Cough Medicine Facts: Benadryl for High-Level Relief

woman coughing

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Once found, histamine causes symptoms like sneezing, coughing, watering eyes and runny nose. Amongst all else, Benadryl is proven to be an effective cough medicine for adults. Here are a few things to get you properly informed about this type of medicine.

How Does This Medicine Work and How Should You Take It?

This cough medicine for adults works by blocking the natural substance (histamine) that is produced in your body during an allergic reaction. It can be found in three forms – tablet, capsule and liquid. You should take the medicine by mouth with or without food. The liquid form should be measured by using a special measuring device – spoon. Don’t use a household spoon, though, but rather one that comes with the package, or is provided by a doctor.

The tablet is rapidly dissolving, and it should be left on your tongue to do its job properly. If you plan on travelling soon after you take the medicine, you are advised to take the prescribed dose 30 minutes before hitting the road in order to avoid motion sickness. All in all, you should always listen to your doctor’s recommendation, and take the prescription as advised.

What If You Miss a Dose, and How to Store the Medication?

Missing a dose can happen to everybody, and if this occurs you should take the medication as soon as you remember. If you remember missing a dose right before you need to take the next one, it is okay to skip the missed dose. You should never double the dose in order to catch up.

cough medicine for adults

As for storage, you should keep the medication at room temperature away from moisture and light. Don’t keep it in the bathroom, and don’t freeze the liquid forms of this cough medication for adults. And, lastly, it is strongly recommended that you keep all medications away from children and pets.

What You Need to Know Prior to Taking the Cough Medicine for Adults

You need to make sure that it is completely, 100% safe for you to take this type of medicine. If by any chance you are allergic to diphenhydramine, then you shouldn’t consider using Benadryl. Moreover, you should consult a doctor or a pharmacist about taking Benadryl if you have other medical conditions. This precaution goes especially for those suffering from:

  • blockage in the digestive tracts;
  • urination problems;
  • liver or kidney disease;
  • asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
  • low blood pressure or heart disease;
  • glaucoma;
  • a thyroid disorder; or
  • if you take potassium (Cytra, Epiklor, K-Lyte, K-Phos, Klor-Con, Polycitra, Urocit-K).