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DiphenhydrAMINE Drug Information Provided by Lexi-Comp

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This information has been developed and provided by an independent third-party source. Merck & Co., Inc. does not endorse and is not responsible for the accuracy of the content, or for practices or standards of non-Merck sources.

Special Alerts

Health Canada: Labeling Changes for OTC Cough and Cold Preparations - December, 2008

Health Canada has issued an advisory to Canadian consumers regarding upcoming labeling changes for the use of over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines in children. Specific labeling changes as well as other important information may be found at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2008/2008_184-eng.php.

Manufacturers Voluntarily Change Pediatric OTC Product Labeling - October 7, 2008

Leading manufacturers of over-the-counter (OTC) pediatric cough and cold products, in consultation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have announced that they are voluntarily transitioning product labeling as it relates to children <4 years of age. The decision to change the labeling followed a meeting on October 2, 2008, conducted by the FDA to gather additional information related to the use of these products in children. The safety of the ingredients in these products was not in question. It was found that dosing errors and accidental ingestions were the leading cause of rare adverse events in children. The new product labeling will state “Do not use in children under four years of age.” In addition, products with certain antihistamines will warn parents not to use these products to sedate or make a child sleepy. Labeling of adult products will not change. New product labels will be introduced during the 2008-2009 cough and cold season and some products will have the updated labeling by mid-October. Products with the old labeling will not be removed from the market. Prescription products are not affected.

It is important to note that these medications have not been shown to be unsafe when used correctly. Pharmacists may continue to see health care practitioners recommending these agents for use in pediatric patients, and should help to ensure that they are being used safely and at appropriate dosages. Parents should be advised that OTC cough and cold products are safe and effective when used as directed, but that they should not be used in children <4 years of age unless instructed to do so by their healthcare provider. Counseling tips from the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) also include:

• Always follow dosing instructions exactly and use measuring devices provided with the medicine.

• Never give 2 medicines at the same time that contain the same active ingredient.

• Do not give a medicine intended for use in adults to a child.

Additional tips and information related to the labeling changes can be found on the following educational website of the CHPA: http://www.otcsafety.org.

The FDA had previously issued a Public Health Advisory reminding patients and caregivers that OTC cough and cold medications should not be used to treat infants and children <2 years of age. This is in response to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report which noted that during 2004 and 2005, ~1519 children <2 years of age were seen in emergency departments for adverse effects, including overdose, associated with products containing nasal decongestants (eg, pseudoephedrine), antihistamines (eg, carbinoxamine), and cough suppressants (eg, dextromethorphan). In October of 2007, several manufacturers voluntarily removed these products in order to help reduce dosing errors and overdose in this age group.

For additional information, refer to the following websites:

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm094913.htm

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2008/ucm116839.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5601a1.htm, Centers for Disease Control, “Infant Deaths Associated with Cough and Cold Medications - Two States, 2005,” MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep, 2007, 56(01):1-4.

Medication Safety Issues

Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) has reported cases of patients mistakenly swallowing Benadryl® Itch Stopping [OTC] gel intended for topical application. Unclear labeling and similar packaging of the topical gel in containers resembling an oral liquid are factors believed to be contributing to the administration errors. The topical gel contains camphor which can be toxic if swallowed. ISMP has requested the manufacturer to make the necessary changes to prevent further confusion.

Sound-alike/look-alike issues:

DiphenhydrAMINE may be confused with desipramine, dicyclomine, dimenhyDRINATE

Benadryl® may be confused with benazepril, Bentyl®, Benylin®, Caladryl®

Pronunciation

(dye fen HYE dra meen)

U.S. Brand Names

  • Aler-Cap [OTC]
  • Aler-Dryl [OTC]
  • Aler-Tab [OTC]
  • AllerMax® [OTC]
  • Altaryl [OTC]
  • Anti-Hist [OTC]
  • Banophen™ Anti-Itch [OTC]
  • Banophen™ [OTC]
  • Ben-Tann [DSC]
  • Benadryl® Allergy Quick Dissolve [OTC]
  • Benadryl® Allergy [OTC]
  • Benadryl® Children's Allergy Fastmelt® [OTC]
  • Benadryl® Children's Allergy Perfect Measure™
  • Benadryl® Children's Allergy [OTC]
  • Benadryl® Children's Dye-Free Allergy [OTC]
  • Benadryl® Children's Allergy Quick Dissolve [OTC] [DSC]
  • Benadryl® Dye-Free Allergy [OTC]
  • Benadryl® Itch Relief Extra Strength [OTC]
  • Benadryl® Itch Stopping Extra Strength [OTC]
  • Benadryl® Itch Stopping [OTC]
  • Compoz® Nighttime Sleep Aid [OTC]
  • Dermamycin® [OTC]
  • Diphen [OTC]
  • Diphenhist® [OTC]
  • Dytan™
  • Genahist™ [OTC]
  • Histaprin [OTC]
  • Hydramine [OTC]
  • Nytol® Quick Caps [OTC]
  • Nytol® Quick Gels [OTC]
  • PediaCare® Children's Allergy [OTC]
  • PediaCare® Children's NightTime Cough [OTC]
  • Siladryl Allergy [OTC]
  • Silphen Cough [OTC]
  • Simply Sleep™ [OTC]
  • Sleep-ettes D [OTC]
  • Sleep-Tabs [OTC]
  • Sleepinal® [OTC]
  • Sominex® Maximum Strength [OTC]
  • Sominex® [OTC]
  • Theraflu® Thin Strips® Multi Symptom [OTC]
  • Triaminic Thin Strips® Children's Cough and Runny Nose [OTC]
  • Twilite® [OTC]
  • Unisom® SleepGels® Maximum Strength [OTC]
  • Unisom® SleepMelts™

Index Terms

  • Diphenhydramine Citrate
  • Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride
  • Diphenhydramine Tannate

Generic Available

Yes: Excludes chewable tablet, gel, liquid stick, orally-disintegrating tablet, strip

Canadian Brand Names

  • Allerdryl®
  • Allernix
  • Benadryl®
  • Nytol®
  • Nytol® Extra Strength
  • PMS-Diphenhydramine
  • Simply Sleep®

Pharmacologic Category

  • Histamine H1 Antagonist
  • Histamine H1 Antagonist, First Generation

Pharmacologic Category Synonyms

  • Antihistamine
  • Antihistamine, H1 Selective
  • H1 Antagonist
  • H1 Blocker
  • First Generation H1 Antagonist

Use: Labeled Indications

Symptomatic relief of allergic symptoms caused by histamine release including nasal allergies and allergic dermatosis; adjunct to epinephrine in the treatment of anaphylaxis; nighttime sleep aid; prevention or treatment of motion sickness; antitussive; management of Parkinsonian syndrome including drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms; topically for relief of pain and itching associated with insect bites, minor cuts and burns, or rashes due to poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac

Use: Dental

Symptomatic relief of nasal mucosal congestion

Pregnancy Risk Factor

B

Pregnancy Considerations

Teratogenic effects were not observed in animal studies. Diphenhydramine crosses the human placenta. One retrospective study showed an increased risk of cleft palate formation following maternal use of diphenhydramine during the 1st trimester of pregnancy; however, later studies have not confirmed this finding. Signs of toxicity and symptoms of withdrawal have been reported in infants following high doses or chronic maternal use close to term. Diphenhydramine has been evaluated for the treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum. It is generally not considered the antihistamine of choice for treating allergic rhinitis or nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

Lactation

Enters breast milk/contraindicated

Breast-Feeding Considerations

Infants may be more sensitive to the effects of antihistamines. Use while breast-feeding is contraindicated by the manufacturer.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to diphenhydramine or any component of the formulation; acute asthma; neonates or premature infants; breast-feeding; use as a local anesthetic (injection)

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• CNS depression: May cause CNS depression, which may impair physical or mental abilities; patients must be cautioned about performing tasks which require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery or driving).

Disease-related concerns:

• Asthma: Use with caution in patients with a history of asthma.

• Cardiovascular disease: Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease (including hypertension and ischemic heart disease).

• Increased intraocular pressure/glaucoma: Use with caution in patients with increased intraocular pressure or angle-closure glaucoma.

• Prostatic hyperplasia/urinary obstruction: Use with caution in patients with prostatic hyperplasia and/or GU obstruction.

• Pyloroduodenal obstruction: Use with caution in patients with pyloroduodenal obstruction (including stenotic peptic ulcer).

• Thyroid dysfunction: Use with caution in patients with thyroid dysfunction.

Concurrent drug therapy issues:

• Sedatives: Effects may be potentiated when used with other sedative drugs or ethanol.

Special populations:

• Elderly: Use with caution in the elderly; may be more sensitive to adverse effects.

• Pediatrics: Antihistamines may cause excitation in young children.

Dosage form specific issues:

• Phenylalanine: Some products may contain phenylalanine.

• Soy protein: Some preparations contain soy protein; avoid use in patients with soy protein or peanut allergies.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Self-medication (OTC use): Do not use with other products containing diphenhydramine, even ones used on the skin. Oral products are not for OTC use in children <6 years of age. Topical products should not be used on large areas of the body, or on chicken pox or measles. Healthcare provider should be contacted if topical use is needed for >7 days. Topical products are not for OTC use in children <2 years of age.

Adverse Reactions

Frequency not defined.

Cardiovascular: Chest tightness, extrasystoles, hypotension, palpitation, tachycardia

Central nervous system: Chills, confusion, convulsion, disturbed coordination, dizziness, euphoria, excitation, fatigue, headache, insomnia, irritability, nervousness, paradoxical excitement, restlessness, sedation, sleepiness, vertigo

Dermatologic: Photosensitivity, rash, urticaria

Endocrine & metabolic: Menstrual irregularities (early menses)

Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, constipation, diarrhea, dry mucous membranes, epigastric distress, nausea, throat tightness, vomiting, xerostomia

Genitourinary: Difficult urination, urinary frequency, urinary retention

Hematologic: Agranulocytosis, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Neuritis, paresthesia, tremor

Ocular: Blurred vision, diplopia

Otic: Labyrinthitis (acute), tinnitus

Respiratory: Nasal stuffiness, thickening of bronchial secretions, wheezing

Miscellaneous: Anaphylactic shock, diaphoresis

Metabolism/Transport Effects

Inhibits CYP2D6 (moderate)

Drug Interactions

Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors (Central): Anticholinergics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors (Central). Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors (Central) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Anticholinergics. If the anticholinergic action is a side effect of the agent, the result may be beneficial. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Alcohol (Ethyl): CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Alcohol (Ethyl). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Amphetamines: May diminish the sedative effect of Antihistamines. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Anticholinergics: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other Anticholinergics. Exceptions: Paliperidone. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Betahistine: Antihistamines may diminish the therapeutic effect of Betahistine. Risk C: Monitor therapy

CNS Depressants: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Codeine: CYP2D6 Inhibitors (Moderate) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Codeine. These CYP2D6 inhibitors may prevent the metabolic conversion of codeine to its active metabolite morphine. Risk C: Monitor therapy

CYP2D6 Substrates: CYP2D6 Inhibitors (Moderate) may decrease the metabolism of CYP2D6 Substrates. Exceptions: Tamoxifen. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Fesoterodine: CYP2D6 Inhibitors may increase serum concentrations of the active metabolite(s) of Fesoterodine. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Nebivolol: CYP2D6 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Nebivolol. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Pramlintide: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergics. These effects are specific to the GI tract. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Tamoxifen: CYP2D6 Inhibitors (Moderate) may decrease the metabolism of Tamoxifen. Specifically, CYP2D6 inhibitors may decrease the formation of highly potent active metabolites. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

TraMADol: CYP2D6 Inhibitors (Moderate) may diminish the therapeutic effect of TraMADol. These CYP2D6 inhibitors may prevent the metabolic conversion of tramadol to its active metabolite that accounts for much of its opioid-like effects. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Ethanol/Nutrition/Herb Interactions

Ethanol: Avoid ethanol (may increase CNS depression).

Herb/Nutraceutical: Avoid valerian, St John's wort, kava kava, gotu kola (may increase CNS depression).

Storage

Injection: Store at room temperature of 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F); protect from freezing. Protect from light.

Compatibility

Stable in dextran 6% in dextrose, dextran 6% in NS, D5LR, D51/4NS, D51/2NS, D5NS, D5W, D10W, fat emulsion 10%, LR, 1/2NS, NS.

Y-site administration: Compatible: Acyclovir, aldesleukin, amifostine, amsacrine, aztreonam, ciprofloxacin, cisatracurium, cisplatin, cladribine, cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, docetaxel, doxorubicin, doxorubicin liposome, etoposide phosphate, famotidine, filgrastim, fluconazole, fludarabine, gatifloxacin, gemcitabine, granisetron, heparin, hydrocortisone sodium succinate, idarubicin, linezolid, melphalan, meperidine, meropenem, methotrexate, ondansetron, paclitaxel, piperacillin/tazobactam, potassium chloride, propofol, remifentanil, sargramostim, sufentanil, tacrolimus, teniposide, thiotepa, vinorelbine, vitamin B complex with C. Incompatible: Allopurinol, amphotericin B cholesteryl sulfate complex, cefepime, foscarnet.

Compatibility in syringe: Compatible: Atropine, butorphanol, chlorpromazine, cimetidine, diatrizoate meglumine, diatrizoate meglumine 34.3% and diatrizoate sodium 35%, diatrizoate sodium, diatrizoate sodium 75%, dimenhydrinate, droperidol, fentanyl, fluphenazine, glycopyrrolate, hydromorphone, hydroxyzine, iohexol, iopamidol, iothalamate meglumine, iothalamate meglumine 60%, iothalamate sodium 80%, meperidine, metoclopramide, midazolam, morphine, nalbuphine, pentazocine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine edisylate, promazine, promethazine, ranitidine, scopolamine, sufentanil. Incompatible: Diatrizoate meglumine 52% and diatrizoate sodium 8%, diatrizoate sodium 60%, haloperidol, iodipamide meglumine, iodipamide meglumine 52%, ioxaglate meglumine 39.3% and ioxaglate sodium 19.6%, pentobarbital, thiopental. Variable (consult detailed reference): Dexamethasone sodium phosphate, diatrizoate meglumine 52% and diatrizoate sodium 8%.

Compatibility when admixed: Compatible: Amikacin, aminophylline, ascorbic acid injection, bleomycin, buprenorphine, colistimethate, erythromycin lactobionate, hydrocortisone sodium succinate, lidocaine, methyldopate, nafcillin, netilmicin, penicillin G potassium , penicillin G sodium, polymyxin B, vitamin B complex with C. Incompatible: Amobarbital, amphotericin B, dexamethasone sodium phosphate with lorazepam and metoclopramide, iodipamide meglumine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, thiopental. Variable (consult detailed reference): Heparin in solution.

Mechanism of Action

Competes with histamine for H1-receptor sites on effector cells in the gastrointestinal tract, blood vessels, and respiratory tract; anticholinergic and sedative effects are also seen

Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Onset of action: Maximum sedative effect: 1-3 hours

Duration: 4-7 hours

Distribution: Vd: 3-22 L/kg

Protein binding: 78%

Metabolism: Extensively hepatic n-demethylation via CYP2D6; minor demethylation via CYP1A2, 2C9 and 2C19; smaller degrees in pulmonary and renal systems; significant first-pass effect

Bioavailability: Oral: ~40% to 70%

Half-life elimination: 2-10 hours; Elderly: 13.5 hours

Time to peak, serum: 2-4 hours

Excretion: Urine (as unchanged drug)

Dosage

Note: Dosages are expressed as the hydrochloride salt.

Children:

Allergic reactions or motion sickness: Oral, I.M., I.V.: 5 mg/kg/day or 150 mg/m2/day in divided doses every 6-8 hours, not to exceed 300 mg/day

Alternate dosing by age: Oral:

2 to <6 years: 6.25 mg every 4-6 hours; maximum: 37.5 mg/day

6 to <12 years: 12.5-25 mg every 4-6 hours; maximum: 150 mg/day

?12 years: 25-50 mg every 4-6 hours; maximum: 300 mg/day

Night-time sleep aid: Oral: Children ?12 years: 50 mg at bedtime

Antitussive: Oral:

2 to <6 years: 6.25 mg every 4 hours; maximum 37.5 mg/day

6 to <12 years: 12.5 mg every 4 hours; maximum 75 mg/day

?12 years: 25 mg every 4 hours; maximum 150 mg/day

Treatment of dystonic reactions: I.M., I.V.: 0.5-1 mg/kg/dose

Relief of pain and itching: Topical: Children ?2 years: Apply 1% or 2% to affected area up to 3-4 times/day

Adults:

Allergic reactions or motion sickness: Oral: 25-50 mg every 6-8 hours

Antitussive: Oral: 25 mg every 4 hours; maximum 150 mg/24 hours

Nighttime sleep aid: Oral: 50 mg at bedtime

Allergic reactions or motion sickness: I.M., I.V.: 10-50 mg per dose; single doses up to 100 mg may be used if needed; not to exceed 400 mg/day

Dystonic reaction: I.M., I.V.: 50 mg in a single dose; may repeat in 20-30 minutes if necessary

Relief of pain and itching: Topical: Apply 1% or 2% to affected area up to 3-4 times/day

Elderly: Initial: 25 mg 2-3 times/day increasing as needed

Dental Usual Dosing

Symptomatic relief of nasal mucosal congestion: Adults: Oral: 25-50 mg every 6-8 hours

Administration: Oral

When used to prevent motion sickness, first dose should be given 30 minutes prior to exposure.

Administration: I.V.

Injection solution: For I.V. or I.M. administration only. Local necrosis may result with SubQ or intradermal use. For I.V. administration, inject at a rate ?25 mg/minute.

Administration: I.V. Detail

pH: 5-6

Monitoring Parameters

Relief of symptoms, mental alertness

Reference Range

Antihistamine effects at levels >25 ng/mL

Drowsiness at levels 30-40 ng/mL

Mental impairment at levels >60 ng/mL

Therapeutic: Not established

Toxic: >0.1 mcg/mL

Test Interactions

May suppress the wheal and flare reactions to skin test antigens

Dietary Considerations

Benadryl® Allergy strips contain sodium 4 mg per 25 mg strip.

Benadryl® Children's Allergy chewable tablets contain phenylalanine 4.2 mg, magnesium 15 mg, and sodium 2 mg per 12.5 mg tablet.

Benadryl® Children's Allergy Fastmelt® contains phenylalanine 4.5 mg/tablet and soy protein isolate (contraindicated in patients with soy protein allergies; use caution in peanut allergic individuals, ~10% are estimated to also have soy protein allergies).

Dytan™ chewable tablets contain phenylalanine.

Patient Education

Take as directed; do not exceed recommended dose. Avoid use of other depressants, alcohol, or sleep-inducing medications unless approved by prescriber. You may experience drowsiness or dizziness (use caution when driving or engaging in tasks requiring alertness until response to drug is known); or dry mouth, nausea, or vomiting (small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, chewing gum, or sucking hard candy may help). Report persistent sedation, confusion, or agitation; changes in urinary pattern; blurred vision; sore throat, respiratory difficulty, or expectorating (thick secretions); or lack of improvement or worsening or condition. Breast-feeding precaution: Do not breast-feed.

Geriatric Considerations

Diphenhydramine has high sedative and anticholinergic properties, so it may not be considered the antihistamine of choice for prolonged use in the elderly. Its use as a sleep aid is discouraged due to its anticholinergic effects; interpretive guidelines from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) discourage the use of diphenhydramine as a sedative or anxiolytic in long-term care facilities.

Additional Information

Diphenhydramine citrate 19 mg is equivalent to diphenhydramine hydrochloride 12.5 mg

Anesthesia and Critical Care Concerns/Other Considerations

Clinical Pearls/Comments: Diphenhydramine's use as a sleep aid is discouraged due to its anticholinergic effects.

Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

Key adverse event(s) related to dental treatment: Xerostomia (normal salivary flow resumes upon discontinuation) and dry mucous membranes. Chronic use of antihistamines will inhibit salivary flow, particularly in elderly patients; may contribute to periodontal disease and oral discomfort. See Dental Health Professional Considerations.

Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

No information available to require special precautions

Dental Comment

25-50 mg of diphenhydramine orally every 4-6 hours can be used to treat mild dermatologic manifestations of allergic reactions to penicillin and other antibiotics. Diphenhydramine is not recommended as local anesthetic for either infiltration route or nerve block since the vehicle has caused local necrosis upon injection. A 50:50 mixture of diphenhydramine liquid (12.5 mg/5 mL) in Kaopectate® or Maalox® is used as a local application for recurrent aphthous ulcers; swish 1 tablespoonful for 2 minutes 4 times/day.

Mental Health: Comment

Along with benztropine, considered the drug of choice for patients with acute dystonic reactions. The usual adult dosage is I.M. 50 mg. In an emergency situation (laryngeal spasm), it should be given intravenously. It is the most sedating antihistamine used to treat drug-induced EPS. Generally not a first-line agent for insomnia, but often utilized in individuals where benzodiazepines are contraindicated (eg, patients with a history of substance abuse).

Nursing: Physical Assessment/Monitoring

Assess effectiveness and interactions of other medications patient may be taking. Monitor effectiveness of therapy and adverse reactions at beginning of therapy and periodically with long-term use. Assess knowledge/teach patient appropriate use, interventions to reduce side effects, and adverse symptoms to report.

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product

Caplet, as hydrochloride: 25 mg, 50 mg

Aler-Dryl, AllerMax®, Compoz® Nighttime Sleep Aid, Sleep-ettes D, Sominex® Maximum Strength, Twilite®: 50 mg

Anti-Hist, Histaprin, Nytol® Quick Caps: 25 mg

Simply Sleep™: 25 mg [contains calcium 20 mg/caplet]

Capsule, as hydrochloride: 25 mg, 50 mg

Aler-Cap, Banophen™, Diphen, Diphenhist®, Genahist™: 25 mg

Benadryl® Allergy: 25 mg [contains calcium 35 mg/capsule]

Sleepinal®: 50 mg

Capsule, softgel, as hydrochloride: 50 mg

Benadryl® Dye-Free Allergy: 25 mg [dye-free]

Compoz® Nighttime Sleep Aid, Nytol® Quick Gels, Unisom® SleepGels® Maximum Strength: 50 mg

Captab, as hydrochloride:

Diphenhist®: 25 mg

Cream, as hydrochloride: 2% (30 g)

Banophen™ Anti-Itch: 2% (30 g) [contains zinc acetate 0.1%]

Benadryl® Itch Stopping: 1% (15 g, 30 g) [contains zinc acetate 0.1%]

Benadryl® Itch Stopping Extra Strength: 2% (15 g, 30 g) [contains zinc acetate 0.1%]

Diphenhist®: 2% (30 g) [contains zinc acetate 0.1%]

Elixir, as hydrochloride: 12.5 mg/5 mL

Altaryl: 12.5 mg/5 mL (120 mL, 480 mL, 3840 mL) [ethanol free; cherry flavor]

Banophen™: 12.5 mg/5 mL (120 mL)

Gel, topical, as hydrochloride:

Benadryl® Itch Stopping Extra Strength: 2% (120 mL)

Injection, solution, as hydrochloride: 50 mg/mL (1 mL, 10 mL)

Liquid, oral, as hydrochloride:

AllerMax®: 12.5 mg/5 mL (120 mL)

Benadryl® Children's Allergy: 12.5 mg/5 mL (120 mL, 240 mL) [ethanol free; contains sodium 14 mg/5 mL, sodium benzoate; cherry flavor]

Benadryl® Children's Allergy Perfect Measure™: 12.5 mg/5 mL (5 mL) [ethanol free; contains sodium 14 mg/5 mL, sodium benzoate; cherry flavor]

Benadryl® Children's Dye-Free Allergy: 12.5 mg/5 mL (120 mL) [ethanol free, dye free, sugar free; contains sodium 11 mg/5 mL, sodium benzoate; bubble gum flavor]

Genahist™: 12.5 mg/5 mL (120 mL) [ethanol free, sugar free; contains sodium benzoate; cherry flavor]

Hydramine: 12.5 mg/5 mL (120 mL, 480 mL) [ethanol free]

Siladryl Allergy: 12.5 mg/5 mL (120 mL, 240 mL, 480 mL) [ethanol free, sugar free; black cherry flavor]

Liquid, topical, as hydrochloride [spray]:

Benadryl® Itch Stopping Extra Strength: 2% (60 mL) [contains zinc acetate 0.1% and ethanol]

Dermamycin®: 2% (60 mL) [contains menthol 1%]

Liquid, topical, as hydrochloride [stick]:

Benadryl® Itch Relief Extra Strength: 2% (14 mL) [contains zinc acetate 0.1% and ethanol]

Solution, oral, as hydrochloride:

Diphenhist®: 12.5 mg/5 mL (120 mL, 480 mL) [ethanol free; contains sodium benzoate]

Strips, orally disintegrating, as hydrochloride:

Benadryl® Allergy Quick Dissolve: 25 mg (10s) [contains sodium 4 mg/strip; vanilla mint flavor]

Benadryl® Children's Allergy Quick Dissolve: 12.5 mg (10s) [vanilla mint flavor] [DSC]

Theraflu® Thin Strips® Multi Symptom: 25 mg (12s) [contains ethanol; cherry flavor]

Triaminic Thin Strips® Children's Cough and Runny Nose: 12.5 mg (14s) [contains ethanol; grape flavor]

Suspension, as tannate:

Ben-Tann: 25 mg/5 mL (120 ml) [contains sodium benzoate; strawberry flavor] [DSC]

Syrup, as hydrochloride:

PediaCare® Children's Allergy: 12.5 mg/5 mL (120 mL) [contains sodium 14 mg/5 mL, sodium benzoate; cherry flavor]

PediaCare® Children's NightTime Cough: 12.5 mg/5 mL (120 mL) [ethanol free; contains sodium 15 mg/5 mL, sodium benzoate; cherry flavor]

Silphen Cough: 12.5 mg/5 mL (120 mL, 240 mL, 480 mL) [contains ethanol 5%; strawberry flavor]

Tablet, as hydrochloride: 25 mg, 50 mg

Aler-Tab, Banophen™, Benadryl® Allergy, Genahist™, Sominex®, Sleep-Tabs: 25 mg

Tablet, chewable, as hydrochloride:

Benadryl® Children's Allergy: 12.5 mg [contains phenylalanine 4.2 mg, magnesium 15 mg, and sodium 2 mg per tablet; grape flavor] [DSC]

Tablet, chewable, as tannate:

Dytan™: 25 mg [contains phenylalanine; strawberry flavor]

Tablet, orally disintegrating, as citrate:

Benadryl® Children's Allergy Fastmelt®: 19 mg [equivalent to diphenhydramine hydrochloride 12.5 mg; contains phenylalanine 4.5 mg/tablet and soy protein isolate; cherry flavor] [DSC]

Tablet, orally dissolving, as hydrochloride:

Benadryl® Children's Allergy Fastmelt®: 12.5 mg [cherry and grape flavors]

Unisom® SleepMelts™: 25 mg [cherry flavor]

Pricing: U.S. (www.drugstore.com)

Capsules (DiphenhydrAMINE HCl)

50 mg (100): $13.99

Chewable (Dytan)

25 mg (60): $76.55

Liquid (Q-Dryl)

12.5 mg/5 mL (473): $13.01

Solution (DiphenhydrAMINE HCl)

50 mg/mL (25): $35.99

References

ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) “Practice Bulletin: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy,” Obstet Gynecol, 2004, 103(4):803-14.

Akutsu T, Kobayashi K, Sakurada K, et al, “Identification of Human Cytochrome P450 Isozymes Involved in Diphenhydramine N-Demethylation,” Drug Metab Dispos, 2007, 35(1):72-8.

Becker DE, “Management of Immediate Allergic Reactions,” Dent Clin North Am, 1995, 39(3):577-86

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International Brand Names

  • Alerace (PH)
  • Allerin AH (PH)
  • Allermin (JP)
  • Bedorma (CH)
  • Bena (HK)
  • Benadryl (AR, CO, CR, EC, GR, GT, HN, IN, MX, NI, PA, PH, SV, TH, VE)
  • Benadryl A (UY)
  • Benadryl Allergy (PE)
  • Benadryl for the Family Original (AU)
  • Benamine (TW)
  • Benocten (CH)
  • Benzhydraminum Hydrochloricum (PL)
  • Broncho D (IL)
  • Brudifen (MX)
  • Calmaben (BG)
  • Cathejell (IL)
  • Dermodrin (PL)
  • Diamine (TW)
  • Dibrondrin (AT)
  • Dimedrol (EE)
  • Dormutil (DE)
  • Dormutil N (NO)
  • Drafen (MX)
  • Dramelin (PH)
  • Histergan (AE, BB, BF, BH, BJ, BM, BS, BZ, CI, CY, EG, ET, GH, GM, GN, GY, IL, IQ, IR, JM, JO, KE, KW, LB, LR, LY, MA, ML, MR, MU, MW, NE, NG, NL, OM, PR, QA, SA, SC, SD, SL, SN, SR, SY, TN, TT, TZ, UG, YE, ZA, ZM, ZW)
  • Indumir (MX)
  • Nytol (IL)
  • Otede (ID)
  • Pasifen (CN)
  • R Calm (BE)
  • ratioAllerg (DE)
  • Recodryl (ID)
  • Resmin (JP)
  • Sleepia (DE)
  • Snuzaid (AU)
  • Somol (CN)
  • Therafilm (MX)
  • Unisom Sleepgels (AU)
  • Vena (JP)
  • Venasmin (JP)
  • Vicnite (MX)

Lexi-Comp.com

Last full review/revision August 2009