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**** Zamchro is in receipt of the following warden message and would like to express disappoint on the actions taken by the DEC ***
Update on the Benadryl drug
Belliah made a comment explaining to our Zambian audience, what Benadryl is. Below is a full detailed definition:
BRAND NAME: Benadryl
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used for treating allergic reactions. Histamine is released by the body during several types of allergic reactions and–to a lesser extent–during some viral infections, such as the common cold. When histamine binds to its receptors on cells, it stimulates changes within the cells that lead to sneezing, itching, and increased mucus production. Antihistamines compete with histamine for cell receptors; however, when they bind to the receptors they do not stimulate the cells. In addition, they prevent histamine from binding and stimulating the cells. Diphenhydramine also blocks the action of acetylcholine (anticholinergic effect) and is used as a sedative because it causes drowsiness. The FDA originally approved diphenhydramine in 1946.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PRESCRIPTION: No
PREPARATIONS: Capsules: 25 and 50 mg. Tablets: 12.5, 25, and 50 mg. Strips: 12.5 and 25 mg. Elixir, oral solution, liquid: 12.5 mg per teaspoon (5 mL). Suspension: 25 mg per 5 ml. Injection: 50 mg per ml
b Diphenhydramine should be stored at room temperature, 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F), and protected injection from freezing and light.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Diphenhydramine is used for the relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of various allergic conditions such as seasonal allergic rhinitis. It is also used to alleviate cold symptoms and chronic urticaria (hives). Although antihistamines are the preferred class of drugs in allergic rhinitis, they only reduce symptoms by 40%-60%. Diphenhydramine also is used for allergic reactions involving the eyes (allergic conjunctivitis), to prevent or treat active motion sickness, and for mild cases of Parkinsonism, including drug-induced Parkinsonism. The last two uses (motion sickness and Parkinsonism) are based on the anticholinergic effects of diphenhydramine, and not its antihistamine effects. Diphenhydramine is also used for treating insomnia.
DOSING: Diphenhydramine has its maximal effect about one hour after it is taken. When used to combat insomnia, it is prescribed at bedtime. Patients over the age of 60 years are especially sensitive to the sedating and anticholinergic effects of diphenhydramine, and the dose should be reduced. Doses vary depending on formulation. A common regimen for treating adult allergic reaction is 25-50 mg every 4-6 hours not to exceed 300 mg daily.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Diphenhydramine adds to (exaggerates) the sedating effects of alcohol and other drugs than can cause sedation such as the benzodiazepine class of anti-anxiety drugs [for example, diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), alprazolam (Xanax)], the narcotic class of pain medications and its derivatives [for example, oxycodone and acetaminophen (Percocet), and hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Vicodin), guaifenesin with hydromorphone (Dilaudid), Codeine, propoxyphene (Darvon)], the tricyclic class of antidepressants [for example, amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), desipramine (Norpramin)], and certain antihypertensive medications [for example, clonidine (Catapres), propranolol (Inderal)]. Diphenhydramine can also intensify the drying effects of other medications with anticholinergic properties [for example, dicyclomine (Bentyl), bethanechol (Urecholine), Probanthine].
PREGNANCY: Diphenhydramine has not been adequately evaluated in pregnant women. It should be used only if the benefit outweighs the potential but unknown risks.
NURSING MOTHERS: Diphenhydramine is secreted in breast milk. Because of the risk of stimulation and seizures in infants, especially newborns and premature infants, antihistamines should not be used by nursing mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS: Diphenhydramine can commonly cause sedation, tiredness, sleepiness, dizziness, disturbed coordination, drying and thickening of oral and other respiratory secretions, and stomach distress. Diphenhydramine may also cause low blood pressure, palpitations, increased heart rate, confusion, nervousness, irritability, blurred vision, double vision, tremor, loss or appetite, or nausea. Diphenhydramine should be used with caution (if at all) in persons with narrow-angle glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate gland), hyperthyroidism, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and asthma.
We will keep you posted: Hope the DEC reads
Previously we reported below:
Warden Message
US Embassy Lusaka
January 26, 2009
This message is intended for all American citizens visiting or residing in Zambia. The Embassy requests that wardens distribute the following notice to all American citizens within your registration zone as soon as possible. Thank you.
Recently, the Zambian Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has detained a number of Americans for possession of Benadryl and other over-the-counter medications which have contained small quantities of diphenhydramine, an active ingredient that is on Zambia’s list of controlled substances.
Although unaware of these restrictions, Americans have been charged with drug trafficking offenses, had their passports confiscated, and been jailed. As a result, any American visiting Zambia should consider leaving all non-prescription medications behind.
When traveling with prescription medications, Americans should bring a doctor’s prescription and ensure that the medication is in its original bottle. Any American stopped by the DEC for possession of over-the-counter medications should contact the Embassy at 0211-250-955 as soon as possible.
For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings can be found.
Up-to-date information can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The U.S. Embassy is located at the corner of Independence and United Nations Avenues. The mailing address is P.O. Box 31617, Lusaka, Zambia.
U.S. citizens may contact the American Embassy during regular work hours, Monday through Thursday from 7:30 AM to 5 PM, and on Friday from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM by dialing 260-21-1-250-955. For after-hours emergencies involving American citizens, please dial 260-1-250-955 extension 1. The fax number is 260-21-1-252-225.
The website is: http://zambia.usembassy.gov
January 27, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Belliah,
… please get more details on this we respect government’s sovereignty and their ability to make laws but Benadryl? Investigate and report accordingly … thanks a trillion
January 27, 2009 at 6:16 pm
Brainwaive,
This really makes me notious. Never mind I am just going to eat pop corns, why I puke my disappointment. Zambia is well known in the entire world as a friendly country. If this story is true, it is a big shame, and someone should look into this. DO not lose your reputation please.
Though I m having a hard time to believe this story above.I am not surprised by this reaction. There is no way the Zambia I know can just wake up and start giving Americans a hard time over Benadryl. There should be something else.
This is what happens when you go to foreign countries and treat people like shit because of the color of their skin. I am not very impressed with the reports I get of how people are treated when they apply for visas. American embassy personnel should lighten up a little bit. A lot of Zambians have come out of that office in tears, and this is what you get when you keep pissing people off.
But let us assume, that is a true story. Zambians you have always known to be good people, and friendly to foreigners. Do not lose your sight. I know why I am saying this.
The only way (DEC) would do this,is when an insider had bad experience with the US embassy personnel, because I know the treatment and reception that you get when you try to go and get your visas. The non-refundable appointment fee of $130 from a poor country like Zambia, is frustrating a lot of Zambians, especially when you open an invitation to Zambians to apply for visas, when deep down your hearts you know you have been instructed not to approve any visas.
It feels like the embassy is there just to make money out of poor people. Here is a simple arithmetic. Let us say, 20 people make appointment a day =$2.600 a day, out of that may be 1 visa is approved. Multiply $2,600 by 5 days =$13,000 a month by 12 months = $156,000. that amount pays about 10-12 people of their personnel. K 63+ million/annum. If you check, US Embassy website, there is big news of the ambassador giving $40,000 grants to Zambian organizations. Guess who’s money is that? Your money is paying those grants and administrative cost. This is a simple logic. But because we let ourselves get blackmailed because we choose to stay closed minded. This B…shit will never end.
It would be appreciative,if the the consular office post an alert to the Zambian population that they are not accepting any Zambian native application for visitors, students because, for now Zambians do not meet their criteria. Only those that have been approved for visa immigrants, or foreigners ( non ) Zambians from other African countries are eligible to apply. I am sure Zambians will stay away from applying and donating the $130, and it will minimise the anger and frustrations. Just a piece of advice.
How much do Zambians contribute by just making that appointment to go and face the two people in that office just to be given a slap in their face that they do not meet the criteria?
You can as well contribute that money to building good schools in Zambia. How much does it cost to get a Zambian Visa? Help me with the answer.
I am calling it a spade, because if problems are not addressed openly, we will never make progress.
Having said that, I am very Disappointed with the actions of the (DEC).Do not turnish your name. its not worth it. If this is just about the drug ( Benadryl) let go.
Here is my disappointment with the Zambian drug enforcement commission, if this is really true.I need someone to talk me down, if the report is not true.If it is then big shame on us.
Zambia, Zambia. This is all lack of proper education with people who are given responsibilities.( DEC) this is crazy. No wonder we die like animals in Zambia, because we block ourselves from good medication.
For those who do not know Benadryl, it is the equivalent to Phenergan the medication that is usually given to most patients in the Zambian clinics and hospitals. They give to people with allergies and severe vomiting.
In Zambian, phenergan is commonly given to children with vomiting symptoms. Basically it makes you sleep and calms you down. Are you kidding me DEC?
Benadryl Helps with allergies. I know that because I am allergic to fumes, Cigarettes,poison Ivy, pork,shell fish and My kids at one point in Zambia were in and out of Nkana hospital in Kitwe when they were babies. They were given Phenergan, which is same as Benadryl. It is always in my pocket book because of allergies. That is if our friends at (DEC) knows what allergies are. Never mind.
Benadryl saved my life in USA. I did not know I was allergic to Shell fish, and any other sea food, like lobster, shrimp etc. I went for a scan, due to the pain I had in my stomach. They thought it was the appendix, so was rushed to the emergency. I reacted so badly to the contrast fluid that they gave me to drink before the scan. I almost died. My heart stopped, my throat clogged up. They had to give me shots of Benadryl to bring me back to life.After I gained my conscious, the doctor asked me whether I am allergic to any shell fish. I said I do not eat any so I would not know.I learnt that day that the fluid is mixed with shrimp. and I was told that I am allergic to shell fish and any sea food that looks like big bugs equivalent to cockroach, ( lobster) Oops sorry for those who enjoy it.
I travel with Benadryl all the time. I am glad the pin heads never flayed their hands on my purse. I would sue them left right and center.
It is embarrassing to read that the DEC is making a big deal out this. I hope this is not true. We are making ourselves look like retards, really.
Come on guys, just because it contains small quantities of diphenhydramine, you gonna be putting people in prison? Unless there is something else hidden in this report, other than Benadryl.
I hope the Zambian Government, looks into this matter, and amend their commission, ” with exceptions.”
We want foreign Investment right? Yeah right! you think investors and tourists will be attracted by reading this alert? To come to Zambia without any medication, like you have a lot of medication in your hospitals right? …and with all the diseases not to mention. You must be kidding me. ( DEC) what is your point in this? Are you forgetting who is donating ARVs in Zambian Hospitals, helping us to reduce the HIV infection? I am not trying to kiss any body’s butt here, I am just saying things the way they are. I bash anyone who try to be ridiculous with their policies, that includes Americans. This coming from the (DEC), is really sad and embarrassing. What ever DEC does, is reflecting on every Zambian and its Government. This is the time for reconciliation, not to become pin heads for no reason and make enermies.
This action of putting Americans in jail because they are carrying Benadryl for their own health reasons, is so ridiculous, and not necessary. Get some education, who DEC should start exposing their staff to the global world.
In America, 95% of population live on off the counter medication. They all take vitamins for their food supplements. And those with allergies are advised to carry Benadryl with them at all time. Duh, duh.
Anyway,
I will bring Benadryl with me, (DEC) you like it or not . I will call you when I am in Lusaka, then put me behind bars for trying to protect myself from allergies. I am embarrassed.
Thanks a trillion,
January 28, 2009 at 6:43 am
Belliah,
… wow, keep it coming, thanks a trillion
January 29, 2009 at 9:19 am
Belliah are you aware that for quite some time now DEC has been funded by USAID as part of the US global war on drugs. This funding coincided with the introduction and implementation of drug laws and sentences that are devoid of any common sense. The law does not distinguish between personal users of class ‘C’ drugs like canabis and drug traffickers. Two years ago a 63 year old woman in Chipata was sentenced to 18 years in jail for trafficking in canabis. Evidence: She had three canabis shrubs in her back garden.
January 29, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Well,let’s take a critical look at this issue,Zambia is a sovereign state…blah,blah with the country being used as a transit point for narcotics,it could be used as a manufacturing point of Meth etc..so if DEC thinks in it’s infinte wisdom,they should do a simple thing send notices to Zambian embassies around the world and inform visitors about the drug problems etc and not cause unnecessary inconviniences to visitors
January 30, 2009 at 1:31 am
Mbulawa thanks for your infor,
Mbulawa, you are not kidding right? so why is the consulate giving a report that they are not aware of that law, when they are part of the deal?
I am very dissapointed with the level of ignorance, and communication skills with the Z Govt.
I am against drug trafficking, but come on, where is the information? where is a list of restricted drugs, especially medication.
Where is the alert on Zambian Govt websites. The problem I see in Zambia, we play the I know game, when actually we do not know. What they think is a secret, is not a secret to the outside world, and hence we all look like retards. Can somebody work on the DEC website and update it. It looks like a 5th grader from the developed countries worked on it, or someone who is trying to learn how to create a website.
Like Umu-lamba said, Zambia has been made a transit point, or a ladder.
What pisses me off with my govt, is that, what ever they do it does not benefit Zambians.
If they could only improve the communication skills, it will be great. I checked the DEC website, and I just got more angry,because, no 1, the website is too raw. Ofcourse, they are so cheap and fast to get fundings, but can not afford to hire a professional to create them a website.
The current website is a one page website, where you click on the links and gives you blank page. They have tabs, with List of drugs that are not allowed. Click the tab you get zero information.
What reputation are they giving the outside world about Zambia. We are so misrepresented to the outside world.
Yes every country should have their own laws, but have a courtesy to inform the public about your laws.Hire someone professional to create a professional website, so information can be accessed.
Harassing visitors, when you have not made your by-laws public is very unfair. I have never received any alert from my govt about any condition of any country. Can I say no one in the government has interest in the Zambians?
Can someone challenge me, where is the state house website?
Zambia is so backwards with technology, because people are so closed minded with their big egos like they know stuff when they do not. Someone in DEC should put their ego aside. Our team is volunteering to update their site.
Umu-lamba thankyou for your comment.
Anyway I will update you with more of my findings, it will be in our weekend memo.
Thanks guys for your contribution,
and forgive me if I sound too harsh sometimes. I love my country. I love USA.
I have families in both countries, and certain things just pisses me off.
Stay health, be positive, laugh a lot and live longer with prosperity.
Belliah
November 7, 2011 at 4:18 am
chronic appendicitis…
[…]Zambian Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has detained a number of Americans for possession of Benadryl … « Zambian Chronicle[…]…
April 29, 2013 at 1:29 pm
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