diphenhydramine

Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine and sedative primarily used to treat symptoms of allergies (such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes), the common cold, motion sickness, insomnia, and certain symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It acts mainly as an inverse agonist at the histamine H1 receptor and also has significant anticholinergic properties. By blocking H1 receptors on effector cells in various tissues (including respiratory smooth muscle and vascular endothelium), it prevents but does not reverse histamine-mediated responses such as increased vascular permeability and sensory nerve stimulation. Its antiemetic effects are mediated through inhibition at the medullary chemoreceptor trigger zone. Diphenhydramine was developed by George Rieveschl and introduced commercially in 1946[4][5][6].

Brand names

BenadrylAllergy ReliefAllermaxBanophenCompoz Nighttime Sleep Aid

Other names

diphenhydramine