Is diphenhydramine same as benadryl: About Diphenhydramine HCl: The Active Ingredient in BENADRYL®
About Diphenhydramine HCl: The Active Ingredient in BENADRYL®
What Is Diphenhydramine HCl and What Does It Do?
The active ingredient in BENADRYL® is an antihistamine called diphenhydramine HCl. Antihistamines are used for relief from symptoms related to hay fever, upper respiratory allergy, or cold symptoms.
Antihistamines are a class of drugs that block histamine from binding to h2 receptors in the body. Histamines are molecules in the body’s cells that are responsible for many allergy symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.
What Is Diphenhydramine HCl Used For?
Diphenhydramine can be taken as oral allergy medicine, oral cold medicine, or topical antihistamine.
Diphenhydramine taken orally provides temporary relief from allergy and cold symptoms such as:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Itchy throat
Diphenhydramine is often combined with another active ingredient, zinc acetate.
The combination applied to the skin topically helps protect skin and temporarily relieves itching associated with:
- Insect and bug bites
- Sunburn
- Scrapes
- Minor skin irritations and burns
- Rashes caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and sumac
Find more information about uses and indications for BENADRYL® oral and topical products here.
What Forms Does Diphenhydramine HCl Come In?
Diphenhydramine in medicines can come in two main forms — oral and topical.
Oral diphenhydramine is available in different dosage forms including tablets, liquid gels, liquid medicine, and chewable tablets. Dosage forms are available for adults and children.
Topical diphenhydramine is available in cream, spray, stick, and gel to help relieve itchy skin.
Oral Allergy & Cold Symptom Relief Medicine
For temporary relief of allergy symptoms in adults and children 6 years and older, consider BENADRYL® Allergy ULTRATABS® Tablets or BENADRYL® Allergy Dye-Free LIQUI-GELS® with diphenhydramine 25 mg.
For children, BENADRYL® products can provide effective relief from hay fever and allergy symptoms. For children ages 6 to 11 years, consider Children’s BENADRYL® Allergy Liquid and Children’s BENADRYL® Dye-Free Allergy Liquid Antihistamine Medicine with diphenhydramine 12.5 mg per 5 mL. For adults and children 6 years and older, consider Children’s BENADRYL® Chewables with diphenhydramine 12.5 mg.
For allergy and cold symptom relief for adults and children 12 years and older, consider BENADRYL® Allergy Plus Congestion for Sinus Pressure & Nasal Congestion Relief. For adults and children 6 years and older, consider Children’s BENADRYL® Allergy Plus Congestion Nasal Decongestant & Sinus Medicine for Kids.
Topical Itchy Skin Relief
BENADRYL® topical products can provide temporary relief from pain and itching associated with insect bites, rashes, and minor skin irritations. To help protect skin and temporarily relieve itching, consider BENADRYL® Itch Stopping Cream or BENADRYL® Extra Strength Itch Stopping Cream.
Consider BENADRYL® Extra Strength Spray to quickly apply to your rash or insect bite as soon as itching starts.
For easy-to-apply immediate relief in stick form, consider BENADRYL® Extra Strength Itch Relief Stick for Rashes, Insect and Bug Bites. Or consider the soothing relief of gel with BENADRYL® Itch Stopping Gel Extra Strength Topical Analgesic Gel for Itchy Skin.
Diphenhydramine HCl Side-Effects, Safety, and Dosage
Just like with any medication you might take, sometimes diphenhydramine can cause side effects if misused. To avoid misuse, see the following warnings:
Do not use:
- To make a child sleepy
- With any other product containing diphenhydramine, even one used on skin
Ask a doctor before use if you have:
- A breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis
- Glaucoma
- Trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland
- Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are taking sedatives or tranquilizers.
Diphenhydramine side effects and things to remember when using this product:
- Marked drowsiness may occur
- Avoid alcoholic drinks
- Alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness
- Be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery
- Excitability may occur, especially in children
If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.
Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. (1-800-222-1222)
You should also speak to your doctor before taking diphenhydramine if you’re allergic to any medications or taking another prescribed medication.
When taking diphenhydramine, alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness, so these should be avoided. Be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery.
The appropriate dosage of diphenhydramine depends on your age and symptoms.
Find the right BENADRYL® product to give you or your child relief, and carefully read and follow the entire product label before giving the medication.
The safety of the people who use our products is our top priority. To learn more about steps taken to address misuse and abuse of BENADRYL® and other diphenhydramine-containing products, visit our SAFETY page.
Diphenhydramine HCl FAQ
Can Diphenhydramine Make You Sleepy?
Yes, diphenhydramine can cause you to be drowsy or sleepy.
Does BENADRYL® Contain Diphenhydramine HCl?
Yes. Diphenhydramine HCl is the active ingredient in all BENADRYL® allergy medications. Our products contain diphenhydramine to provide relief from your allergy symptoms.
BENADRYL® Allergy Plus Congestion for Sinus Pressure & Nasal Congestion Relief and Children’s BENADRYL® Allergy Plus Congestion Nasal Decongestant & Sinus Medicine for Kids are medicines that contain diphenhydramine plus phenylephrine, which is a nasal decongestant.
BENADRYL® topical products, such as Original Strength BENADRYL® Itch Stopping Cream Topical Analgesic for Skin Relief, contain diphenhydramine as an analgesic, plus zinc acetate as a skin protectant.
What Is the Difference Between Diphenhydramine and Hydrocortisone Cream?
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine, which works by blocking histamine from binding to h2 receptors in the body.
Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid, which is used on the skin to reduce swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions.2
What Can You Not Take with Diphenhydramine?
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using diphenhydramine if you are taking sedative or tranquilizers. Avoid consumption of alcohol with diphenhydramine as well, is this may increase drowsiness.
This may not encompass all possible interactions with diphenhydramine. Give your doctor or healthcare provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use.
1
At What Frequency Can Diphenhydramine 25 mg Be Taken?
Take every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by a doctor. Do not take more than 6 times in 24 hours.
Where Can You Buy BENADRYL® (Diphenhydramine)?
BENADRYL® can often be found over-the-counter at your local pharmacy in the allergy medication section. You can also find out where to buy BENADRYL® medications online here.
Additional Resources
Find additional information about BENADRYL®’s inactive ingredients here.
Compare BENADRYL® (Diphenhydramine HCl) and other allergy relief products here.
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for additional answers to your questions about BENADRYL®.
Benadryl vs Diphenhydramine Comparison – Drugs.com
Benadryl vs Diphenhydramine Comparison – Drugs.com
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| More about Benadryl (diphenhydramine) | More about Diphenhydramine | ||||||||||||||||
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Lower-cost generic is available | Lower-cost generic is available | ||||||||||||||||
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A total of 433 drugs are known to interact with Benadryl:
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<p>
Benadryl may also be used for purposes not listed in this comparison guide.
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Sedation is a common side effect.</p>
<p>
Prescribed for Allergic Reactions, Allergic Rhinitis, Cough, Cold Symptoms, Insomnia, Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, Extrapyramidal Reaction, Motion Sickness, Nausea/Vomiting, Pruritus, Urticaria.
</p>
<p>
diphenhydramine may also be used for purposes not listed in this comparison guide.
</p>
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Sedation is a common…
1 out of 10 from a total of
Use alcohol cautiously…** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law.
There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Medical Disclaimer
The use of diphenhydramine in the treatment of children with cancer
Antihistamine
Trademarks:
Benadryl®, Nytol®, PediaCare Children’s Allergy®, Unisom®
Other names:
Diphenhydramine hydrochloride
Often used for:
Relief of symptoms associated with allergies or hay fever, colds and allergic reactions
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine: this drug works by blocking the activity of histamine, a substance that causes allergy symptoms.
Diphenhydramine can be used to treat a range of symptoms, including:
- Allergy and cold symptoms, including irritated and itchy eyes, sneezing and runny nose
- Cough
- Motion sickness and nausea
- Sleep disorders
- Motor problems
- Allergic reactions, including rash, itching, swelling
This drug is often given in combination with other drugs such as pain relievers, fever reducers, and decongestants.
This drug is available with and without a prescription.
Intramuscular or intravenous administration in liquid form
Oral in the form of tablets, capsules or lozenges/lozenges
Oral liquid form
- Nausea and vomiting
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Constipation
- Headache
- Feeling tired
- Nervousness or excitability
- Increased nasal congestion or chest tightness
The listed side effects are not observed in all patients who are prescribed diphenhydramine. The most common side effects are highlighted in bold, but others are not excluded. Report all possible side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
Be sure to discuss these and other recommendations with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Diphenhydramine is often used as needed.
- The family of a patient under 6 years of age should consult their physician or pharmacist before taking any medicine, including medicines obtained without a prescription. Calculate the dosage based on the available instructions and follow all recommendations for use.
- Take special care when taking more than one cold or allergy medicine at the same time. These products may contain the same ingredients, resulting in an overdose if they are taken together. Read the instructions on the package carefully and discuss any questions with your doctor or pharmacist.
Diphenhydramine home use:
- Do not exceed the recommended dose and frequency of use.
- If the drug causes stomach upset, it must be taken with food.
- Capsules should be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew before taking.
- Chewable tablets should be completely chewed before swallowing.
- Resorbable tablets or lozenges should be kept on the tongue until completely dissolved, and then washed down with a sip of liquid.
- When taking diphenhydramine in liquid form, measure the dosage using the measuring device included in the kit.
- Store at room temperature.
- If you are taking diphenhydramine regularly, take your dose as soon as possible if you miss it. Do not do this only if there is little time left until the next appointment. In no case do not double the dose at the next dose!
- Do not use an expired drug.
- Follow instructions for safe storage and disposal of the drug.
Learn more about diphenhydramine
Diphenhydramine (DPH)
Diphenhydramine is a first generation antihistamine. Diphenhydramine is one of the main representatives of the group of antihistamines that block H1 receptors. It has a pronounced antihistamine activity. In addition, it has a local anesthetic effect, relaxes smooth muscles as a result of a direct antispasmodic action, moderately blocks the cholinergic receptors of the autonomic nerve ganglions.
An important feature of diphenhydramine is its sedative effect, which has some similarities with the action of neuroleptic substances; in appropriate doses, it has a hypnotic effect. It is also a mild antiemetic. In the action of diphenhydramine on the nervous system, along with the effect on histamine receptors (possibly H3 receptors in the brain), its central anticholinergic activity is of great importance.
When taken together, diphenhydramine enhances the effects of depressants such as alcohol, phenobarbital and benzodiazepine drugs. Also in experiments on rats, it was found that diphenhydramine enhances the analgesic effect induced by morphine, but not by endogenous opioids.
Diphenhydramine is mainly used in the treatment of urticaria, hay fever, serum sickness, hemorrhagic vasculitis (capillarotoxicosis), vasomotor rhinitis, angioedema, pruritic dermatoses, acute iridocyclitis, allergic conjunctivitis and other allergic diseases, allergic complications from taking various drugs, including antibiotics.
Like other antihistamines, diphenhydramine is used in the treatment of radiation sickness. In bronchial asthma, diphenhydramine is relatively inactive, but it can be prescribed for this disease in combination with theophylline, ephedrine and other drugs.
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