Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is the Active Ingredient in Benadryl™?

Christian Petersen
Christian Petersen

The active ingredient in Benadryl™ is the drug diphenhydramine hydrochloride, sometimes simply called diphenhydramine or by one of two abbreviations, DPH and DPM. Diphenhydramine was one of the first antihistamines available and was developed in the 1940s. It was the first drug approved as a prescription antihistamine, blocking the effects on the body of a naturally occurring chemical called histamine, which the human body produces as a response to allergens. Today, it is commonly available over the counter in a very large number of products of which Benadryl™ is one of the more well known brands. Its primary use is for the treatment of symptoms of common allergies, such as hay fever, but it is also used as an ingredient in sleep aid medications, due to its sedative effect, to treat hives and skin rashes due to allergic reactions, and for other uses.

While many of the products sold under the Benadryl™ brand contain other active ingredients, such as acetaminophen and phenylephrine, the only active ingredient in Benadryl™ itself is diphenhydramine. Benadryl™ is sold as a treatment for symptoms of the common cold or allergies such as hay fever or pet allergies. Formulations containing the active ingredient in Benadryl™ are sold as both an ingestible medication and as a topical ointment or cream. The topical forms are used locally to treat mild pain, swelling and itching of skin rashes, hives and insect bites.

The active ingredient in Benadryl™ is also used in medical sleep aids.
The active ingredient in Benadryl™ is also used in medical sleep aids.

Diphenhydramine is not the active ingredient in Benadryl™ only. It is present in a large number of products, sold by many manufacturers, and is often combined with other medications for the treatment of cold and flu symptoms. The drug is used for a number of purposes besides the treatment of allergy symptoms. Motion sickness, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and severe allergic reactions can all be treated with diphenhydramine.

Benadryl can be used to treat hives.
Benadryl can be used to treat hives.

As diphenhydramine can have several possible effects on the human body other than as an antihistamine, it is sometimes used for other uses than described on the package, sometimes at the suggestion of a doctor or pharmacist. Of course, no medication should be used in any way other than indicated by its instructions without first consulting a doctor. Failure to use any medication in accordance with its instructions or those of a doctor can result in serious health problems.

Discussion Comments

turquoise

@stoneMason-- Increased blood pressure isn't listed as a side effect of diphenhydramine but I don't think that all of the possible side effects are listed. Thanks for mentioning this, I will tell my husband because he too has high blood pressure. I had heard that Benadryl can cause excitability in children, I wonder if this is related.

stoneMason

I can't take Benadryl because of the diphenhydramine. I have high blood pressure and diphenhydramine increases my blood pressure. I took it once when I had a cold and my blood pressure went up to 160. I don't know if everyone reacts to this active ingredient the same way. But my body doesn't seem to tolerate antihistamines well.

literally45

Diphenhydramine appears to be an addictive drug. I had to use it frequently when I had chronic allergies. When I stopped using it, I experienced some withdrawal side effects like difficulty sleeping.

So I don't think it's a good idea to use diphenhydramine as a sleep aid. Benadryl is meant to be a short-term treatment of allergies. It is not something that should be taken long term and it should never be used for things like difficulty sleeping or stress. It's best to use it only when absolutely necessary and at the lowest effective dose in my opinion.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • The active ingredient in Benadryl™ is also used in medical sleep aids.
      By: Anna Khomulo
      The active ingredient in Benadryl™ is also used in medical sleep aids.
    • Benadryl can be used to treat hives.
      By: Rob Byron
      Benadryl can be used to treat hives.
    • Diphenhydramine is often used to treat allergies and hay fever.
      By: FedeCandoniPhoto
      Diphenhydramine is often used to treat allergies and hay fever.
    • Diphenhydramine hydrochloride, which is the active ingredient in Benadryl, can also be used to treat Parkinson's disease.
      By: krutoeva
      Diphenhydramine hydrochloride, which is the active ingredient in Benadryl, can also be used to treat Parkinson's disease.