Benardryl medication card.docx – Brand Name Generic Name Pharmacologic Class Benardryl diphenhydramine Antihistamines 1st Generation Antiemetic Agents

Brand Name
&
Generic Name
Benardryl
diphenhydramine
Pharmacologic
Class
Antihistamines, 1st Generation, Antiemetic Agents
.
Therapeutic Class
Antihistamine
(H1-receptor antagonist)
Mechanism of
Action
Diphenhydramine is an
antihistamine
used for treating
allergic
reactions.
Histamine is released by the body during several types of allergic reactions
and--to a lesser extent--during some viral infections, such as the
common
cold
. When histamine binds to receptors on cells, it stimulates changes
within the cells that lead to the release of chemicals that
cause
sneezing
,
itching
, and
increased
mucus
production.
Antihistamines
compete with histamine for cell
receptors and bind to the receptors without stimulating the cells. In addition,
they prevent histamine from binding and stimulating the cells.
Diphenhydramine also blocks the action of acetylcholine (anticholinergic
effect) and is used as a sedative because it causes drowsiness.