diphenhydramine

[dahy-fen-hahy-druh-meen]

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a white, crystalline, antihistaminic compound, C 17 H 21 NO, used orally, topically, and parenterally, especially for allergies.

Word History and Origins

Origin of diphenhydramine¹

First recorded in 1945–50; diphen(yl) + hydr- ² + amine

Example Sentences

A medical examiner’s report said that the teenager had been found with a “combined toxicity” of diphenhydramine, an antihistimine commonly used for allergies, and fluoxetine, a drug often used to treat depression.

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The 6-month-old was found unresponsive while in Vaillancourt’s care, and an autopsy determined she had high concentrations of diphenhydramine, the sedating ingredient in some over-the-counter antihistamines including the brand Benadryl.

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At 4:40 p.m., a nurse administered an injection that contained olanzapine, an antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and diphenhydramine, an antihistamine for treating allergies and colds, according to the filing.

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About 40% of incidents involved common over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and diphenhydramine.

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Q: I have taken diphenhydramine at bedtime for many years.

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