Brand Names: Aler-Tab, Allergy, Allermax, Altaryl, Benadryl Allergy, Benadryl DF, Benadryl Dye Free Allergy, Benadryl Ultratab, Children's Allergy, Diphen Cough, Diphenhist, Dytuss, PediaCare Children's Allergy, Q-Dryl, Q-Dryl A/F, Siladryl, Siladryl Allergy, Silphen Cough, Simply Sleep, Sleep-ettes, Sleep-ettes D, Sominex Maximum Strength Caplet, Theraflu Thin Strips Multi Symptom, Triaminic Thin Strips Cough & Runny Nose, Unisom Sleepgels Maximum Strength, Valu-Dryl

Generic Name: diphenhydramine (Pronunciation: DYE fen HYE dra meen)

• What is diphenhydramine (Benadryl)?
• What are the possible side effects of diphenhydramine?
• What is the most important information I should know about diphenhydramine?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking diphenhydramine?
• How should I take diphenhydramine?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while taking diphenhydramine?
• What other drugs will affect diphenhydramine?
• Where can I get more information?

What is diphenhydramine (Benadryl)?

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine. Diphenhydramine blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body.

Diphenhydramine is used to treat sneezing; runny nose; itching, watery eyes; hives; rashes; itching; and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold.

Diphenhydramine is also used to suppress coughs, to treat motion sickness, to induce sleep, and to treat mild forms of Parkinson's disease.

Diphenhydramine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Benadryl Ultratab 25 mg

oblong, pink, imprinted with 25, B

Diphenhist 25 mg

clear/pink, imprinted with 44-107

Diphenhydramine 25 mg Cap-IVA

pink/white, imprinted with LNK 25

Diphenhydramine 25 mg Cap-MAJ

clear/pink, imprinted with CPC, 835, CPC 835

Diphenhydramine 25 mg-BAR

pink/white, imprinted with MUTUAL 103

Diphenhydramine 25 mg-EON

clear/pink, imprinted with E648

Diphenhydramine 50 mg-BAR

pink, imprinted with barr, 059

Diphenhydramine 50 mg-EON

pink, imprinted with E649

Diphenhydramine 50 mg-QUA

pink, imprinted with AP, 21

What are the possible side effects of diphenhydramine?

Stop taking diphenhydramine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take diphenhydramine and talk to your doctor if you experience

• sleepiness, fatigue, or dizziness;
• headache;
• dry mouth; or
• difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Benadryl (diphenhydramine) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about diphenhydramine?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Diphenhydramine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking diphenhydramine.