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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking diphenhydramine and magnesium salicylate (Doans PM)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to diphenhydramine or magnesium salicylate.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis;
• heart disease or high blood pressure;
• kidney or liver disease;
• diabetes;
• a thyroid disorder;
• glaucoma;
• stomach ulcer or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease);
• a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia;
• anemia (lack of red blood cells);
• gout;
• an enlarged prostate or problems with urination;
• nasal polyps caused by asthma or aspirin allergy; or
• an allergy to an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Orudis, Indocin, Lodine, Voltaren, Toradol, Mobic, Relafen, Feldene, and others.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

This medication may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medication.

This medication should not be given to a child or teenager who has a fever, especially if the child also has flu symptoms or chicken pox. Magnesium salicylate can cause a serious and sometimes fatal condition called Reye's syndrome in children.

How should I take diphenhydramine and magnesium salicylate (Doans PM)?

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended.

Take diphenhydramine and magnesium salicylate 15 to 30 minutes before bedtime with a full glass of water. Avoid lying down for at least 15 minutes after taking the medicine.

You may take the medicine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.

Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 10 days of using this product, or 3 days if you also have a fever.

Diphenhydramine and magnesium salicylate can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are taking diphenhydramine and magnesium salicylate.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking diphenhydramine and magnesium salicylate. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture.

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