Sominex

Sominex is a brand name sleep aid available in the United States and the United Kingdom. It is primarily used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Composition

In the United States, Sominex is marketed by Prestige Brands and contains diphenhydramine hydrochloride. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

In the United Kingdom, Sominex is marketed by Actavis and contains promethazine hydrochloride, a phenothiazine derivative with antihistaminic, sedative, and antiemetic properties.

Uses

Sominex is used as a night time sleep aid, to correct temporary disturbances of sleep pattern where there is difficulty in going to sleep or staying asleep. It is also used to treat symptoms of allergy, hay fever, and the common cold, such as runny nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Sominex may include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, throat or nose, thickening of mucus in nose or throat. Serious side effects may include fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats; painful or difficult urination; confusion, hallucinations; and little or no urinating.

Precautions

Before using Sominex, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.

Interactions

Sominex may interact with other medications, including antidepressants, antianxiety drugs, antipsychotics, and other antihistamines. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the products you use.

See Also

• Insomnia
• Diphenhydramine
• Promethazine