Same name medications have different ingrediants

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

 

While reading another forum I was surprised to learn that "Benadryl" has a different formula in the UK than in the USA or Canada.

 

The following is copied from Wikipedia:

 

"In the United States and Canada, Benadryl products contain the first-generation antihistamine diphenhydramine."

 

"In the United Kingdom, Benadryl products contain either the second-generation non-sedating antihistamine acrivastine (marketed as Benadryl Allergy Relief, with a suggested efficacy duration of eight hours) or the non-sedating antihistamine cetirizine (marketed as Benadryl One a Day Relief)."

 

If this is the case with Benadryl there must be others.

 

Also, I know that some medications have changed their ingrediants.

 

The point is that when taking medication or giving it to our pets (or children) make sure you know what is in the medication and that this what is intended to be given.  Don't rely on the brand name.

 

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Thanks so much for sharing, these days we don't want to give them anything without talking to our 24 ER hospital. Thank goodness they are willing to answer these for us.

[Frannie & Callie]

I TOTALLY agree with checking ingredients before giving anything to your dog (or to a human!) but I take wikipedia with a grain of salt. It's too easy for people to change things around.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

I agree with you about wikipedia but I had read the same information in a few other places and the wikipedia blurbs were the most complete.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I looked under the brand name and read the active ingredient which was what Andy noted.

[F, Calla & Luca]

That is very strange and scary. I would never have guessed you could use the same brand name and a completely different main, active compound. Very dangerous and misleading. I don't think, but I'm surprised every day, the FDA would allow this.

[Jennifer and Jack]

That is scary !!!

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

 

To make things even more confusing cetirizine is known as Zyrtec in the US and as Reactine in Canada.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

It's very common for drugs to have the same names in the US and Europe but  with completely different formulations.  Benadryl is just one example.  I think it's always best to use the chemical ingredient rather than the trade name.  That way we can be sure we are giving the correct drug.  Personally I would check any drug out with my Vet before giving it.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Every once in a while I look at old discussions and if I think they should be re-visited I will "revive" them.  This is one of them.

[Christy&Riley]

A few years ago I was in London for work and got very ill. I knew what our meds contained and interaction precautions, but couldn't find similar contents there so I was concerned about what I could take. I went to three pharamcies and no one was well versed on it so I had to rely on google to translate. After that, I always bring a variety of meds from home for all "just in case" situations.