Sleep Aid 50mg – 20 Tablets

Description

Sleep Aid 50mg – 20 Tablets

Sleep Aid 50mg Tablets are a pharmacy medicine used to help relieve temporary sleeplessness in adults. Each tablet contains diphenhydramine hydrochloride, a well-established antihistamine with sedative properties that helps you fall asleep more easily.

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How It Works

Diphenhydramine hydrochloride works by blocking the action of histamine, a naturally occurring chemical in the body. This blocking effect produces drowsiness, helping you to fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night’s sleep. It is intended for short-term use only — typically no more than two consecutive nights.

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Directions for Use

Adults aged 16 years and over: Take one tablet (50mg) 20 minutes before bedtime. Do not take more than one tablet in any 24-hour period. This medicine is not suitable for children under 16 years of age. Do not use for more than two consecutive nights without speaking to a doctor. Always read the patient information leaflet before use. If you are unsure about the correct dose, speak to your PillSorted pharmacist.

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Active Ingredients

• Diphenhydramine hydrochloride 50mg per tablet

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Possible Side Effects

• Drowsiness or sedation the following day
• Dry mouth, nose, or throat
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty passing urine (urinary retention)
• Constipation
• Dizziness or difficulty concentrating
• Headache

If you experience any serious side effects, stop taking this medicine and seek medical advice immediately.

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Who Should Not Take This Medicine

• Children under 16 years of age
• People with an enlarged prostate or difficulty passing urine
• People with closed-angle glaucoma
• People with epilepsy or a history of seizures
• People with chronic lung conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD
• Those with a known allergy to diphenhydramine or any other ingredient in the tablet
• People who are pregnant or breastfeeding (unless advised otherwise by a doctor)

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Interactions

Diphenhydramine may interact with other medicines that cause drowsiness, including sleeping tablets, anxiety medicines, antidepressants, and antihistamines. It can also interact with medicines used to treat Parkinson’s disease (such as MAOIs) and certain antifungal medicines. Combining this medicine with sedating substances can intensify drowsiness and other side effects. Tell your PillSorted pharmacist or doctor about all medicines you are currently taking, including herbal remedies and supplements.

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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Sleep Aid 50mg Tablets are not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as diphenhydramine may pass into breast milk and could affect a nursing baby. There is also limited safety data regarding its use during pregnancy. Speak to your doctor or PillSorted pharmacist before use if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.

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Alcohol

Do not drink alcohol while taking Sleep Aid 50mg Tablets. Alcohol significantly increases the sedative effect of diphenhydramine, which can cause excessive drowsiness, impaired coordination, and reduced alertness. This combination can be particularly dangerous if you need to drive or operate machinery the following day.

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Driving and Operating Machinery

This medicine causes drowsiness and may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery — both on the night you take it and potentially the following morning. Do not drive, cycle, or use heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. If you feel drowsy the next day, do not drive or carry out activities that require full alertness.

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Storage

Store below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging.

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Important Information

• This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or PillSorted pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking any other medication or complementary therapy.
• If symptoms worsen or persist, contact your doctor.
• If pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, seek medical advice before use.
• If you suffer from allergies, confirm suitability with your PillSorted pharmacist before use.
• Store out of sight and reach of children.
• Read the enclosed patient information leaflet carefully before use.
• Contact your GP where appropriate.

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Patient Information Leaflet

For the full Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) for this medicine, visit the electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). For further information about this medicine, visit NHS.uk.

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This content has been medically reviewed and approved by Zeinab Ardeshir (GPhC 2075730), Superintendent Pharmacist at PillSorted (GPhC-registered online pharmacy 9011258). Last reviewed: February 2026.

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