Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride Description

Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride is the generic name for Benadryl and is available as a prescribed allergy treatment that is usually administered by a healthcare professional as an injection in an emergency situation or when oral medication is not possible. Generic Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride is an antihistamine that possesses properties to relieve allergy symptoms such as rash, itching, watery eyes, coughing, runny nose, and sneezing. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Antihistamines block the effects of histamine, a chemical in our body by “coating” receptors on cells in your nose and throat, preventing histamine from binding to them. When histamine is released in response to an allergen, it binds to special sites called receptors. This is the cause of inflammation, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing and other symptoms. If your doctor feels it necessary for you to receive an allergy treatment but you are unable to do so orally, Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride injection may be prescribed.

Conditions Treated by Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride

The most common use of this drug is to treat allergic reactions because Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride is a strong antihistamine. An allergic reaction is a way for the body to fend off what it sees as an intruder. Histamines are used by the immune system to fight these intruders, but when they overreact to a harmless substance, it can lead to the typical symptoms of an allergic reaction. In cases of life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) a Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride injection is administered immediately to stop the release of histamines and other chemicals from lowering blood pressure and causing hives and swelling.

Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride injection may also be administered to treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness caused by motion sickness when medications cannot be given orally.

Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride is also effective at blocking acetylcholine, so an injection may be given alone or with other medications to treat shaking (tremor) and muscle stiffness caused by Parkinson's disease or for the side effects of psychiatric meds that can cause involuntary movements and muscle stiffness and medication cannot be given by mouth.

Before You Use Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride

Before receiving a Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride injection, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems such as asthma or emphysema, glaucoma, heart problems, high blood pressure, liver disease, mental/mood disorders, seizures, stomach problems, overactive thyroid, or difficulty urinating.

Warnings for Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride

Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride may make you drowsy or cause blurred vision. You should not drive or perform any task that requires mental alertness until you know how the medication will affect you.

Possible Side Effects of Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride

• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Upset stomach
• Constipation
• Dry mouth

Drugs Similar to Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride

• Atarax
• Vistaril
• Bonine