diphenhydramine

noun

di·​phen·​hy·​dra·​mine ˌdī-ˌfen-ˈhī-drə-ˌmēn 

: an antihistamine C₁₇H₂₁NO used especially in the form of its hydrochloride

Examples of diphenhydramine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The organization, which represents and collects data from 53 poison centers across the country, issued a health advisory Friday, June 12, warning parents and the public about an uptick in teen poisonings linked specifically to diphenhydramine. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 12 June 2026

Social media users have documented taking excessive amounts of diphenhydramine in an attempt to overcome the medication's drowsy effects and experience a euphoric feeling. —Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 11 June 2026

Connecticut Child Advocate Christina Ghio confirmed Wednesday that three children have died due to apparent diphenhydramine overdose in the last two months. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2026

For example, there is evidence that Benadryl (diphenhydramine) builds tolerance after just three days of use. —Kirstyn Hill, Health, 13 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

diphenhydramine

noun

di·​phen·​hy·​dra·​mine ˌdī-ˌfen-ˈhī-drə-ˌmēn 

: 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