Diphenhydramine

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Dec 12, 2022

Drug Details


Common Brands:

Pharbedryl, Banophen (discontinued), Aler-Dryl, Benadryl, Diphenhist, Nytol, Unisom, Sominex, Siladryl, Silphen, PediaCare Children’s Allergy

Availability:

Over-the-counter

Therapeutic Class:

Antihistamine

Forms:

Tablet, liquid, capsule, liquid-filled capsule, rapidly dissolving tablet, chewable tablets, dissolvable strip, powder

Administration:

By mouth

Therapeutic Uses:

Allergy symptoms like red, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and runny nose associated with the common cold, hay fever, and other respiratory allergies

Controlled Status:

Not a controlled substance


Diphenhydramine Drug Class

Diphenhydramine (dye-fen-hai-druh-meen) is an over-the-counter antihistamine that is used to treat allergy symptoms.

Diphenhydramine Age Range

Diphenhydramine HCl is approved for use in adults and children 6 years of age and older. This medicine can cause very serious side effects in young children, especially children less than 2 years old. It should never be used to make a fussy child sleepy.