(pharmacology) An antihistamine and anticholinergic drug that blocks the effect of histamine at H₁ receptor sites, relieving allergy symptoms. It also reduces smooth muscle contraction, increases heart rate, and sedates the user by blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs).
Used in a Sentence
diphenhydramine
Definition, parts of speech, synonyms, and sentence examples for diphenhydramine.
Editorial note
As someone who takes ~70mg of diphenhydramine per night to help with insomnia, this is terrifying to me.
Examples18
Definitions1
Parts of speech1
Quick take
(pharmacology) An antihistamine and anticholinergic drug that blocks the effect of histamine at H₁ receptor sites, relieving allergy symptoms. It also reduces smooth muscle contraction, increases heart rate, and sedates the user by blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs).
Meaning at a glance
The clearest senses and uses of diphenhydramine gathered in one view.
Definitions
Core meanings and parts of speech for diphenhydramine.
noun
(pharmacology) An antihistamine and anticholinergic drug that blocks the effect of histamine at H₁ receptor sites, relieving allergy symptoms. It also reduces smooth muscle contraction, increases heart rate, and sedates the user by blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs).
Example sentences
As someone who takes ~70mg of diphenhydramine per night to help with insomnia, this is terrifying to me.
Heroin and cocaine is a fairly common combination, and diphenhydramine is sometimes used to potentiate opiates (such as heroin).
And if you're a fan of Benadryl (diphenhydramine), don't expect to buy it in Latin America.
Same with diphenhydramine, overactive inflammatory response causes allergies, allergic people take allergy meds, and too much inflammation contributes to dementia.
Some allergy pills (diphenhydramine) are also so good at causing drowsiness they’re sold as sleep aides.
Older first generation antihistamines such as Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Doxylamine (Nyquil) have substantial Anticholinergic activity.
I think that was Diphenhydramine (benadryl) that may have that long term risk via being an Anticholinergic.
Dramamine/Gravol (dimenhydrinate) is just benadryl (diphenhydramine) plus the caffeine analogue theophylline.
There are two kinds of Unisom: diphenhydramine and doxylamine succinate.
Medications like zolpidem and diphenhydramine are definitely off the table.
You can also try cycling diphenhydramine 40-100 mg, melatonin 0.5 - 1.5 mg, and orange blossom water, never taking any one more than two nights in succession.
Personally, I find diphenhydramine (benadryl) pretty good for occasional help nodding off.
Quote examples
The most extreme example, one of the "dirtiest" drugs, is benadryl aka diphenhydramine, an over the counter common drug.
I don't buy "cold medicine", I buy ibuprofen, diphenhydramine, pseudoephedrine or whatever else I decide, and I'll dose each based on my symptoms.
For instance, when I enter "stuffy nose" and "trouble sleeping" into the site, I get products with diphenhydramine, phenylephrine, and...
[1] can cause to cause extreme sleepiness, dizziness, and/or nausea in some people [2] many antihistamines - such as diphenhydramine ("Benadryl") which is over-the-counter - are well-known to be powerful deliriants.
Proper noun examples
Diphenhydramine/Benadryl is extremely effective if you're looking to be permanently thirsty with a side of terrifying thoughts.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl/OTC Sleep Aids) use is associated with an increased risk of dementia [1], while benzodiazepines like Xanax and Ativan are strongly associated with long term cognitive deficits [2].
Frequently asked questions
Short answers drawn from the clearest meanings and examples for this word.
How do you use diphenhydramine in a sentence?
As someone who takes ~70mg of diphenhydramine per night to help with insomnia, this is terrifying to me.
What does diphenhydramine mean?
(pharmacology) An antihistamine and anticholinergic drug that blocks the effect of histamine at H₁ receptor sites, relieving allergy symptoms. It also reduces smooth muscle contraction, increases heart rate, and sedates the user by blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs).
What part of speech is diphenhydramine?
diphenhydramine is commonly used as noun.