Benadryl® (
diphenhydramine hydrochloride) is an antihistamine product that is available both over the counter and by prescription. There are many approved uses for this medication, although most people use Benadryl for
allergies. This drug is available in many different forms; only oral Benadryl products are approved to treat
allergy symptoms due to
hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies.
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). Since allergic reactions are partly caused by the release of histamine from certain cells in the body, Benadryl can help relieve or prevent allergy symptoms.
(Click Benadryl Uses for more information about using Benadryl for allergies, to find out which products are approved for use in children, and to learn about off-label uses for this medication.)
