Diphenhydramine Toxicity
- PMID: 32491510
- Bookshelf ID: NBK557578
Diphenhydramine Toxicity
Excerpt
Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine with anticholinergic and sedative properties. It is most commonly used for the treatment of nausea, vomiting, allergic rhinitis, mild to severe allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis), and as a mild sleep aid. While used for a wide array of medical indications, diphenhydramine is also one of the most commonly abused medications in the United States (U.S.). Acute intoxication with diphenhydramine can have severe, potentially fatal consequences if not managed appropriately in a timely manner.
Copyright © 2025, StatPearls Publishing LLC.
Conflict of interest statement
Sections
References
-
- Eckes L, Tsokos M, Herre S, Gapert R, Hartwig S. Toxicological identification of diphenhydramine (DPH) in suicide. Forensic Sci Med Pathol. 2013 Jun;9(2):145-53. - PubMed
-
- Gardner DM, Kutcher S. Dimenhydrinate abuse among adolescents. Can J Psychiatry. 1993 Mar;38(2):113-6. - PubMed
-
- Rowe C, Verjee Z, Koren G. Adolescent dimenhydrinate abuse: resurgence of an old problem. J Adolesc Health. 1997 Jul;21(1):47-9. - PubMed
-
- Hedegaard H, Bastian BA, Trinidad JP, Spencer M, Warner M. Drugs Most Frequently Involved in Drug Overdose Deaths: United States, 2011-2016. Natl Vital Stat Rep. 2018 Dec;67(9):1-14. - PubMed
Publication types
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources