Erowid Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, DPH) Vault

diphenhydramine

Final 2.7 Days of Erowid Support-a-thon - Help!

Support Erowid's visionary education and harm-reduction efforts.
Contribute $20 - $3,000 and have your donation DOUBLED
during our September Matching Challenge

Diphenhydramine

COMMON & BRAND NAMES

Benadryl; Benylin; Nytol; Sominex; DPH

EFFECTS CLASSIFICATION

Antihistamine; Sedative; Antiemetic; Antivertigo; Antitussive; Topical Anaesthetic

CHEMICAL NAME

2-(diphenylmethoxy)-N,N-dimethylethylamine

DESCRIPTION

Diphenhydramine (DPH) is an antihistamine with anticholinergic and sedative effects. It is found in both OTC and prescription drugs used in the treatment of allergy-related symptoms, some cold and flu symptoms, insomnia, motion sickness and Parkinson's disease.

CAUTION

Many oral diphenhydramine preparations contain analgesics such as acetaminophen/paracetamol or aspirin, which can be toxic to the liver in high doses.