What drug class is diphenhydramine?

diphenhydramine is classified as a Histamine H1 Receptor Antagonists.

Is there a generic version of diphenhydramine?

Yes, generic versions of diphenhydramine are available. See the Exact Equivalents section above for FDA-rated generic alternatives.

How does diphenhydramine work?

diphenhydramine mechanism of action information is available in the Drug Information section of this page.

Diphenhydramine

Also sold as: Banophen, Calagel, Benadryl, Percogesic Reformulated Jan 2011, Wal-Dryl (+6 more)

Histamine H1 Receptor AntagonistsPrescription OnlyGeneric Available

Related Medications

Important: Only drugs listed as "Exact Equivalents" (FDA AB-rated) are confirmed interchangeable. All other listings are for informational reference only and do NOT indicate that drugs can be substituted without a physician's explicit guidance.

Same Pharmacologic Class

These drugs share a pharmacologic classification but are NOT interchangeable. Listing here does not imply clinical equivalence. A physician must evaluate each drug individually for the patient's specific condition.

Classification: Histamine H1 Receptor Antagonists (source: RxClass/NLM)

Insurance Coverage User-Reported

Community Data Disclaimer: Insurance coverage information below was submitted by RxSaurus users and has not been verified by RxSaurus. Coverage varies by plan, year, geography, and individual circumstances. Drug formulary status, prior authorization requirements, and tier placements change frequently. Always verify coverage directly with the patient's insurance plan or pharmacy benefits manager before prescribing or dispensing.

No community coverage data yet for diphenhydramine.

Coverage data submission coming soon.

Drug Information

Indications & 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

Dosage & Administration

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)

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

Verify with Primary Sources

Always verify clinical information with authoritative sources.

DailyMed (NLM/NIH)FDA-approved drug labeling↗FDA Orange BookTherapeutic equivalence data↗RxNorm (NLM/NIH)Drug nomenclature & relationships↗