Sominex

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]

  1. ^ Ranii, David (21 December 2011). "GSK sells BC, Goody's and other brands". News & Observer. Archived from the original on 15 April 2012.
  2. ^ "SOMINEX- diphenhydramine hydrochloride tablet, film coated". DailyMed. Retrieved 16 April 2024 – via National Library of Medicine.
  3. ^ "Mother To Baby | Fact Sheets [Internet]: Diphenhydramine". National Library of Medicine. January 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  4. ^ "SOMINEX- diphenhydramine hydrochloride tablet". DailyMed. Retrieved 16 April 2024 – via FDA.
  5. ^ "Elimination Guidelines (April 3, 2023)". Government of Canada. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  6. ^ Csiernik, Rick (2009). The Essential Guide to Psychoactive Drugs in Canada: A Resource for Counselling Professionals (2nd ed.). Ontario: Canadian Scholars. p. 82. ISBN 9781773381602.
  7. ^ "Sominex" (PDF). Medicines.org UK. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  8. ^ "Sominex Tablets". Medicines.org UK. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  9. ^ "Lunar Biopharma". lunarbio.com. Archived from the original on 13 October 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  10. ^ "Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride (Sominex)". GNH India. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  11. ^ "Diphenhydramine: drowsy (sedating) antihistamine". National Health Service. 21 September 2018. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  12. ^ "Label: TYLENOL PM EXTRA STRENGTH- acetaminophen and diphenhydramine hydrochloride tablet, film coated". DailyMed. Retrieved 16 April 2024 – via National Library of Medicine.
  13. ^