Sominex is the trademarked name for several over the counter sleep aids.
Different formulations of Sominex are available, depending upon the market. Both the US and UK formulations contain a significant dose of a first generation antihistamine with hypnotic properties.
In the United States, Sominex is marketed by Prestige Brands,[1] sometimes under their subsidiary Medtech Products, Inc.,[2] and has as its active ingredient diphenhydramine hydrochloride.[3] It is sometimes repackaged by Navajo Manufacturing Co., Inc. using the label Handy Solutions.[4]
Diphenhydramine hydrochloride is also marketed as an antihistamine in Canada under the same name, and is only listed in the Canadian Agricultural database for equine use.[5] However, a 2019 manual for counseling professionals in Canada included Sominex as a medicine to be used for the treatment of Parkinson's tremors and stiffness related to the condition in addition to its usage as an antihistamine.[6]
In the UK, Sominex's active ingredient is promethazine hydrochloride.[7] In 2024, the medicine is marketed by Teva UK Limited.[8]
In India, the Sominex name is used by Lunar BioPharma Pvt. Ltd. to market a nutritional supplement intended to provide gastrointestinal relief.[9] This version of Sominex is unrelated to the US and UK formulations;[citation needed] however, the US version repackaged by Navajo Manufacturing Co., Inc. is sold through GNH India.[10][non-primary source needed]
Diphenhydramine and promethazine are both marketed by names other than Sominex for several indications including and besides their use as sleep aids. For example, diphenhydramine is sold under the brand name Benadryl as an antihistamine for use against allergies.[11] Tylenol PM contains diphenhydramine in addition to acetaminophen for the purpose of inducing sleep and reducing pain and/or fever.[12] Promethazine is marketed by the brand name Phenergan for use against allergy symptoms and motion sickness in the US, where a prescription for promethazine is required.[13]