diphenhydramine

noun

di·​phen·​hy·​dra·​mine ˌdī-ˌfen-ˈhī-drə-ˌmēn How to pronounce diphenhydramine (audio)
: an antihistamine C17H21NO used especially in the form of its hydrochloride

Examples of diphenhydramine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Older antihistamines, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), are known to cause significant side effects such as drowsiness. Daniel More, Verywell Health, 9 Mar. 2024 According to Albert, many other sleep aids on the market contain diphenhydramine. Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 8 Jan. 2024 In fact, one Cochrane review published in 2019 found that honey is likely more effective than no remedy, a placebo, or over-the-counter medicines that contain diphenhydramine (like Benadryl) at relieving cough symptoms in kids. Christine Byrne, Mph, SELF, 13 Nov. 2023 Over-the-Counter Medications For individuals prone to motion sickness, over-the-counter anti-nausea medications like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) offer a solution to prevent that woozy feeling. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 28 Oct. 2023 In fact, honey might relieve cough symptoms better than no treatment, diphenhydramine, and a placebo, a 2018 study found. Ashley Martens, Women's Health, 20 July 2023 However, diphenhydramine, like many medications, is not without its side effects and potential dangers. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 17 Apr. 2023 Many people use diphenhydramine to treat allergy symptoms. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 17 Apr. 2023 At these doses, diphenhydramine can also affect the heart, William Banner, M.D., M.P.H., past president of the American Association of Poison Control Centers Board of Directors and medical director of the Oklahoma Center for Poison & Drug Information, tells SELF. Sarah Jacoby, SELF, 4 Sep. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'diphenhydramine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of diphenhydramine was in 1948

Dictionary Entries Near diphenhydramine

Cite this Entry

“Diphenhydramine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diphenhydramine. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

diphenhydramine

noun
di·​phen·​hy·​dra·​mine ˌdī-ˌfen-ˈhī-drə-ˌmēn How to pronounce diphenhydramine (audio)
: an antihistamine used especially in the form of its hydrochloride C17H21NO·HCl to treat allergy symptoms and motion sickness and to induce sleep see benadryl

More from Merriam-Webster on diphenhydramine

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