An
antihistamine, primarily used to reduce mucus secretion (e.g., clear up stuffy nose) or allergic inflamation (e.g., make bug bites stop itching). It also has
sedative effects and care should be taken when combining with
alcohol or other
depressants.
Diphenhydramine is commonly known in the
U.S. as
Benadryl™, which is the name used by the
pharmaceutical company Warner-Lambert. It is sold
over the counter in tablets or capsules.