Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
CautionVerdict
Do not self-medicate. If a cat ate a human tablet, call a vet — this site will not give a dose.
Verdict
Veterinarians sometimes use diphenhydramine. That is not permission to dose from the bathroom cabinet. Human tablets vary in strength; some “PM” products add acetaminophen; some liquids add alcohol. Overdose causes sedation or, paradoxically, agitation.
Symptoms to watch for
- • lethargy
- • wobbliness
- • agitation
- • drooling
What to do
Do not give another dose. Call a vet or poison control. Read the box for extra ingredients like acetaminophen.
Related foods
Melatonin
CautionDo not self-medicate. If ingested, call a vet — check the label for xylitol.
Over the counterVitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
DangerousDangerous — extra vitamin D raises calcium until the kidneys fail.
Over the counterIron supplements
ToxicToxic — elemental iron in adult or prenatal tablets can damage the gut and liver.
Over the counterBirth-control pills
CautionCaution — a few pills usually cause stomach upset, not a hormone crisis. Still call if a pack is missing.
Prescription