Diphenhydramine - Chris Aiken, MD

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Hypnotic (antihistamine)

Hypnotic⁴(12+)
Itch²

Features

Child-Studied, Generic, Sexual-free, Sedating, Medication, Child-Approved, Non-controlled, Bipolar-Safe

Handout

Dosing

25-50 mg hs

Management

Prefer hydroxyzine which is prescription but has fewer side effects. If your patient likes to take Tylenol PM or similar med for sleep, tell them to skip the liver/stomach damaging pain med and just take OTC benadryl for sedative effects

SE: cognitive impairment, anticholinergic (drying, constipation), weight gain.

EMR Text

Diphenhydramine

Diphenhydramine over the counter recommended based on FDA clearance for insomnia.

Diphenhydramine side effects reviewed with patient.

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