Diphenhydramine

Benadryl Generic name: DYE-fen-HYE-dra-meen] Drug classes: Medically reviewed by • • • • • • • What is Benadryl? Benadryl is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. Benadryl is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other cold or Benadryl is also used to treat motion sickness, to induce sleep, and to treat certain symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Warnings You should not use Benadryl to make a child sleepy. When taking Benadryl, use caution driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Diphenhydramine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Benadryl. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. Before taking this medicine You should not use Benadryl if you are allergic to diphenhydramine. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially: • blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines); • bladder obstruction or other urination problems; • a colostomy or ileostomy; • liver or kidney disease;...

Diphenhydramine Description Diphenhydramine hydrochloride is an antihistamine drug having the chemical name 2-(diphenylmethoxy)-N,N -dimethylethylamine hydrochloride and has the molecular formula C 17H 21NO•HCI (molecular weight 291.82). It occurs as a white odorless, crystalline powder and is freely soluble in water and alcohol. The structural formula is as follows: Related/similar drugs Diphenhydramine - Clinical Pharmacology Diphenhydramine hydrochloride is an antihistamine with anticholinergic (drying) and sedative effects. Antihistamines appear to compete with histamine for cell receptor sites on effector cells. A single oral dose of Diphenhydramine hydrochloride is quickly absorbed with maximum activity occurring in approximately one hour. The duration of activity following an average dose of Diphenhydramine hydrochloride is from four to six hours. Diphenhydramine is widely distributed throughout the body, including the CNS. Little, if any, is excreted unchanged in the urine; most appears as the degradation products of metabolic transformation in the liver, which are almost completely excreted within 24 hours. Indications and Usage for Diphenhydramine Diphenhydramine hydrochloride in the oral form is effective for the following indications: Antihistaminic For allergic conjunctivitis due to foods; mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of urticaria and angioedema; amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma; dermatographism; as therapy for anaphyla...

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is used for allergies and allergic reactions, as well as common cold symptoms. Benadryl can cause mild or serious side effects, which are described below. Benadryl is available as a prescription and an over-the-counter (OTC) medication. It helps reduce This drug is also used to treat certain Benadryl comes in many different forms. Some you take by mouth, such as tablets or liquid solutions. Others you apply to your skin, such as creams or gels. Typically, you’ll take Benadryl as a short-term treatment for your symptoms. Once your symptoms ease, your doctor will likely recommend that you stop taking Benadryl. For more information about Benadryl, see this in-depth Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Benadryl include: • • • headache • • constipation • dry mouth or nose • * To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below. In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed, too. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or that bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And don’t stop using Benadryl unless your doctor recommends it. Benadryl may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. For more information, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of medications. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Benadryl, visit Serious side effects that ...

Diphenhydramine: 7 things you should know Medically reviewed by • • • • • • • 1. How it works • Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that may be used for the treatment of allergies, motion sickness, to help induce sleep, and to relieve symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. • Diphenhydramine treats allergic-type reactions by blocking histamine-1 (H1) receptors. This prevents histamine from having an effect on the airways, blood vessels, and the gastrointestinal tract, reversing symptoms such as bronchoconstriction (narrowing of the airways), rash and itch, and stomach cramps. Diphenhydramine also blocks acetylcholine receptors, sodium channels, and inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, among other effects. These latter effects are responsible for its sedative effects and side effects such as a dry mouth. • Diphenhydramine belongs to the class of medicines known as first-generation antihistamines. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine of the ethanolamine class. 2. Upsides • Used to treat the symptoms of allergic-type reactions such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. • May be used for the treatment of allergies, insect bites, hay fever, allergic conjunctivitis, urticaria (hives), and in addition to epinephrine for anaphylactic reactions. • May be used to relieve the symptoms of nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness. • Can be used to help people relax or fall asleep. • May also be used for elderly people with Parkinson's disease who are unable to tolerate m...