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DIPHENHYDRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE

Generic: Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride

Verified·Apr 23, 2026
NDC
51662-1348
RxCUI
1049633
Route
INTRAMUSCULAR
ICD-10 indication
L50.9

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About DIPHENHYDRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE

What is this medication? Diphenhydramine hydrochloride is an antihistamine primarily used to manage symptoms of allergic reactions, such as itching, hives, watery eyes, and runny nose. It works by blocking histamine, a natural substance in the body that causes allergic responses. Beyond allergy relief, it is often utilized to treat the symptoms of the common cold, hay fever, and even motion sickness. In some cases, it may be prescribed to control abnormal movements in people who have early-stage Parkinson disease or as a result of side effects from other drugs. This medication is also well known for its sedative effects and is frequently used as a short-term treatment for insomnia to help patients fall asleep. Due to its ability to cause significant drowsiness, users must be cautious when performing tasks that require alertness. It is available in several forms, including oral capsules, liquids, and injections, depending on the severity of the condition being treated. Patients should follow the specific instructions provided by their healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective use.

Copay & patient assistance

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Prescribing information

From the FDA-approved label for DIPHENHYDRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE. Official source: DailyMed (NLM) · Label effective Dec 10, 2022

Indications and usage
INDICATIONS & USAGE Diphenhydramine hydrochloride in the injectable form is effective in adults and pediatric patients, other than premature infants and neonates, for the following conditions when diphenhydramine hydrochloride in the oral form is impractical. Antihistaminic For amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma, in anaphylaxis as an adjunct to epinephrine and other standard measures after the acute symptoms have been controlled, and for other uncomplicated allergic conditions of the immediate type when oral therapy is impossible or contraindicated. Motion Sickness For active treatment of motion sickness. Antiparkinsonism For use in parkinsonism, when oral therapy is impossible or contraindicated, as follows: parkinsonism in the elderly who are unable to tolerate more potent agents; mild cases of parkinsonism in other age groups, and in other cases of parkinsonism in combination with centrally acting anticholinergic agents.
Dosage and administration
DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION THIS PRODUCT IS FOR INTRAVENOUS OR INTRAMUSCULAR ADMINISTRATION ONLY. Diphenhydramine hydrochloride in the injectable form is indicated when the oral form is impractical. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. DOSAGE SHOULD BE INDIVIDUALIZED ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS AND THE RESPONSE OF THE PATIENT. Pediatric Patients, other than premature infants and neonates: 5 mg/kg/24 hr or 150 mg/m2/24 hr. Maximum daily dosage is 300 mg. Divide into four doses, administered intravenously at a rate generally not exceeding 25 mg/min, or deep intramuscularly. Adults: 10 to 50 mg intravenously at a rate generally not exceeding 25 mg/min, or deep intramuscularly, 100 mg if required; maximum daily dosage is 400 mg.
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS Use in Neonates or Premature Infants This drug should not be used in neonates or premature infants. Use in Nursing Mothers Because of the higher risk of antihistamines for infants generally, and for neonates and prematures in particular, antihistamine therapy is contraindicated in nursing mothers. Use as a Local Anesthetic Because of the risk of local necrosis, this drug should not be used as a local anesthetic. Antihistamines are also contraindicated in the following conditions: Hypersensitivity to diphenhydramine hydrochloride and other antihistamines of similar chemical structure.
Warnings
WARNINGS Antihistamines should be used with considerable caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, stenosing peptic ulcer, pyloroduodenal obstruction, symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy, or bladder-neck obstruction. Local necrosis has been associated with the use of subcutaneous or intradermal use of intravenous diphenhydramine hydrochloride. Use in Pediatric Patients In pediatric patients, especially, antihistamines in overdosage may cause hallucinations, convulsions, or death. As in adults, antihistamines may diminish mental alertness in pediatric patients. In the young pediatric patient, particularly, they may produce excitation. Use in the Elderly (approximately 60 years or older) Antihistamines are more likely to cause dizziness, sedation, and hypotension in elderly patients.
Adverse reactions
ADVERSE REACTIONS The most frequent adverse reactions are underscored. General: Urticaria, drug rash, anaphylactic shock, photosensitivity, excessive perspiration, chills, dryness of mouth, nose and throat. Cardiovascular System: Hypotension, headache, palpitations, tachycardia, extrasystoles. Hematologic System: Hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis. Nervous System: Sedation, sleepiness, dizziness, disturbed coordination, fatigue, confusion, restlessness, excitation, nervousness, tremor, irritability, insomnia, euphoria, paresthesia, blurred vision, diplopia, vertigo, tinnitus, acute labyrinthitis, neuritis, convulsions. GI System: Epigastric distress, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation. GU System: Urinary frequency, difficult urination, urinary retention, early menses. Respiratory System: Thickening of bronchial secretions, tightness of chest or throat and wheezing, nasal stuffiness.

Label text is reproduced as-is from the FDA-approved label. We do not paraphrase, summarize, or omit. Content above is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your prescribing clinician or pharmacist before making decisions about your medication.

Conditions we've indexed resources for

Click a condition to see copay cards, grants, and PA rules specific to it. For the full list of FDA-approved indications, see Prescribing information above.

Prior authorization & coverage

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How this page is sourced

  • Drug identity verified against openFDA NDC Directory.
  • Label text (when shown) originates from NLM DailyMed.
  • Copay and assistance URLs verified periodically; if you hit a broken link, tell us.