diphenhydramine hydrochloride + paracetamol at a glance
Medicine class
Analgesic combined with a sedating antihistamine.
Usual role
Short-term relief of pain that interferes with sleep, including headache, migraine, toothache, backache, muscle, rheumatic or period pain.
Drowsiness
May cause next-day sleepiness, dizziness, blurred vision and impaired concentration.
Duplicate ingredients
Do not combine with another paracetamol-containing or antihistamine-containing product.
What is diphenhydramine hydrochloride + paracetamol used for?
The selected product is licensed for short-term treatment of bedtime pain that is causing difficulty getting to sleep.
Rheumatic or muscle pain
Backache
Toothache
Migraine or other headache
Period pain
How does diphenhydramine hydrochloride + paracetamol work?
Paracetamol reduces pain through mainly central actions, including weak inhibition of prostaglandin production. Diphenhydramine blocks histamine H1 receptors and has sedating and antimuscarinic effects that can impair alertness.
How to take diphenhydramine hydrochloride + paracetamol
This is an oral tablet. Follow the product leaflet and do not exceed its instructions.
Swallow with water; it can be taken with or without food.
Check pain, cold, flu, allergy and sleep products for paracetamol or antihistamines before combining them.
Avoid alcohol because it can increase sedation.
Do not drive, cycle or operate machinery if sleepy, dizzy, unable to concentrate or experiencing blurred vision.
diphenhydramine hydrochloride + paracetamol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Sleepiness or sedation
- Fatigue
- Dizziness or unsteadiness
- Reduced attention or concentration
- Dry mouth
Get urgent medical advice
- Breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, or collapse from a severe allergic reaction
- Seizure
- Severe confusion, unusual agitation or hallucinations
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Inability to pass urine
- Severe or blistering skin reaction
diphenhydramine hydrochloride + paracetamol in pregnancy
Paracetamol alone remains a preferred option for pain in pregnancy when used as directed, but this combination also contains diphenhydramine. Seek advice from a doctor, midwife or pharmacist first; the combination should only be considered when the expected benefit justifies the potential risk.
diphenhydramine hydrochloride + paracetamol while breastfeeding
Seek professional advice before use while breastfeeding. Paracetamol alone is compatible with breastfeeding, but products containing diphenhydramine should preferably be avoided, particularly with a newborn or while feeding is being established. If considered necessary, observe the infant for unusual sleepiness, poor feeding, inadequate weight gain, dry mouth or constipation.
diphenhydramine hydrochloride + paracetamol interactions
Check other prescribed, pharmacy and herbal products before using this combination.
Other paracetamol-containing products
Combining products can cause an unintentional overdose and potentially severe liver injury.
Other antihistamines
May increase sedation and antimuscarinic effects, including with antihistamine creams and some cough, cold, allergy or sleep products.
Alcohol, opioids, sleeping tablets, tranquillisers or anxiety medicines
Sedation and impairment may be increased.
Common questions about diphenhydramine hydrochloride + paracetamol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is this combination used for?
Short-term relief of pain that makes sleep difficult, such as headache, migraine, toothache, backache, muscle, rheumatic or period pain.
Does it make you sleepy?
Yes. Diphenhydramine may cause sleepiness, dizziness, reduced concentration or unsteadiness that can continue into the next day.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.