Hospital Virtual Tour

Diphenhydramine overdose - Overview

Alternative Names

Benadryl overdose; Sominex overdose; Nytol overdose

Definition of Diphenhydramine overdose:

This article discusses the health effects from an overdose of diphenhydramine, which is found in various over-the-counter allergy and sleep medicines.

Overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of a drug or medication.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Poisonous Ingredient:

Diphenhydramine

Where Found:

The ingredient diphenhydramine may be found in the following products:

Benadryl
Nytol
Sominex

This list is not all-inclusive.

Reviewed last on: 2/5/2009
A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Stephen C Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (10/30/2008).

References

Wax P. Anticholinergic Toxicity. In: Tintinalli J. et al. Emergency Medicine - A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. McGraw-Hill; 2004: chap 183.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)