or within 14 days).
Children under 2 years (per many labels).
Acute asthma exacerbation or severe respiratory depression.
Concomitant MAO inhibitors (or within 14 days).
Price: Ksh 968/-
Notes:
Many guidelines advise against routine use in children under 6 years due to limited benefit and safety concerns.