Diphenhydramine Interactions
Diphenhydramine is used to relieve red, irritated, itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; and runny nose caused by hay fever, allergies, or the common cold. Diphenhydramine is also used to relieve cough caused by minor throat or airway irritation. Diphenhydramine is also used to prevent and treat motion sickness, and to treat insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep). Diphenhydramine is also used to control abnormal movements in people who have early stage parkinsonian syndrome (a disorder of the nervous system that causes difficulties with movement, muscle control, and balance) or who are experiencing movement problems as a side effect of a medication.
Diphenhydramine will relieve the symptoms of these conditions but will not treat the cause of the symptoms or speed recovery. Diphenhydramine should not be used to cause sleepiness in children. Diphenhydramine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.
Brand Names Associated with Diphenhydramine
- Advil PM® (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Ibuprofen)
- Alahist LQ® (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Phenylephrine)
- Aldex CT® (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Phenylephrine)
- Aler-Dryl®
- Aleve PM® (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Naproxen)
- Allergia-C®
- Allermax®
- Altaryl®
- Anacin P.M. Aspirin Free® (as a combination product containing Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine)
- Banophen®
- Bayer Aspirin PM® (as a combination product containing Aspirin, Diphenhydramine)
- Ben Tann®
- Benadryl-D Allergy Plus Sinus® (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Phenylephrine)
- Benadryl®
- Bromanate AF®
- Children's Dimetapp Nighttime Cold and Congestion® (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Phenylephrine)
- Compoz Nighttime Sleep Aid®
- Dicopanol®
- Diphedryl®
- Diphen®
- Diphenadryl®
- Diphenhist®
- Diphenhydramine
- Diphenylin®
- Doans PM® (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Magnesium Salicylate)
- Dytan®
- Endal HD® (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Phenylephrine)
- Excedrin PM® (as a combination product containing Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine)
- Goody's PM® (as a combination product containing Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine)
- Hydramine®
- Legatrin PM® (as a combination product containing Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine)
- Masophen PM® (as a combination product containing Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine)
- Midol PM® (as a combination product containing Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine)
- Motrin PM® (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Ibuprofen)
- Nytol®
- Pardryl®
- PediaCare Children's Allergy and Cold® (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Phenylephrine)
- PediaCare Children's Allergy®
- Robitussin Night Time Cough and Cold® (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Phenylephrine)
- Siladryl®
- Silphen®
- Sominex®
- Sudafed PE Day/Night Cold® (as a combination product containing Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Diphenhydramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine)
- Sudafed PE Day/Night Congestion® (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Phenylephrine)
- Sudafed PE Severe Cold® (as a combination product containing Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, Phenylephrine)
- Tekral® (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Pseudoephedrine)
- Theraflu Nighttime Severe Cold and Cough® (as a combination product containing Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, Phenylephrine)
- Triaminic Night Time Cold and Cough® (as a combination product containing Diphenhydramine, Phenylephrine)
- Tylenol Allergy Multi-Symptom Nighttime® (as a combination product containing Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, Phenylephrine)
- Tylenol Severe Allergy® (as a combination product containing Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine)
- Unisom with Pain Relief® (as a combination product containing Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine)
- Unisom®
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- Contraindicated
- Major
- Pregabalin
- Gabapentin
- Quetiapine
- Hydrocodone
- Bupropion
- Trazodone
- Tramadol
- Alprazolam
- Clonazepam
- Alfentanil
- Amantadine
- Amifampridine
- Benzhydrocodone
- Bromazepam
- Bromopride
- Butorphanol
- Cannabidiol
- Cannabis
- Carbinoxamine
- Cetirizine
- Clobazam
- Clozapine
- Codeine
- Daridorexant
- Dexmedetomidine
- Dihydrocodeine
- Donepezil
- Doxylamine
- Esketamine
- Fentanyl
- Flibanserin
- Gabapentin Enacarbil
- Glucagon
- Glycopyrrolate
- Glycopyrronium Tosylate
- Hydromorphone
- Ketamine
- Lacosamide
- Lemborexant
- Levocetirizine
- Levorphanol
- Linezolid
- Lofexidine
- Loxapine
- Meclizine
- Meperidine
- Methacholine
- Methadone
- Metoclopramide
- Midazolam
- Morphine
- Morphine Sulfate Liposome
- Nalbuphine
- Olanzapine
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- Pentazocine
- Periciazine
- Phenobarbital
- Pitolisant
- Primidone
- Remifentanil
- Remimazolam
- Revefenacin
- Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b-njft
- Scopolamine
- Secretin Human
- Sufentanil
- Tapentadol
- Tiotropium
- Topiramate
- Zolpidem
- Zuranolone
- Moderate
- Minor
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What Do The Severity Ratings Mean?
Contraindicated
These drugs, generally, should not be used together simultaneously due to the high risk of severe adverse effects. Combining these medications can lead to dangerous health outcomes and should be strictly avoided unless otherwise instructed by your provider.
Major
This interaction could result in very serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. If you are taking this drug combination, it is very important to be under close medical supervision to minimize severe side effects and ensure your safety. It may be necessary to change a medication or dosage to prevent harm.
Moderate
This interaction has the potential to worsen your medical condition or alter the effectiveness of your treatment. It's important that you are monitored closely and you potentially may need to make adjustments in your treatment plan or drug dosage to maintain optimal health.
Minor
While this interaction is unlikely to cause significant problems, it could intensify side effects or reduce the effectiveness of one or both medications. Monitoring for changes in symptoms and your condition is recommended, and adjustments may be made if needed to manage any increased or more pronounced side effects.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific circumstances and medical conditions.
Drug interaction information is compilated from several drug compendia, including:
- Gold Standard Drug Database
- Micromedix
- Lexicomp
- PubMed
The information posted is fact-checked by HelloPharmacist clinicians and reviewed quarterly.