NORTH COAST EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES Policy # 5407

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Subject: Medical Direction

Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride (Benadryl) Protocol

Associated Policies: 02/07/98

  1. Class:
  1. Antihistamine.
  1. Indications:
  1. Severe allergic reactions.
  2. Anaphylactic shock.
  3. Acute dystonic reactions. Phenothiazine extrapyramidal reaction.
  1. Therapeutic Effects:
  1. Relief of symptoms associated with histamine excess.
  2. Sedative.
  3. Relief of dystonic reactions from medications.
  4. Prevention of motion sickness.
  1. Contraindications:
  1. Absolute:
  1. Hypersensitivity.
  2. Acute asthma.
  1. Relative:
  1. Presence of alcohol or other depressants.
  1. Adverse Effects:
  1. Dose-related drowsiness.
  2. Hypotension.
  3. Palpitations.
  4. Tachycardia or Bradycardia.
  5. Thickens bronchial secretions.
  6. Can cause excitation in children.
  1. Administration and Dosage:
  1. Adult: 25-50 mg IV slowly or IM.
  2. Pediatric: 1-2 mg/ kg IV, IM or IO slowly.
  1. Special Information:
  1. Adverse effects can increase with geriatric patients. Dose reduction is recommended.