diphenhydramine

= Diphenhydramine (aka Benadryl) =

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used for treating allergic reactions. Histamine is released by the body during several types of allergic reactions and--to a lesser extent--during some viral infections, such as the [|common cold] . When histamine binds to its receptors on cells, it stimulates changes within the cells that lead to sneezing, [|itching] , and increased mucus production. Antihistamines compete with histamine for cell receptors; however, when they bind to the receptors they do not stimulate the cells. In addition, they prevent histamine from binding and stimulating the cells. Diphenhydramine also blocks the action of acetylcholine (anticholinergic effect) and is used as a sedative because it causes drowsiness. The FDA originally approved diphenhydramine in 1946    Diphenhydramine is used for the relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of various allergic conditions such as seasonal [|allergic rhinitis] . It is also used to alleviate cold symptoms and chronic [|urticaria] (hives). Although antihistamines are the preferred class of drugs in allergic rhinitis, they only reduce symptoms by 40%-60%. Diphenhydramine also is used for allergic reactions involving the eyes (allergic conjunctivitis), to prevent or treat active [|motion sickness] , and for mild cases of [|Parkinsonism] <span style="background-color: #ffffff; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">, including drug-induced Parkinsonism. The last two uses (motion sickness and Parkinsonism) are based on the anticholinergic effects of diphenhydramine, and not its antihistamine effects. Diphenhydramine is also used for treating <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #0033cc; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">[|insomnia] <span style="background-color: #ffffff; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"> <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">Ogbru, Omudhome. "MedicineNet.com." //<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">MedicineNet //<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 16px;">. Ed. Jay W. Marks. Web. 24 Apr. 2012. <http://www.medicinenet.com/diphenhydramine/article.htm>.
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