N
Pronunciation: DYE-fen-HYE-dra-meen
Generic Name: Diphenhydramine
Brand Name: Examples include Nytol and Simply Sleep
Nytol is used for:
Treating occasional sleeplessness and reducing difficulty falling asleep.
Nytol is an antihistamine. It works by depressing the central nervous system (brain) to produce drowsiness.
Do NOT use Nytol if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Nytol or to other similar medicines
you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB)
you are breast-feeding
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Nytol:
Some medical conditions may interact with Nytol. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, lung disease, shortness of breath, or sleep apnea
if you have blockage of the stomach, intestine, or urinary tract; difficulty urinating; diabetes; ulcers; enlargement of the prostate; glaucoma; heart disease; high blood pressure; the blood disease porphyria; or thyroid disease
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Nytol. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Sodium oxybate (GHB) because an increase in sleep duration and a decrease in the ability to breathe are likely to occur
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Nytol may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Nytol:
Use Nytol as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Nytol by mouth with or without food.
Use Nytol exactly as directed on the package, unless instructed differently by your doctor.
Take at least 30 minutes before bedtime to help fall asleep.
If you miss a dose of Nytol and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Nytol.
Important safety information:
Nytol may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Nytol with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Nytol; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
Nytol may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active; heatstroke may occur.
Nytol may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Nytol. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
Nytol has diphenhydramine in it. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has diphenhydramine in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
If sleeplessness persists for more than 2 weeks, contact your health care provider.
Use Nytol with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness, sedation, and lightheadedness upon standing.
Nytol should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 12 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Nytol while you are pregnant. Nytol is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Nytol.
Possible side effects of Nytol:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, throat, and nose; thickening of mucus in nose or throat.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); convulsions; decreased alertness; excitability; fast heartbeat; hallucinations; tightness or pounding in the chest; tremor; wheezing.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Nytol side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include coma; excitement; hallucinations; loss of consciousness; muscle twitching; seizures; tremor; weakness.
Proper storage of Nytol:
Store Nytol at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), or according to directions on the package label. Store in the original package or container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Nytol out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
If you have any questions about Nytol, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Nytol is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Nytol. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Issue Date: February 1, 2012
Database Edition 12.1.1.002
Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.
More Nytol resources
Nytol Side Effects (in more detail)Nytol Use in Pregnancy & BreastfeedingNytol Drug InteractionsNytol Support Group1 Review for Nytol - Add your own review/rating
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