Lethargy after Diphenhydramine in dogs

1,169 reports to the FDA describe lethargy in dogs given Diphenhydramine. That is 25% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 11% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

1,169Reports
60%Marked serious
30%Recovered
17%Died or euthanised
Same dayTypical onset
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How soon it started

Same day
514 50%
1–2 days
158 15%
3–7 days
87 8.5%
1–4 weeks
93 9.1%
Over a month
170 17%

How the animals did

Recovered
328 28%
Recovered with lasting effects
26 2.2%
Still unwell when reported
464 40%
Died
88 7.5%
Euthanised
105 9.0%
Not known
158 14%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
141
1–3 years
372
4–7 years
292
8–11 years
252
12+ years
108

About this medicine

Type: medicine.

Questions owners ask

Can Diphenhydramine cause lethargy in dogs?
1,169 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within the same day of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Lethargy with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Diphenhydramine in dogs · Medicines most reported with lethargy