A patient who has seasonal allergies with a runny nose during the daytime reports increasing nighttime symptoms of coughing and sneezing that are interfering with sleep. The provider recommends diphenhydramine (Benadryl) at bedtime. What information will the nurse include when teaching the patient about this medication?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that can cause drowsiness, making it a good choice for a patient with nighttime symptoms that are interfering with sleep. The nurse should teach the patient that they should be able to sleep better when taking this medication. Avoiding fluids at bedtime is not related to diphenhydramine use. While diphenhydramine may help clear daytime symptoms, the primary focus of this intervention is to improve nighttime symptoms. Taking medication on an empty stomach may cause stomach upset, so it is generally recommended to take diphenhydramine with food.

A Patient Who Has Seasonal Allergies with a Runny Nose