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diphenhydramine

American  
[dahy-fen-hahy-druh-meen] / ˌdaɪ fɛnˈhaɪ drəˌmin /

noun

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


Etymology

Origin of diphenhydramine

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


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Anticholinergics also include diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in over-the-counter products like Benadryl.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 8, 2026

And while sedating antihistamines like diphenhydramine might help you sleep at night, they don't treat the cough itself.

From BBC ● Dec. 3, 2025

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.

From Washington Post ● Apr. 26, 2023

For example, the active ingredient in Benadryl, diphenhydramine, is banned in Zambia in over-the counter products.

From New York Times ● Jan. 19, 2018

Medical solutions range from an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine as needed for the itching that can result from mild eczema to topical prescription steroid cream for more serious cases.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 31, 2011

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