Benadryl Allergy Medication

Benadryl^® ( diphenhydramine hydrochloride) is an antihistamine medication available both over the counter and with a prescription. It comes in many different forms and is used for a variety of different purposes, including the treatment of allergies and insomnia.

 

Benadryl is part of a class of drugs called antihistamines. Specifically, it is an H1 receptor antagonist. This means that it blocks a specific type of histamine receptor in the body (known as H1 receptors). As an allergy medication, Benadryl is effective at relieving and preventing allergy symptoms because allergic reactions are partly caused by the release of histamine from certain cells in the body.

 

As with any medicine, Benadryl can cause side effects. In most cases, side effects are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated. Of course, some "side effects" of Benadryl allergy medication (such as drowsiness) are not considered to be side effects in certain situations (such as if you are taking the medication to sleep). Common side effects of Benadryl include drowsiness, dizziness, coordination problems, and indigestion or heartburn.