Table of Contents
Generic Name
Diphenhydramine
Trade Name
Benadryl
Indication
Allergy, anaphylaxis, sedation, motion sickness, antitussive
Action
Antagonizes effects of histamine, CNS depression
Therapeutic Class
Allergy, cold and cough remedy, antihistamine, antitussive
Pharmacologic Class
Antihistamine
Nursing Considerations
• May cause drowsiness, anorexia, dry mouth, nausea, chest tightness, thick
secretions, hypotension, blurred vision, headache
• Anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, sedation)
• Assess purpose of medication prior to giving it
• Assess allergies, sleep patterns, cough and lung sounds
• Patient should avoid other over-the-counter cough and cold remedies
