Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine used to treat a number of conditions including allergicsymptoms and itchiness, the common cold, insomnia, motion sickness, and extrapyramidal symptoms. Diphenhydramine also has local anesthetic properties, and has been used as such in people allergic to common local anesthetics such as lidocaine.

Allergies 
Diphenhydramine is effective in treatment of allergies.  As of 2007 it was the most commonly used antihistamine for acute allergic reactions in the emergency department. 
By injection it is often used in addition to epinephrine for anaphylaxis.  Its use for this purpose had not been properly studied as of 2007.  Its use is only recommended once acute symptoms have improved.
Topical formulations of diphenhydramine are available, including creams, lotions, gels, and sprays. These are used to relieve itching, and have the advantage of causing fewer systemic effects (e.g., drowsiness) than oral forms. 

Movement disorders 
Diphenhydramine is used to treat Parkinson's disease-like extrapyramidal symptoms caused byantipsychotics. 

Sleep 
Because of its sedative properties, diphenhydramine is widely used in nonprescription sleep aids for insomnia. The drug is an ingredient in several products sold as sleep aids, either alone or in combination with other ingredients such as acetaminophen (paracetamol). An example of the latter is Tylenol PM. Diphenhydramine can cause minor psychological dependence.  Diphenhydramine can cause sedation and has also been used as an anxiolytic. 

Nausea 
Diphenhydramine also has antiemetic properties, which make it useful in treating the nausea that occurs invertigo and motion sickness.


Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine used to treat a number of conditions including allergic symptoms and itchiness, the common cold, insomnia, motion sickness, and extrapyramidal symptoms.

Diphenhydramine has been found to have a higher efficacy in treatment of allergies than some second-generation antihistamines (such as desloratadine) but a similar efficacy with others (such as cetirizine).It is frequently used when an allergic reaction requires fast, effective reversal of a massive histamine release.

Diphenhydramine is available as an over-the-counter drug or prescription-only solution for injection. Injectable diphenhydramine can be used for life-threatening reactions (anaphylaxis) to allergens such as bee stings, peanuts, or latex.




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