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Drug information

Nytol Liquid Caramel Flavour 10mg/5ml oral solution

OTC
Read time: 5 mins
Last updated: 14 Apr 2020

Summary of product characteristics


1. Name of the medicinal product

Nytol Liquid Caramel Flavour 10mg/5ml oral solution


2. Qualitative and quantitative composition

Each 5ml contains:

Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride 10mg

Excipients with known effects:

Sucrose

Propylene Glycol

Methyl, ethyl and propyl hydroxybenzoates

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.


3. Pharmaceutical form

Oral Solution

Caramel coloured solution


4.1. Therapeutic indications

As a sleep aid:

As a short term mild hypnotic


4.2. Posology and method of administration

As a sleep aid:

Adults: 10 to 25ml at bedtime, or after retiring when sleep is not readily achieved.

Paediatric Population:

Children: Not recommended for children under the age of 16.

Elderly: As for adults

Method of administration

Oral


4.3. Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Contraindicated for use in patients with the following conditions: stenosing peptic ulcer, pyloroduodenal obstruction.

When used as a sleep aid: Sedation of children under the age of 16 should only be under medical direction, consequently use as a sedative in this age group is contraindicated.


4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Diphenhydramine should be used with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis, epilepsy or seizure disorders, prostatic hypertrophy, urinary retention, narrow-angle glaucoma, asthma, bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), moderate to severe hepatic impairment and moderate to severe renal impairment.

Tolerance may develop with continuous use. Seek medical advice if sleeplessness persists, as insomnia may be a symptom of a serious underlying medical illness.

May increase the effects of alcohol, therefore alcohol should be avoided. Avoid use of other antihistamine-containing preparations, including topical antihistamines and cough and cold medicines.

This product should not be used to sedate a child due to the possibility of respiratory depression, lethargy, sleep apnoea and cardiorespiratory arrest.'

Use with caution in the elderly, who are more likely to experience side-effects. Avoid use in elderly patients with confusion.

This medicinal product contains sucrose:

Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency should not take this medicine.

Contains 1.66g of sucrose in 5ml. This should be taken into account in patients with diabetes mellitus

This medicinal product contains parahydroxybenzoates (methyl E218, ethyl E214, propyl E216 & butyl):

May cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).

This medicinal product contains 260 mg propylene glycol in each 5ml.

This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 5 ml, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.


4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Diphenhydramine may potentiate the sedative effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (e.g. tranquillizers, hypnotics and anxiolytics).

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) prolong and intensify the anticholinergic effects of diphenhydramine. The product should be used with caution with MAOIs or within 2 weeks of stopping an MAOI.

As diphenhydramine has some antimuscarinic activity, the effects of some anticholinergic drugs (e.g. atropine, tricyclic antidepressants) may be potentiated therefore medical advice should be sought before taking diphenhydramine with such medicines.

Diphenhydramine is an inhibitor of the cytochrome p450 isoenzyme CYP2D6. Therefore, there may be a potential for interaction with drugs which are primarily metabolised by CYP2D6, such as metoprolol and venlafaxine.

Diphenhydramine should not be used in patients receiving any of the above drugs unless directed by a doctor.


4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

Diphenhydramine crosses the placenta. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response and since there is inadequate experience with use of diphenhydramine in pregnant women, the potential risk for humans is unknown. Use of sedating antihistamines during the third trimester may result in reactions in the newborn or premature neonates. This drug is not recommended during pregnancy. Consult a doctor before use.

Lactation

Diphenhydramine has been detected in breast milk, but the effect of this on breastfed infants is unknown. Diphenhydramine is not recommended for use during lactation. Consult a doctor before use.


4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Diphenhydramine is a hypnotic and will produce drowsiness or sedation soon after the dose has been taken. It may also cause dizziness, blurred vision, cognitive and psychomotor impairment. These can seriously affect the patient's ability to drive and use machines. If affected, do not drive or operate machinery.


4.8. Undesirable effects

Specific estimation of the frequency of adverse events for OTC products is inherently difficult (particularly numerator data). Adverse reactions which have been observed in clinical trials and which are considered to be common (occurring in >1/100 to <1/10) or very common (occurring in >1/10) are listed below by MedDRA System Organ Class. The frequency of other adverse reactions identified during postmarketing use is unknown, but these reactions are likely to be uncommon (occurring in >1/1,000 to <1/100) or rare (occurring in <1/1000).

System Organ Class

Very Common

(≥1/10)

Common

≥1/100, < 1/10

Uncommon

≥1/1,000, <1/100

Rare

≥1/10,000, <1/1000

Very Rare

<1/10,000

Not known (cannot be estimated from available data)

Cardiac Disorders

tachycardia, palpitations, arrhythmias

Eye Disorders

blurred vision

General disorders and administration site conditions:

fatigue

Gastrointestinal Disorders

dry mouth

gastrointestinal disturbance including nausea, vomiting

Immune System Disorders

hypersensitivity reactions including rash, urticaria, dyspnoea and angioedema

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue Disorders

muscle twitching

Nervous System Disorders

sedation, drowsiness, disturbance in attention, unsteadiness, dizziness

convulsions, headache, paraesthesia, dyskinesias, hypoesthesia

Psychiatric Disorders

confusion, paradoxical excitation (e.g. increased energy, restlessness, nervousness), depression, sleep disturbances

* The elderly are more prone to confusion and paradoxical excitation.

Renal and urinary disorders

urinary difficulty, urinary retention

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

thickening of bronchial secretions

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme, website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.


4.9. Overdose

Overdose is likely to result in effects similar to those listed under adverse reactions. Additional symptoms may include mydriasis, fever, flushing, agitation, tremor, dystonic reactions, hallucinations and ECG changes. Large overdose may cause rhabdomyolysis, convulsions, delirium, toxic psychosis, arrhythmias, coma and cardiovascular collapse.

Treatment should be supportive and directed towards specific symptoms. Convulsions and marked CNS stimulation should be treated with parenteral diazepam.


5.1. Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antihistamines for systemic use – diphenhydramine, ATC Code: R06AA02.

Diphenhydramine is an ethanolamine-derivative anti-histamine with anti-cholinergic (anti-spasmodic), anti-tussive and sedative activity. It acts by inhibiting the effects on H1-receptors.

Diphenhydramine is effective in reducing sleep onset (ie, time to fall asleep) and increasing the depth and quality of sleep.


5.2. Pharmacokinetic properties

Diphenhydramine is a histamine H1 receptor antagonist.

Absorption

Diphenhydramine hydrochloride is rapidly absorbed following oral administration. Apparently it undergoes first-pass metabolism in the liver and only about 40-60% of an oral dose reaches systematic circulation as unchanged diphenhydramine.

Distribution

Diphenhydramine is rapidly distributed throughout the whole body. Peak plasma concentrations are attained within 1-4 hours. The sedative effect also appears to be maximal within 1-3 hours after administration of a single dose. It is positively correlated with the plasma drug concentration.

Biotransformation

Diphenhydramine is approx 80-85% bound to plasma proteins. Diphenhydramine is rapidly and almost completely metabolised. It is metabolised principally to diphenylmetoxyacetic acid and is also dealkylated. The metabolites are conjugated with glycine and glutamine and excreted in urine. Only about 1% of a single dose is excreted unchanged in urine.

Elimination

The elimination half-life ranges from 2.4-9.3 hours in healthy adults. The terminal elimination half-life is prolonged in liver cirrhosis.


5.3. Preclinical safety data

Not applicable.


6.1. List of excipients

Sucrose, sodium saccharin, glycerin, parahydroxybenzoates (methyl E218, ethyl E214, propyl E216 & butyl), propylene glycol, caramel flavouring, caramel E150 and purified water.


6.2. Incompatibilities

Incompatible with barbiturates and iodo compounds in solution.


6.3. Shelf life

36 months.


6.4. Special precautions for storage

Store below 25°C.


6.5. Nature and contents of container

Amber Type III glass bottles of 100ml, 150ml or 300ml.

Cap - white HDPE, HOPP & LDPE child resistant, tamper evident closure with either an EPE wad or an EPE faced with aluminium foil / PET film, backed with PET film wad.

A 30ml measuring cup may also be provided.


6.6. Special precautions for disposal and other handling

None stated.


7. Marketing authorisation holder

Omega Pharma Ltd

1st Floor

32 Vauxhall Bridge Road

London

SW1V 2SA

United Kingdom


8. Marketing authorisation number(s)

PL 02855/0313


9. Date of first authorisation/renewal of the authorisation

22-05-2019


10. Date of revision of the text

24/03/2020

4.1 Therapeutic indications

As a sleep aid:

As a short term mild hypnotic

4.2 Posology and method of administration

As a sleep aid:

Adults: 10 to 25ml at bedtime, or after retiring when sleep is not readily achieved.

Paediatric Population:

Children: Not recommended for children under the age of 16.

Elderly: As for adults

Method of administration

Oral

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

Contraindicated for use in patients with the following conditions: stenosing peptic ulcer, pyloroduodenal obstruction.

When used as a sleep aid: Sedation of children under the age of 16 should only be under medical direction, consequently use as a sedative in this age group is contraindicated.

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Diphenhydramine should be used with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis, epilepsy or seizure disorders, prostatic hypertrophy, urinary retention, narrow-angle glaucoma, asthma, bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), moderate to severe hepatic impairment and moderate to severe renal impairment.

Tolerance may develop with continuous use. Seek medical advice if sleeplessness persists, as insomnia may be a symptom of a serious underlying medical illness.

May increase the effects of alcohol, therefore alcohol should be avoided. Avoid use of other antihistamine-containing preparations, including topical antihistamines and cough and cold medicines.

This product should not be used to sedate a child due to the possibility of respiratory depression, lethargy, sleep apnoea and cardiorespiratory arrest.'

Use with caution in the elderly, who are more likely to experience side-effects. Avoid use in elderly patients with confusion.

This medicinal product contains sucrose:

Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency should not take this medicine.

Contains 1.66g of sucrose in 5ml. This should be taken into account in patients with diabetes mellitus

This medicinal product contains parahydroxybenzoates (methyl E218, ethyl E214, propyl E216 & butyl):

May cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).

This medicinal product contains 260 mg propylene glycol in each 5ml.

This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 5 ml, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Diphenhydramine may potentiate the sedative effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (e.g. tranquillizers, hypnotics and anxiolytics).

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) prolong and intensify the anticholinergic effects of diphenhydramine. The product should be used with caution with MAOIs or within 2 weeks of stopping an MAOI.

As diphenhydramine has some antimuscarinic activity, the effects of some anticholinergic drugs (e.g. atropine, tricyclic antidepressants) may be potentiated therefore medical advice should be sought before taking diphenhydramine with such medicines.

Diphenhydramine is an inhibitor of the cytochrome p450 isoenzyme CYP2D6. Therefore, there may be a potential for interaction with drugs which are primarily metabolised by CYP2D6, such as metoprolol and venlafaxine.

Diphenhydramine should not be used in patients receiving any of the above drugs unless directed by a doctor.

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

Diphenhydramine crosses the placenta. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response and since there is inadequate experience with use of diphenhydramine in pregnant women, the potential risk for humans is unknown. Use of sedating antihistamines during the third trimester may result in reactions in the newborn or premature neonates. This drug is not recommended during pregnancy. Consult a doctor before use.

Lactation

Diphenhydramine has been detected in breast milk, but the effect of this on breastfed infants is unknown. Diphenhydramine is not recommended for use during lactation. Consult a doctor before use.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Diphenhydramine is a hypnotic and will produce drowsiness or sedation soon after the dose has been taken. It may also cause dizziness, blurred vision, cognitive and psychomotor impairment. These can seriously affect the patient's ability to drive and use machines. If affected, do not drive or operate machinery.

4.8 Undesirable effects

Specific estimation of the frequency of adverse events for OTC products is inherently difficult (particularly numerator data). Adverse reactions which have been observed in clinical trials and which are considered to be common (occurring in >1/100 to <1/10) or very common (occurring in >1/10) are listed below by MedDRA System Organ Class. The frequency of other adverse reactions identified during postmarketing use is unknown, but these reactions are likely to be uncommon (occurring in >1/1,000 to <1/100) or rare (occurring in <1/1000).

System Organ Class

Very Common

(≥1/10)

Common

≥1/100, < 1/10

Uncommon

≥1/1,000, <1/100

Rare

≥1/10,000, <1/1000

Very Rare

<1/10,000

Not known (cannot be estimated from available data)

Cardiac Disorders

tachycardia, palpitations, arrhythmias

Eye Disorders

blurred vision

General disorders and administration site conditions:

fatigue

Gastrointestinal Disorders

dry mouth

gastrointestinal disturbance including nausea, vomiting

Immune System Disorders

hypersensitivity reactions including rash, urticaria, dyspnoea and angioedema

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue Disorders

muscle twitching

Nervous System Disorders

sedation, drowsiness, disturbance in attention, unsteadiness, dizziness

convulsions, headache, paraesthesia, dyskinesias, hypoesthesia

Psychiatric Disorders

confusion, paradoxical excitation (e.g. increased energy, restlessness, nervousness), depression, sleep disturbances

* The elderly are more prone to confusion and paradoxical excitation.

Renal and urinary disorders

urinary difficulty, urinary retention

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

thickening of bronchial secretions

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme, website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

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Disclaimer

The drug SPC information (indications, contra-indications, interactions, etc), has been developed in collaboration with eMC (www.medicines.org.uk/emc/). Medthority offers the whole library of SPC documents from eMC.

Medthority will not be held liable for explicit or implicit errors, or missing data.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions 

Drug Licencing

Drugs appearing in this section are approved by UK Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), & the European Medicines Agency (EMA).