Diphenhydramine and ibuprofen

Generic name: diphenhydramine and ibuprofen [ DYE-fen-HYE-dra-meen-and-EYE-bue-proe-fen ]
Brand names: Advil PM, Advil PM Liqui-Gels, Ibuprofen PM, Motrin PM
Dosage forms: oral capsule (25 mg-200 mg), oral tablet (38 mg-200 mg)
Drug class: Analgesic combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 24, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is diphenhydramine and ibuprofen?

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Diphenhydramine and ibuprofen is a combination medicine used to treat occasional insomnia associated with minor aches and pains. diphenhydramine and ibuprofen is not for use in treating sleeplessness without pain, or sleep problems that occur often.

Diphenhydramine and ibuprofen is for use in adults and children at least 12 years old.

Diphenhydramine and ibuprofen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Diphenhydramine and ibuprofen side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath.

This medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• any skin rash, no matter how mild;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;

• kidney problems--little or no urinating, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; or

• liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of diphenhydramine and ibuprofen may include:

• drowsiness;

• day-time drowsiness, dizziness, "hangover" feeling;

• upset stomach, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation;

• dry mouth, nose, or throat;

• blurred vision;

• mild itching or rash; or

• ringing in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Ibuprofen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. Do not use diphenhydramine and ibuprofen just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG). Ibuprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.

Use this medicine exactly as directed. Taking too much diphenhydramine can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or death.

Before taking this medicine

Ibuprofen can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don't have any risk factors. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Ibuprofen may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using diphenhydramine and ibuprofen, especially in older adults.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to diphenhydramine or ibuprofen, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

• heart disease, high blood pressure;

• a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;

• stomach ulcers or bleeding;

• a breathing problem, such as asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis;

• liver or kidney disease;

• glaucoma;

• enlarged prostate or problems with urination; or

• if you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Taking ibuprofen during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy may result in serious kidney problems in the unborn baby.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

How should I take diphenhydramine and ibuprofen?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Use the lowest dose that is effective in treating your condition.

Taking too much diphenhydramine can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or death.

diphenhydramine and ibuprofen is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving an antihistamine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of antihistamines in very young children.

Take this medicine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.

Do not take this medicine for longer than 10 days without your doctor's advice.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Diphenhydramine and ibuprofen dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia:

DiphenhydrAMINE-ibuprofen 38 mg-200 mg oral tablet:
2 tablets orally at bedtime not to exceed 2 tablets daily

DiphenhydrAMINE-ibuprofen 25 mg-200 mg oral capsule:
2 capsules orally at bedtime not to exceed 2 capsules daily

Usual Pediatric Dose for Insomnia:

12 yrs or older:

DiphenhydrAMINE-ibuprofen 38 mg-200 mg oral tablet:
2 tablets orally at bedtime not to exceed 2 tablets daily

DiphenhydrAMINE-ibuprofen 25 mg-200 mg oral capsule:
2 capsules orally at bedtime not to exceed 2 capsules daily

Related/similar drugs

acetaminophen, tramadol, cyclobenzaprine, naproxen, oxycodone, Tylenol, lorazepam, melatonin, zolpidem, diphenhydramine

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since diphenhydramine and ibuprofen is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking diphenhydramine and ibuprofen?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how diphenhydramine and ibuprofen will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may also contain diphenhydramine or ibuprofen. Also avoid using diphenhydramine anti-itch medicine on your skin.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Avoid taking aspirin unless your doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect diphenhydramine and ibuprofen?

Ask your doctor before using diphenhydramine and ibuprofen if you take an antidepressant. Taking certain antidepressants with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using diphenhydramine and ibuprofen with any other medications, especially:

• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);

• a diuretic or "water pill"; or

• diphenhydramine (Benadryl) used on the skin.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect diphenhydramine and ibuprofen, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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