Dimedrol

Dimedrol is the trade name for an antihistamine drug that is often used to reduce symptoms of allergic reactions such as itching, redness, runny nose, and other manifestations. The drug is commonly used for allergic reactions and moderate to severe allergic conditions such as urticaria and allergic rhinitis.

The active ingredient in Dimedrol is called diphenhydramine. It blocks the action of histamine, a substance released by the body in response to allergens. Suppressing the action of histamine helps to reduce the symptoms of allergies.

It is important to note that the drug may cause drowsiness and reduce reaction speed, so it should be taken with caution, especially when driving vehicles or performing other tasks requiring increased concentration. It is recommended to consult your doctor before using Dimedrol, especially if you have other diseases or are taking other medications.

Indications Dimedrol

1. Allergic Reactions: Including urticaria, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and allergic edema.
2. Urticaria (urticaria): Dimedrol helps reduce the itching, redness, and swelling that accompany urticaria.
3. Allergic reactions to insect bites: Can be used to relieve itching and swelling after insect bites.
4. Allergic reactions to medications: May be used to treat symptoms of allergic reactions to certain medications.
5. Prevention and treatment of movement in transportation: The drug may be used to prevent nausea and vomiting, associated with movement in transportation (motion sickness, motion sickness, motion sickness).

Release form

1. Tablets: Dimedrol is available as oral (by mouth) tablets. The tablets usually contain 50 mg of diphenhydramine.
2. Syrup: This is a liquid form of the medicine that is usually used to treat children or those who prefer the liquid form. Dimedrol syrup may contain 1.25 mg/mL or 2.5 mg/mL of diphenhydramine.
3. Solution for injection: The drug may also be supplied in the form of a solution for injection, which is commonly used in healthcare settings to administer the medication quickly.
4. Capsules: Some manufacturers also make Dimedrol in capsules for oral administration. Capsules may contain the same dosage as tablets.

Pharmacodynamics

The mechanism of action is based on blocking the action of histamine, which is one of the main mediators of allergic reactions. Histamine is normally released in response to allergens such as dust, pollen, food and other allergens and causes various allergy symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling and nasal discharge.

Dimedrol acts by binding to histamine receptors, which prevents it from acting on the body. This helps to reduce or prevent the development of allergic reactions. In addition, the drug has weak anticholinergic properties, which may contribute to its ability to reduce symptoms such as itching and irritation.

Thus, the main mechanism of action of dimedrol is to block the action of histamine and, in some cases, a weak anticholinergic effect. This makes it effective in alleviating allergy symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling and nasal discharge, and in preventing or reducing the manifestations of allergic reactions.

Pharmacokinetics

1. Absorption: The drug may be administered orally, intravenously, or as a topical application. After oral administration, absorption occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, although the rate and completeness of absorption may vary depending on individual characteristics.
2. Distribution: Dimedrol is well distributed throughout the body. It penetrates the blood-brain barrier, which explains its ability to have a sedative effect and affect the central nervous system. The drug can also penetrate the placental barrier.
3. Metabolism: Dimedrol is metabolized in the liver, where it undergoes oxidative reactions and conjugation. The main metabolite is diphenhydramine, which also has antihistamine action.
4. Excretion: The drug and its metabolites are excreted mainly through the kidneys as conjugates and also with urine in unchanged form.
5. Half-life: The half-life of dimedrol from the body is about 3-9 hours. This may vary depending on many factors such as age, liver and kidney condition, and other comorbidities.
6. Pharmacokinetics in special cases: In elderly patients and in patients with renal or hepatic dysfunction, pharmacokinetics may be altered, requiring cautious prescribing and dosage monitoring.

Dosing and administration

1. Tablets or capsules:

   • For adults and children over 12 years of age, it is generally recommended to take 25-50 mg of dimedrol (1-2 tablets) every 4-6 hours as needed to relieve allergy or motion sickness (motion sickness) symptoms.
   • For children aged 6 to 12 years, the dose may be 12.5 to 25 mg (half to one tablet) every 4 to 6 hours.
   • Dosage recommendations for children under 6 years of age should be determined by a physician.

2. Syrup:

   • For adults and children over 12 years of age, 25-50 mg (5-10 mL of syrup) every 4-6 hours is usually recommended.
   • For children 6 to 12 years of age, the dose may be 12.5 to 25 mg (2.5 to 5 mL of syrup) every 4 to 6 hours.
   • Again, note that the dosage for children under 6 years of age should be determined by a physician.

3. Injections:

   • Dimedrol can also be administered as an injection in cases where rapid relief of symptoms is required.
   • The dosage of injections may vary depending on the specific situation and doctor's instructions.

Use Dimedrol during pregnancy

The use of Dimedrol during pregnancy should be cautious and is recommended only after consulting a doctor.

First, it is important to realize that the safety of any medication during pregnancy depends on many factors, including dosage, frequency of administration, stage of pregnancy, and a woman's medical history. Some studies indicate that the use of dimenhydrinate in early pregnancy may be associated with some risks to the fetus, including an increased risk of birth defects. Therefore, doctors generally recommend avoiding it in the first trimester of pregnancy, especially if it is only needed to treat allergies or motion sickness.

In the second and third trimesters, the use of Dimedrol may be considered if the potential benefits to the mother exceed the potential risks to the fetus. However, even in this case, the doctor will usually recommend minimal doses and use only when absolutely necessary.

Contraindications

1. Glaucoma: Use of the drug may worsen glaucoma symptoms and increase intraocular pressure, which can be dangerous to vision.
2. Prostatic hypertrophy: Dimedrol may increase symptoms of prostatic hypertrophy, such as difficulty urinating.
3. Hypersensitivity to dimenhydrinate or other components of the drug.
4. Bronchial asthma: The drug may worsen bronchial asthma in some patients.
5. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The use of Dimedrol during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be coordinated with a doctor, as its safety in these cases has not been established.
6. Children under 2 years of age: Dimedrol is not recommended for children under 2 years of age without consulting a doctor.
7. Alcohol intake: Increased drowsiness and other side effects may occur with concomitant alcohol consumption.
8. Liver and kidney diseases: The drug may require dose adjustment in patients with impaired liver or kidney function.

Side effects Dimedrol

1. Drowsiness: Dimedrol may cause drowsiness and central nervous system depression. This is one of the most common side effects.
2. Dry mouth: Because dimenhydrinate has anticholinergic properties, it may cause dry mouth and difficulty swallowing.
3. Blurred vision: Some people may experience blurred vision after taking the drug.
4. Uretic syndrome: Dimedrol may cause urinary retention due to its anticholinergic action.
5. Constipation: Due to its effect on intestinal peristalsis, the drug may cause constipation.
6. Increased heartbeat: Dimedrol may cause increased heartbeat or arrhythmias in some people.
7. Dizziness: Some people may experience dizziness after taking the drug.
8. Rare reactions: Rare but serious side effects may include allergic reactions, seizures, angioedema, and others.

Overdose

1. Central Nervous System (CNS): In overdose of dimedrol, symptoms associated with central nervous system depression such as drowsiness, depression, dizziness, slowed reflexes, and even coma may develop. In severe cases, seizures or respiratory arrest may occur.
2. Peripheral Nervous System: Overdose may also cause anticholinergic effects such as dilated pupils, dry mouth, difficulty urinating and constipation.
3. Cardiovascular system: Reduced blood pressure, tachycardia and arrhythmias may occur.
4. Respiratory system: Respiratory problems are noted, including respiratory center depression and respiratory failure.
5. Other organs and systems: Other serious complications such as liver or kidney dysfunction may occur.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Sedatives and tranquilizing agents: The drug may increase sedative effects of such drugs as benzodiazepines (e.g. Diazepam), barbiturates (e.g. Phenobarbital) and other drugs that have depressant effect on the central nervous system. This may lead to increased drowsiness and respiratory depression.
2. Alcohol: Alcohol consumption in combination with Dimedrol may increase its sedative effects and increase the risk of undesirable adverse reactions.
3. Anticholinergic drugs: Use of the drug together with other drugs that have anticholinergic properties (e.g., antidepressants, antiparkinsonian drugs, antihistamines) may increase anticholinergic effects such as dry mouth, constipation, impaired urination, and increased heart rate.
4. Anticonvulsants: Dimedrol may decrease the effectiveness of anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine and phenytoin.
5. Central stimulants: The drug may weaken the stimulant effects of drugs such as amphetamines and other central stimulants.

Storage conditions

Storage conditions of Dimedrol may depend on its form of release (tablets, syrup, solution for injection, etc.), but usually the recommendations are as follows:

1. Temperature: The drug should be stored at room temperature, usually between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius.
2. Protection from light: The drug should be stored in a light-protected place to avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
3. Humidity: Store Dimedrol in a place with low humidity to prevent the drug from breaking down.
4. Packaging: Follow the instructions on the drug package regarding its storage. The drug is usually packaged in blisters, vials, or other special containers that provide protection from external influences.
5. Children and pets: Keep the drug out of reach of children and pets to avoid accidental use.