Diphenhydramine - perhaps known most commonly as its brand name formulation Benadryl - is a first-generation H1 receptor antihistamine that is used extensively for the treatment of seasonal allergies, insect bites and stings, and rashes [L5263, L5266, L5269, F3379]. However, it also has antiemetic, antitussive, hypnotic, and antiparkinson properties [L5269, F3352]. As histamine receptors exist both peripherally and in the central nervous system, diphenhydramine has been shown to cause sedation due to its competitive antagonism of histamine H1 receptors within the central nervous system [L5263, L5266, L5269, F3379, A174541]. While its use in allergy therapy can sometimes fall out of favor due to its sedative effect, diphenhydramine has been repurposed for use within many non-prescription over-the-counter sleep aids and cough-and-cold medications that have been marketed for "night time" use [L5263, L5281, L5287]. Diphenhydramine is also used in combination with [DB14132] as the anti-nausea drug [DB00985] where it is utilized primarily for its antagonism of H1 histamine receptors within the vestibular system [A1540]. Diphenhydramine has also been shown to be implicated in a number of neurotransmitter systems that affect behaviour including dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, acetylcholine, and opioid [A1539]. As a result, diphenhydramine is being investigated for its anxiolytic and anti-depressant properties.
Synonyms
Diphenhydramine hydrochloride
2-diphenylmethoxy-N,N-demthylethanamine
N-(2-(diphenylmethoxy)ethyl)-N,N-dimethylamine
Difenhidramina
Diphenhydramine salicylate
β-dimethylaminoethyl benzhydryl ether
O-benzhydryldimethylaminoethanol
Diphenhydramine
Diphenhydramine methylbromide
Diphenhydraminum
Diphenhydramine citrate
α-(2-dimethylaminoethoxy)diphenylmethane
2-(benzhydryloxy)-N,N-dimethylethylamine
β-dimethylaminoethanol diphenylmethyl ether
Brand Names
Aphenap
Dye-Free Adult ALLERGY
Suppress Cough Syr W.cod.diphen.hcl Amm.chl.
Weeks and Leo Extra Strength Itch Stopping
Benadryl Itch Stopping Gel
Good Sense Sleep Aid
CareOne Pain Relief Pain Relief PM
Well at Walgreens Multi-Symptom Wal-Flu Severe Cold and Nighttime Wal-Flu Severe Cold and Cough Kit
FIRST Marys Mouthwash Compounding
ConRx PM
Wal Dryl
Itch Relief Gel
Nighttime Sleep Aid Berry Flavor
Allergy Relief DYE-FREE
Children's Allergy Formula
Healthy Accents Anti Itch
Leader Ibuprofen PM
Family Wellness Sleep Aid
Allegra Cooling Relief Anti-Itch
Axim Allergy
Allergy Formula Elixir
Allergy Relief Antihistamine
TRIAMINIC Childrens Night Time Cold and Cough
Nighttime Sleep Aid maximum strength
Smart Sense Allergy Relief
Rugby Diphenhist
Mucus Sinus Relief Day and Night
Healthy Accents Nighttime Sleep Aid
PediaCare Childrens Allergy and Cold
Junior Strength Allergy Formula
Up and Up Naproxen Sodium PM
Topcare Pain Relief PM
Buckley's Complete PM - Nighttime
Unisom
Total Cold Night
Daytime Nighttime Severe Cold and Flu
Nighttime Allergy Relief Extra Strength
Wal-Dryl Allergy Plus Cold
Dorm-L Tab 25mg
Nighttime Cold and Flu
Day and Night Cold
Rite Aid Anti-Itch
Allergy Relief Dye-Free Softgel
Severe Cold and Cough Relief Nighttime
Childrens Allergy Relief Dye Free
Extra Strength Nite-Time Pain Relief
Allergy Childrens Allergy
Dye Free Childrens Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride
Sleep Easy
Allergy Relief Plus Sinus Headache
CVS Health Nighttime Severe Cough and Cold Nighttime Severe Cold and Cough
Select Brand Itch Relief
Up and Up itch relief
Flu and Sore Throat Relief
Topcare childrens allergy
Itch Relief Spray
Theraflu ExpressMax Flu, Cough, and Sore Throat
Childrens Allergy
Sting Kure - Liq
Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride 25 Mg Tablet
Sleeptime Dry Cough
Smart Sense Anti Itch Extra Strength
Allergy Plus Severe Sinus Headache
Allergy and Sinus Headache
Industrial Itch and Pain Relief
Premier Value Allergy
Benylin Sleep Time
pain relief PM
Cough, Cold and Flu Relief Complete Night Super Strength
Signature Care Ibuprofen PM
Leader Childrens Allergy Relief
Doctor Manzanilla Cough Suppressant and Nasal Decongestant
Doctor Manzanilla Cough and Cold
Nighttime Cold and Cough Sugar-Free
Diphenhydramine HCl Inj USP 50mg/ml
Childrens Night Time COUGH and COLD RELIEF
Anti-Itch Wal-Dryl
Flu Relief Therapy Night Time
Lil Drug Store Allergy Antihistamine
Insomnal
Severe Cold and Flu
Allernix HCl Cap 25mg U
End-A-flu Multi-symptom Severe Cold and Cough Nighttime Formula
Naproxen Sodium and Diphenhydramine HCL
Good Sense Ibuprofen PM
Balminil Night-time
Pain Relief PM extra Strength
Sleep Aid Extra Strength
Best Choice Itch Relief
Triaminic Day - Night Club Pack
Publix allergy
Anti Itch and Skin Protectant
ZoDen PD
Sound Body Pain Relief PM
Wal-dryl Allergy
Discount Drug Mart Extra Strength Itch Stopping
Olp Anti-itch Allergy Relief
Childrens Allergy Relief Dye-Free
Topcare Anti Itch
Smart Sense Sinus Relief
Extra Strength Allergy Formula Nighttime
Nitetime Sleep Aid
SINUS RELIEF Maximum Strength Daytime and Nighttime Sinus Pain
Fast Maximum Night Time Cold and Flu
Mucinex Childrens Night Time Multi-Symptom Cold
Signature Care Naproxen Sodium PM
Dye-Free ALLERGY
Equate Night Time Cold and Cough Childrens
KMart - Pain Relief PM
7 Select Allergy Childrens
Sunmark Anti-itch
Allernix Extra Strength
Geri Dryl
Allergy Softgel
Leader Anti Itch
Health Mart z-sleep
Medique Diphen
Good Sense Pain Relief PM Extra Strength
Pdp-diphenhydramine
Wal Flu Severe
Allergy Relief, 24-7 Lift by 7-Eleven
Mucinex Sinus-Max Day Time Severe Congestion Relief and Mucinex Sinus-Max Night Time Congestion and Cough Maximum Strength
Allergy Tablets 25mg
Complete One Cold and Flu Nightime Extra Strength Tablets
Smart Sense Childrens Nighttime Cold and Cough
AuroFlu Night Time Severe Cold and Cough
Benadryl Allergy Ultratab
Extra Strength Benadryl Allergy Nighttime
Nighttime Cold, Cough & Flu
Health Mart ibuprofen PM
Extra Strength Nighttime Allergy Liquid Gel Capsules
Kroger NIGHTTIME SLEEP AID
healthy mama eaZZZe THE PAIN
Dermagesic
TheraCare Extra Strength Anti-Itch Cream Itch Stopping
CareOne Day Time Severe Cold Night Time Cold and Flu
Mucus Relief Nighttime Congestion Cough Maximum Strength
Wal-Dryl Allergy Dye Free
MAXIMUM STRENGTH Nighttime Sleep Aid
Premier Value night time severe cold and cough honey lemon infused with chamomile and white tea flavors
Dimetapp Cold and Cough and Nighttime Cold and Congestion
Naproxen Sodium and Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride
Cough Syrup
Leader Cold and Flu
Benadryl Allergy Sinus Caplets
CVS Regular Strength Itch Stopping
Theraflu Severe Cold relief Nighttime
Valumeds Aspirin Free Headache Relief PM
CVS Effervescent Pain Relief PM
Benadryl Allergy Liquigels
Allergy Lil Drug Store Products
Benadryl-D Allergy and Sinus
Childrens Triacting Nighttime Cold and Cough
Bye Bye Bite Lot
Ibuprofen and Diphenhydramine HCl
Cold-EEZE Childrens Nighttime Cold and Cough Relief
Ibuprofen, Diphenhydramine HCl
Welly Calm Balm
Endal CD
Pain Relief plus Sleep Aid
Shopko Anti-Itch
Sleep-eze
Dg Health Allergy Relief
Diphenhydramine HCl 12.5mg Antihistamine
Acedif PLUS
ShopRite Nighttime Flu Plus Severe Cold and Cough
Rx Act Ibuprofen PM
Amazon Basic Care Ibuprofen PM
Pain Reliever PM extra strength
Equate Ibuprofen PM
Theraflu Expressmax Daytime Severe Cold and Cough and Theraflu Expressmax Nighttime Severe Cold and Cough
Nighttime Pain Reliever
Family Care Anti-Itch
Aller-aide Plus Capsules 50mg
CVS Extra Strength Itch Stopping
Sleep-eze Extra Strength Caplets
EZ Nite Sleep
Allergy Complete Relief
Nighttime Cold and Flu Maximum Strength
Night Time Sleep-aid
Rest Simply
CVS Health Nighttime Sleep-Aid
Dormmy-lon
Daytime Nighttime Severe Cold and Flu Relief
Sleep-Aid Maximum Strength
Sinus Relief Nightime Caplets
Sleep Aid Nighttime
Western Family Itch Relief
Careone Naproxen Sodium PM
Valumeds Allergy Relief
Severe Cold PE
Maximum Strength Sleep Aid
Children's Benadryl Allergy Liquid
Mucus Relief Sinus Congestion Daytime Nighttime Maximum Strength
Allergy Relief Childrens
allergy relief Childrens
Severe Cold Cough and Flu Relief Nighttime
Ibuprofen Daytime, Ibuprofen Nighttime
Extra Strength Benadryl Allergy
Premier Value Nighttime Sleep Aid Softgels
Sleep-Aid Regular Strength
Kroger Allergy Relief
Sunmark Pain Reliever PM Extra Strength
Severe Cough and Cold
Dg Health Pain Relief PM Extra Strength
Severe Cold and Cough Night Time
Dormax
Mucus Relief Cold and Flu Daytime Nighttime
Nighttime Sleep-Aid Maximum Strength
Basic Care Naproxen Sodium PM
Insomnal Cap 25mg
AcetaFlu NightTime
Damylin With Codeine Syrup
Buckley's Complete Relief
DM Cough Syrup
Diphenhydramine HCl Injection, USP
Quality Choice night time severe cold and cough honey lemon infused with chamomile and white tea flavors
CVS Pharmacy Daytime Nighttime Severe Cold and Cough Kit
Basic Care severe cold and cough
Berkley and Jensen Allergy Relief
Allergy Care
Topcare All Night Pain Relief PM
Airacof
Complete One Cold and Flu PE Night
Sleep-eze Regular Strength Caplets
Dye-Free Allergy
CVS Extra Strength Itch Relief
Nightime Sleep Aid
Benylin Extra Strength All-IN-one Cold, Flu & Cough Night
Contac Cold and Fever Caplets
Family Wellness Ibuprofen PM
Severe Allergy Plus Sinus Headache Maximum Strength
Siladryl Allergy Medicine
Flu Relief Therapy Severe Cough and Cold Nighttime
7 Select Pain Relief PM
Extra Strength First Aid Anti-itch Rite Aid
Harris Teeter Acetaminophen PM
Ibuprofen PM
Up and Up Ibuprofen PM
PAIN RELIEF PM Extra Strength
EZ Nite Sleep Nighttime Sleep-Aid
Naproxen PM
Mucinex Fast-Max Day Time Severe Cold and Mucinex Fast-Max Night Time Cold and Flu Maximum Strength
Allergy Formula Extra Strength
Headache Formula PM
Percogesic Original Strength
Allergy Sinus Headache Caplets
Leader Severe Cold and Cough
ZZZTime
Zzz Time
Junior Strength Allergy Tablets
Extra Strength Tylenol Nighttime
Flu, Cough & Cold Complete Day and Night
DM Plus Cough Syrup
CounterAct PM
Severe Allergy Plus Sinus Headache
Mucinex Fast-Max Day Time Severe Congestion and Cough and Mucinex Fast-Max Night Time Cold and Flu Maximum Strength
Cold and Flu Daytime, Nighttime
Topcare Ibuprofen PM
Ibuprofen and Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride Capsules
Harris Teeter Allergy Relief
Allergic Itch Relief
DM Syrup
Nighttime Total Cold and Flu
Allergy and Cold Relief
CareOne sinus relief day time sinus relief night time
Jack & Jill Thin Strips Cough & Cold
VICKS ZzzQuil NIGHTTIME SLEEP-AID
Sinus Relief Day and Night
CAREALL Non-Aspirin PM Extra Strength
Equaline Flu and Severe Cold and Cough
Childrens Nighttime Cold and Cough
Jamp Diphenhydramine 50 mg
Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Stopping
MYGRIN Nighttime
Banophen Diphenhydramine HCl
Calmylin #4 Syr
Complete Allergy Medicine
Dye-free Adult Allergy Liquid Medication
Wal-Phed PE, Multi-Symptom, Daytime, Nighttime
Flu Relief Therapy Nighttime
Healthy Accents Sinus Relief
ShopRite Sleep Aid
Contac Cold
Walgreens Anti Itch
Benylin Cough and Cold Night Strips
PhysiciansCare Allergy Antihistamine
Triacting Night Time Cold and Cough
Basic Care Daytime Severe Cold Nighttime Cold and Flu
TopCare Nighttime Severe Cold and Cough honey lemon infused with chamomile and white tea flavors
Firstcare Childrens Allergy Relief
Z-sleep
L-Oral ALLERGEX Hay Fever and Allergy Relief Syrup
Day and Night Sinus Maximum Strength
ADVIL PM- diphenhydramine citrate and ibuprofen tablet, coated
Pharbedryl
Good Sense pain relief pm extra strength
Childrens Mucinex Night Time Multi-Symptom Cold
Smart Sense Sleep Aid
ZZZQuil Nightime Sleep-Aid
Advil Nighttime
SleepEze minis
First Aid Shot Therapy Sleep Aid
Nighttime Sleep-Aid Softgel
TUSSIN CF NIGHTTIME COUGH and COLD
Alka-Seltzer Plus Night Severe Cold, Cough And Flu
Benadryl Allergy & Sinus
Childrens Allergy Dye Free Wal-Dryl
Extra Strength Total Symptom Relief Sugar-free
Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride Elixir U.S.P.
Leader Restfully Sleep
Wal-Dryl Allergy
Pain Reliever and Sleep Aid
SanaTos Severe Cold and Cough Nighttime
Pulmorex DM Syr
Somnitabs
Dg Health Anti Itch
Careone Allergy Relief
Zzzquil Alcohol Free
Diphenhist
Severe Cough and Congestion and Cold and Flu Daytime, Nighttime
Wal-Nadol PM
Compoz MAXIMUM STRENGTH nighttime sleep aid
Extra Strength Simply Sleep Liqui-gels
Extra Strength Nytol Tab 50mg
Kids-EEZE Allergy
Complete Allergy Antihistamine
Trialyn Syrup
Care One Flu and Severe Cold and Cough Nighttime
Smart Sense Nightime Sleep Aid
Sleep Aid Maximum Strength Nighttime
NMNQuil
Leader Pain Reliever PM
Sleep Aid NightTime
Severe Cold DM Severe Cold and Flu
Daytime Nighttime Severe Cold
Cold and Flu Nighttime
Exchange Select Ibuprofen PM
Circle K Allergy Antihistamine
Extra Strength Tylenol Allergy and Cough
Dormiphen Extra-fort Capsule
Children's Allergy and Sinus Medication Liquid Suspension
7 Select Allergy
Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Relief
Picnic Antihistamine
Time-gesic
Sleep-aid Extra Strength
Good Sense Allergy Relief
Acetaminophen 500mg Diphenhydramine HCl 25mg
Sominex Extra Strength Caplet 50mg
7 Select Night Time Severe Cold Cough and Flu
Smart Sense Triacting
Wal-dryl
Simply Right Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride Allergy Relief
Allergy Formula Liquid Capsules
Good Neighbor Pharmacy allergy
SEVERE COLD DAY COLD and FLU NIGHT
Healthy Accents Pain Relief PM
Wal-Dryl
Daytime Mucus Relief Severe Congestion and Cough and Nighttime Cold and Flu Maximum Strength
After Bite Outdoor
ShopRite Childrens Allergy
ShopRite Allergy Relief
PediaCare Childrens Nighttime Multi Symptom Cold
Allergy
Equaline Naproxen Sodium PM
Super Strength Complete Cold Powder
DG Health Ibuprofen PM
Cough Syr W Codeine Diphenhyd HCl & Ammon Cl
Sleep-eze D Extra Strength Capsules
Neocitran Extra Strength Cold & Cough Night
Nighttime Cold and Flu-IN-one Extra Strength
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Pain Relief PM
Allergy Relief Plus Congestion
Theraflu ExpressMax Nighttime Severe Cold and Cough
Cold and Flu
CoreTex Professional Outdoor Skin Protection Wallet
Flu and Sore Throat
VIcks Flu Therapy Severe Cold and Flu Night
Dg Health Headache Relief PM
Equate Nighttime Sleep Aid
Cold & Flu-IN-one
Neocitran Total Cold Night
Benadryl Spray
Rapid Release Pain Relief PM
Dye Free Childrens Allergy Relief
CVS Nighttime Sleep Aid
Extra Strength Sleep Aid Liquid Gels
Equaline Night Time Cold and Cough Childrens
Itch Relief Extra Strength
Zzz Sleep
PM Get Relief
DG Health Tussin
Headache PM
Theraflu Severe Cold Relief Daytime and Theraflu Severe Cold Relief Nighttime
Diphenhydramine HCl Children's Liquid
Cold-EEZE Nighttime Cold and Flu
Dg Health Pain Relief PM
Topcare Childrens Triacting Nightime Cold and Cough
Robitussin Direct Runny Nose
Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride 50 Mg Caplet
Meijer Nighttime Severe Cold and Cough Honey Lemon infused with Chamomile and White Tea Flavors
Family Wellness
Unisom SleepGels Nighttime Sleep-Aid
Equaline Ibuprofen PM
Tylenol Sinus and Allergy Severe
Children's Cough, Cold & Allergy Strips
Allerdryl Cap 50mg
7-Select Advil PM
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Pain Relief and Pain Relief PM
Severe Cold Daytime Cold and Flu Nighttime
Pain Relief Medicine PM
Allergy Capsules Extra Strength
Duane Reade anti-itch
Betr sleep aid
Shoprite Ibuprofen PM
Care One Pain Relief and Pain Relief PM
Di-phen
Severe Cold Relief PE
Ergodryl Cap
Naramin
Smart Sense Childrens allergy relief
Nighttime Snooze
SohMed Pain Relief PM
Anti-itch Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride Cream
Nytol Tablet 25mg
Extra Strength No-pain PM
Extra Strength Tylenol Complete Cold, Cough & Flu Nighttime
Pain Reliever PM Extra strength
Smart Sense Allergy
Rexall Childrens Allergy
24/7 Life Allergy Relief
Extra Strength Tylenol PM
LEADER Nighttime Sleep-Aid
Nighttime Flu and Severe
Diphenhydramine HCL
Anti-Itch
Nighttime Sleepaid
Extra Strength Non-Aspirin PM
Ag-diphenhydramine 25 mg
TopCare Anti-Itch
Health Mart Childrens Allergy Relief
Naproxen Sodium PM
Nite Time Cold and Cough
Topcare ZZZ Sleep
Delsym Night Time Cough and Cold
Dg Health Flu and Severe Cold and Cough
Health Mart severe cold cough and flu
AuroMucus Fast Maximum Night Time Cold and Flu
Midol PM
Acetaminophen Diphenhydramine HCl
Nighttime Allergy
Theraflu Warming Relief Nighttime Severe Cold And Cough
Childrens Night Time Cold and Cough
Nighttime Sleep-Aid Non-Habit Forming
Jet-Asleep Double Strength Night Time Sleep Aid
Daytime Cold and Cough and NightTime Cold and Congestion Childrens
Medique at Home Diphen
Ibuprofen Nighttime
Childrens Benadryl ALLERGY
Unisom Warming Cherry
Acetaminophen and Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride
Berkley and Jensen Sleep Aid
Ibuprofen 200 mg and Diphenhydramine Citrate 38 mg
Preferred Plus Complete Allergy Medicine
Sleep Eze D Caplet 25mg
Tact
Sun Mark allergy relief
Sleep-eze Extra Strength Minis
Acetaminophen PM
Multi-symptom Allergy
Nighttime Pain Reliever plus Sleep Aid
Vanapain PM
Betr Allergy Relief
Caring Mill Allergy
Diphenhydramine HCL 25 mg
Care One Ibuprofen PM
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Flu and Severe Cold and Cough
Topcare Sinus Relief Day Time Night Time
Vicks QlearQuil Nighttime Allergy Relief
PM pain reliever
Childrens Wal Dryl PE
Robitussin Night Time Cough and Chest Congestion
Children's Tylenol Allergy-D Suspension
Aceta-gesic
Daytime Nighttime Multi Symptom Cold Childrens
Foster and Thrive Childrens Allergy Relief
Acetaminophen Diphenhydramine HCL
Benadryl Itch Stopping Cream
NIGHTTIME SLEEP AID Maximum Strength
Rite Aid Nighttime Severe Cold and Cough Relief
Allergy Relief Dye-Free Liquid Gels
Regular Strength Dormex Capsules
Smart Sense Topical Analgesic Skin Protectant
CareOne Acetaminophen PM
Pdp-diphenhydramine Extra Strength/ Extra Fort
Benylin for Children All-IN-one Cold & Fever Nightime
Careone Nighttime Sleep Aid
Childrens Wal-Dryl Allergy
Dr. Cocoa Nighttime Cough and Cold
Topcare Childrens Night Time Cold and Cough
7 Select Ibuprofen PM
Sleep-eze Eze-liquid
Sleepeze eze melts
Allergy Get Relief
Theraflu ExpressMax Daytime Nighttime Value Pack
Advil PM, CVP HEALTH
Indication
Diphenhydramine is a first-generation histamine H1 receptor antagonist (H1 antihistamine) that is widely available as a non-prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) medication. As an OTC medication, diphenhydramine is typically formulated as tablets and creams indicated for use in treating sneezing, runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, itching of nose or throat, insomnia, pruritis, urticaria, insect bites/stings, allergic rashes, and nausea [L5263, L5266, L5269, F3379, A174541]. Additionally, when the use of oral diphenhydramine is impractical, there are also prescription-only formulations such as diphenhydramine injection products that are effective in adults and pediatric patients (other than premature infants and neonates) for: i) the amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma, in anaphylaxis as an adjunct to epinephrine and other standard measures after acute allergic reaction symptoms have been controlled, and for other uncomplicated allergic conditions of the immediate type when oral therapy is impossible or contraindicated [F3352]; ii) the active treatment of motion sickness [F3352]; and iii) use in parkinsonism when oral therapy is impossible or contraindicated, as follows: parkinsonism in the elderly who are unable to tolerate more potent agents; mild cases of parkinsonism in other age groups, and in other cases of parkinsonism in combination with centrally acting anticholinergic agents [F3352].
Categories
Agents producing tachycardia
Amines
Aminoalkyl Ethers
Anesthetics
Anesthetics, Local
Anti-Allergic Agents
Anticholinergic Agents
Antiemetics
Antihistamines for Systemic Use
Antihistamines for Topical Use
Antiinflammatory and Antirheumatic Products
Antiinflammatory and Antirheumatic Products, Non-Steroids
Antipruritics, Incl. Antihistamines, Anesthetics, Etc.
Drug Info/Drug Targets: DrugBank 3.0: a comprehensive resource for 'omics' research on drugs. Knox C, Law V, Jewison
T, Liu P, Ly S, Frolkis A, Pon A, Banco K, Mak C, Neveu V, Djoumbou Y, Eisner R, Guo AC, Wishart DS.
Nucleic Acids Res. 2011 Jan; 39 (Database issue):D1035-41. | PMID:21059682