Diphenhydramine

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

none

Nursing Considerations

may cause drowsiness, anorexia, dry mouth, nausea, chest tightness, thick secretions, hypotension, blurred vision, headache

anticholinergic effects

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