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Natural Health News Articles
| Posted: 7th August 2004 |
| Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) |
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Diphenhydramine hydrochloride (trade name Benadryl®) is an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine and sedative. It is also given in conjunction with typical antipsychotics to prevent tardive dyskinesia. It is a member of the ethanolamine class of antihistaminergic agents, and its chemical formula is C17H21NO • HCl.
Unlike true antihistamines, which prevent the release of histamine, diphenhydramine works by blocking the effect of histamine at H1 receptor sites. This results in effects such as the reduction of smooth muscle contraction, making diphenhydramine a popular choice for treatment of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, hives, motion sickness, and insect bites and stings.
Diphenhydramine is a first generation antihistamine drug, and like many other members of that group, is also a potent anticholinergic agent. This leads to drowsiness as a very common side-effect, with other side-effects possible, including sedation, motor impairment, dry mouth and throat, flushed skin, rapid or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia), blurred vision at nearpoint due to lack of accommodation (cycloplegia), abnormal sensitivity to bright light (photophobia), urinary retention, constipation, difficulty concentrating, short-term memory loss, visual disturbances, hallucinations, confusion, and delirium.
More popular, natural alternatives include Vitamin C, quercetin, feverfew and bee pollen.
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