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

Antihistamines to reduce the body's immune response (e.g., diphenhydramine) Bronchodilators to further open the airways (e.g., albuterol or an ipratropium bromide and albuterol combination) Insect Stings Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis are caused by exposure to an allergen. —Daniel More, Health, 24 Oct. 2024

According to the outlet, citing the New York Chief Medical Examiner's Office, Salazar's death was the result of combined effects from cocaine, cyclobenzaprine and diphenhydramine, a type of antihistamine. —Tommy McArdle, People.com, 24 Oct. 2024

Her autopsy found extremely high doses of diphenhydramine (the main ingredient in Benadryl) and acetaminophen (what’s found in Tylenol) in Miller’s system, along with the fentanyl. —Kavitha Surana, ProPublica, 18 Sep. 2024

Be Aware of Combination Products Many OTC and prescription medicines contain diphenhydramine alone or in combination with other drugs, such as pain relievers, fever reducers, and decongestants. —Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2024

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