Medicines
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Brand: Benadryl, Sominex, Nytol, Unisom SleepGels, Allerdryl, Diphen, Sleep-Eze
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine primarily used to treat allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes. It belongs to the ethanolamine class of antihistamines and works by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical released by the body during an allergic reaction. It also has sedative properties and is sometimes used to treat insomnia or motion sickness.
For allergy symptoms, insomnia, and motion sickness.
Outcome:
Increased drowsiness and impaired coordination
Mechanism:
Additive CNS depression
Outcome:
Increased sedation
Mechanism:
Additive CNS depression
Outcome:
Reduced sedative effect of diphenhydramine
Mechanism:
Caffeine's stimulant effects
Most likely new formulation: Extended-release formulation for insomnia (2025, 70% confidence).
Based on consistent OTC availability and safety profile, diphenhydramine's regulatory status is predicted to remain stable (95% confidence).
Antihistamine, Sedative, Anticholinergic
Ethanolamine