Who can take diphenhydramine
Most adults and young people aged 16 years old and above can take diphenhydramine.
You can sometimes give diphenhydramine to children, depending on their age and their symptoms. Ask your pharmacist for advice.
Giving diphenhydramine to children
For cough and cold symptoms, you can give tablets and liquid containing diphenhydramine to children aged 6 years and over.
For allergy symptoms, you can give diphenhydramine to children aged 12 years and over.
Check with your pharmacist or doctor to make sure a product is suitable for your child.
You can also use diphenhydramine cream on children aged 6 years and over for:
Important: Warning for children
Do not give your child diphenhydramine to help them get to sleep. Diphenhydramine is only suitable for sleep problems in people aged 16 years and above.
Who may not be able to take diphenhydramine
Diphenhydramine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to diphenhydramine or any other medicine
- have lung problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or an illness that creates a lot of phlegm
- have an eye problem called primary angle closure glaucoma
- have a blockage in your stomach or gut
- have a stomach ulcer
- have kidney or liver problems
- have problems peeing or emptying your bladder
- have epilepsy or any other health problem that causes seizures or fits
- have myasthenia gravis (a rare condition that causes muscle weakness)
- are older and have confusion
- are due to have an allergy test, as diphenhydramine can affect your results, so you may need to stop taking it a few days before your test – ask a pharmacist or your doctor for advice
- are unable to have any alcohol – some liquid diphenhydramine products contain a small amount of alcohol, so check the ingredients and the packaging carefully