Final answer:
Diphenhydramine is contraindicated for individuals with hypersensitivity to the drug, acute asthma, lower respiratory diseases, angle-closure glaucoma, severe heart disease, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, and during pregnancy or breastfeeding without consulting a healthcare provider. It may also interfere with allergy testing and the evaluation of conditions such as contact dermatitis or tuberculin skin reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Contraindications for Diphenhydramine,
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to treat allergic reactions, including seasonal allergies, food allergies, and conditions like hives and eczema. It works by reducing or eliminating the effects of histamines, which cause allergy symptoms. However, not everyone can safely use diphenhydramine. Certain conditions are considered contraindications for the use of this medication, especially in cases of moderate to severe allergic reactions.
The primary contraindications for diphenhydramine under the Moderate to Severe Allergic Reaction Medical Directive would include a known hypersensitivity to the drug itself, or a history of adverse reactions to it. Additionally, patients with acute asthma attacks or other lower respiratory diseases may not be suitable for diphenhydramine treatment. It's also not recommended for patients with angle-closure glaucoma, severe heart disease, high blood pressure, or hyperthyroidism. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare provider before using diphenhydramine.
It's worth noting that before allergy testing, patients are often advised to avoid antihistamines like diphenhydramine to ensure the accuracy of the test results. Histamines are necessary for an allergic reaction, and if they're suppressed by antihistamines, the test may fail to identify the allergy.
Last but not least, individuals with contact dermatitis, such as from latex exposure, or those who experience a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction, like a tuberculin skin test, may be advised against using diphenhydramine as it might interfere with the evaluation of these conditions.