Drug Reference

Diphenhydramine

Aminoalkyl ethers

← All medicines · Aminoalkyl ethers

OTC
Calculate a pediatric dose
Weight-based dosing for Diphenhydramine in our pediatric calculator →

Fact box

Therapeutic class
Aminoalkyl ethers
Action class
Histamine-1 Receptor Antagonist
Mechanism
Histamine H1 Receptor Antagonists
Habit forming
No
Availability
Over-the-counter (OTC)

Brand names

AcetadrylAleve PMBanophenBanophen CreamBenadrylBenadryl Allergy Plus CongestionBenadryl Itch StoppingBenadryl-D Allergy and SinusBuckley's Bedtime FormulaCalagelCalagel Reformulated Jun 2019CompozDermamycinDiphedrylDiphenhistDoans PMDorminExcedrin PMExcedrin PM Triple ActionGenahistKids-Eeze AllergyLegatrin PMMotrin PMNytolPanadol PMPediaclear CoughPercogesic Reformulated Jan 2011Rest SimplyScot-Tussin AllergySiladrylSimply SleepSleep-EzeSleepinalSominexSomnapureTactThe Itch EraserTwiliteTylenol PMUnisom Sleep+14 more

Available as

50 MG · Oral Capsule325 MG · Oral Tablet0.0015 MG/MG · Topical Gel1 ML · Prefilled Syringe25 MG · Oral Tablet50 MG/ML · Injectable Solution0.02 MG/MG · Topical Gel1.25 MG/ML · Oral Solution10 MG/ML · Topical Cream10 MG/ML12.5 MG · Chewable Tablet2.5 MG/ML · Oral Solution25 MG · Oral Capsule20 MG/ML · Topical Cream20 MG/ML32 MG/ML · Oral Solution500 MG · Oral Tablet50 MG · Oral Tablet33.3 MG/ML · Oral Solution650 MG · Oral Tablet25 MG · Disintegrating Oral Tablet65 MG/ML · Oral Solution500 MG · Oral Capsule140 MG/ML · Topical Cream

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

Uses
Uses temporarily relieves these symptoms due to hay fever or other respiratory allergies: ■ sneezing ■ itching of the nose or throat ■ runny nose ■ itchy watery eyes ■temporarily relieves these symptoms due to the common cold: ■ sneezing ■ runny nose
How to use / dosing
Directions ■ if needed, take every 4-6 hours ■ do not take more than 6 doses in 24-hours children under 4 years of age Do not use children 4 to under 6 years of age Do not use unless directed by a doctor children 6 to under 12 years of age 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls (5 ml to 10 ml)

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
BreastfeedingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label. Check LactMed →
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
Warnings Do not use ■ with any other product containing diphenhydramine, even one used on skin ■ to make a child sleepy Ask a doctor before use if the child has ■ glaucoma ■ a breathing problem such as chronic bronchitis
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

179 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Authoritative sources

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.