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NCGC00024414-06
Also known as: 58-73-1, Benadryl, Benzhydramine, 2-(benzhydryloxy)-n,n-dimethylethanamine, Alledryl, Probedryl
Molecular Formula
C17H21NO
Molecular Weight
255.35  g/mol
InChI Key
ZZVUWRFHKOJYTH-UHFFFAOYSA-N
FDA UNII
8GTS82S83M

A histamine H1 antagonist used as an antiemetic, antitussive, for dermatoses and pruritus, for hypersensitivity reactions, as a hypnotic, an antiparkinson, and as an ingredient in common cold preparations. It has some undesired antimuscarinic and sedative effects.
Diphenhydramine is a Histamine-1 Receptor Antagonist. The mechanism of action of diphenhydramine is as a Histamine H1 Receptor Antagonist.
1 2D Structure

NCGC00024414-06

2 Identification
2.1 Computed Descriptors
2.1.1 IUPAC Name
2-benzhydryloxy-N,N-dimethylethanamine
2.1.2 InChI
InChI=1S/C17H21NO/c1-18(2)13-14-19-17(15-9-5-3-6-10-15)16-11-7-4-8-12-16/h3-12,17H,13-14H2,1-2H3
2.1.3 InChI Key
ZZVUWRFHKOJYTH-UHFFFAOYSA-N
2.1.4 Canonical SMILES
CN(C)CCOC(C1=CC=CC=C1)C2=CC=CC=C2
2.2 Other Identifiers
2.2.1 UNII
8GTS82S83M
2.3 Synonyms
2.3.1 MeSH Synonyms

1. 2-diphenylmethoxy-n,n-dimethylethylamine

2. Allerdryl

3. Benadryl

4. Benhydramin

5. Benylin

6. Benzhydramine

7. Citrate, Diphenhydramine

8. Dimedrol

9. Diphenhydramine Citrate

10. Diphenhydramine Citrate (1:1)

11. Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride

12. Diphenylhydramin

13. Diphenylhydramine

14. Dormin

15. Hydrochloride, Diphenhydramine

2.3.2 Depositor-Supplied Synonyms

1. 58-73-1

2. Benadryl

3. Benzhydramine

4. 2-(benzhydryloxy)-n,n-dimethylethanamine

5. Alledryl

6. Probedryl

7. Dihidral

8. Antistominum

9. Benzhydraminum

10. Benzhydroamina

11. Diphantine

12. Diphenylhydramine

13. Difenhydramin

14. Allergical

15. Bagodryl

16. Baramine

17. Benachlor

18. Benadrin

19. Benodine

20. Benzantine

21. Benzhydril

22. Betramin

23. Debendrin

24. Dermistina

25. Dermodrin

26. Desentol

27. Diabenyl

28. Diabylen

29. Dibondrin

30. Difedryl

31. Drylistan

32. Histaxin

33. Hyadrine

34. Ibiodral

35. Medidryl

36. Mephadryl

37. Novamina

38. Syntedril

39. Amidryl

40. Antomin

41. Benapon

42. Benodin

43. Benylan

44. Dabylen

45. Dylamon

46. Nausen

47. Antitussive

48. Difenidramina

49. Dimedrol Base

50. Benylin

51. Difenhidramina

52. Allergina

53. Benzhydryl

54. Diphenhydraminum

55. Ethanamine, 2-(diphenylmethoxy)-n,n-dimethyl-

56. 2-(benzhydryloxy)-n,n-dimethylethylamine

57. Dibenil

58. Hydramine

59. O-benzhydryldimethylaminoethanol

60. Restamin

61. Silphen

62. Beldin

63. Diphen

64. Belix

65. Dimehydrinate

66. Far 90x2

67. 2-(diphenylmethoxy)-n,n-dimethylethanamine

68. 2-(diphenylmethoxy)-n,n-dimethylethylamine

69. Alpha-(2-dimethylaminoethoxy)diphenylmethane

70. Pm 255

71. Beta-dimethylaminoethanol Diphenylmethyl Ether

72. N-(2-(diphenylmethoxy)ethyl)-n,n-dimethylamine

73. N-(benzhydryloksy-etylo)dwumetyloamina

74. 2-benzhydryloxy-n,n-dimethylethanamine

75. [2-(diphenylmethoxy)ethyl]dimethylamine

76. Automin

77. Ethylamine, N,n-dimethyl-2-(diphenylmethoxy)-

78. Chembl657

79. 2-diphenylmethoxy-n,n-demthylethanamine

80. Beta-dimethylaminoethyl Benzhydryl Ether

81. N-[2-(benzhydryloxy)ethyl]-n,n-dimethylamine

82. 58-73-1 (free Base)

83. 8gts82s83m

84. Chebi:4636

85. Ethylamine, 2-(diphenylmethoxy)-n,n-dimethyl-

86. Dimedrolum

87. Allergan

88. Benzantin

89. Ncgc00015335-07

90. Allergeval

91. Dibendrin

92. Dimedryl

93. Dryistan

94. Rigidil

95. Syntodril

96. Aleryl

97. Ben-allergin

98. Allergan B

99. Dsstox_cid_2949

100. Difenidramina [italian]

101. Dsstox_rid_76803

102. Dsstox_gsid_22949

103. Difenhidramina [inn-spanish]

104. Diphenhydraminum [inn-latin]

105. Diphenhydramine [inn:ban:jan]

106. Cas-58-73-1

107. Beta-dimethylaminoethylbenzhydrylether

108. Restamin (tn)

109. 2-diphenylmethoxy-n,n-dimethylethylamine

110. Ccris 1959

111. Hsdb 3066

112. N-[2-(diphenylmethoxy)ethyl]-n,n-dimethylamine

113. Benadryl (hydrochloride)

114. Ncgc00015335-09

115. Cas-147-24-0

116. Einecs 200-396-7

117. N-(benzhydryloksy-etylo)dwumetyloamina [polish]

118. Beta-dimethylamino-aethyl-benzhydryl-aether [german]

119. Brn 1914136

120. Unii-8gts82s83m

121. Difenhydramine

122. Diphenhdyra

123. Dobacen

124. Beta-dimethylamino-aethyl-benzhydryl-aether

125. Allergan (salt/mix)

126. Eldadryl (salt/mix)

127. Histacyl (salt/mix)

128. Restamin (salt/mix)

129. 2-benzhydryloxy-n,n-dimethyl-ethanamine

130. Spectrum_000980

131. 2-benzhydryloxyethyl-n,n-dimethylammonium

132. Antitussive (salt/mix)

133. Prestwick0_000065

134. Prestwick1_000065

135. Prestwick2_000065

136. Prestwick3_000065

137. Spectrum2_000961

138. Spectrum3_000400

139. Spectrum4_000520

140. Spectrum5_000915

141. Lopac-d-3630

142. 2-[(diphenylmethyl)oxy]-n,n-dimethylethanamine

143. Diphenhdyra [vandf]

144. Ec 200-396-7

145. Cambridge Id 6699980

146. Schembl4064

147. Diphenhydramine [mi]

148. Lopac0_000377

149. Oprea1_254625

150. Bspbio_000249

151. Bspbio_002219

152. Dimethylamine Benzhydryl Ester

153. Diphenhydramine [inn]

154. Diphenhydramine [jan]

155. Kbiogr_001099

156. Kbioss_001460

157. 2pm

158. Mls002222276

159. Bidd:gt0152

160. Diphenhydramine (jp17/inn)

161. Diphenhydramine [hsdb]

162. Divk1c_000368

163. Orphenadrine Impurity D

164. Spbio_000961

165. Spbio_002170

166. Diphenhydramine [vandf]

167. Bpbio1_000275

168. Gtpl1224

169. Diphenhydramine [mart.]

170. 2-(benzhydryloxy)-n,n-dimethylethylamine, Hydrochloride

171. Diphenhydramine [who-dd]

172. Dtxsid4022949

173. Kbio1_000368

174. Kbio2_001460

175. Kbio2_004028

176. Kbio2_006596

177. Kbio3_001439

178. Zinc20244

179. N,n-dimethyl-2-(diphenylmethoxy)-ethylamine Hydrochloride

180. Ninds_000368

181. O-benzhydryl(dimethylamino)ethanol

182. Hms2089e06

183. Hms2230l19

184. Hms3373e03

185. Hy-b0303

186. Tox21_110127

187. Bdbm50017674

188. Mfcd00274173

189. Mfcd31699960

190. Nsc665800

191. Stk103720

192. Akos003658554

193. Tox21_110127_1

194. (2-benzhydryloxy-ethyl)-dimethyl-amine

195. Ccg-204472

196. Db01075

197. Gs-3196

198. Nsc-665800

199. Sdccgsbi-0050365.p005

200. Idi1_000368

201. Ncgc00015335-01

202. Ncgc00015335-02

203. Ncgc00015335-03

204. Ncgc00015335-04

205. Ncgc00015335-05

206. Ncgc00015335-06

207. Ncgc00015335-08

208. Ncgc00015335-10

209. Ncgc00015335-11

210. Ncgc00015335-12

211. Ncgc00015335-13

212. Ncgc00015335-14

213. Ncgc00015335-17

214. Ncgc00015335-28

215. Ncgc00024414-03

216. Ncgc00024414-04

217. Ncgc00024414-06

218. Ac-13704

219. Nci60_002916

220. Nci60_022782

221. S 51

222. Smr001307259

223. Sy246339

224. 2-(benzohydryloxy)-n,n-dimethylethylamine

225. N,n-dimethyl-2-diphenylmethyloxyethylamine

226. Sbi-0050365.p004

227. 2-(benzhydryloxy)-n,n-dimethylethanamine #

228. .beta.-(dimethylamino)ethyl Benzhydryl Ether

229. .beta.-dimethylamino-aethyl-benzhydryl-aether

230. Ab00053460

231. Cs-0013574

232. D4744

233. Ethylamine, 2-diphenylmethoxy-n,n-dimethyl-

234. Ft-0625221

235. 2-[di(phenyl)methoxy]-n,n-dimethylethanamine

236. .alpha.-(2-dimethylaminoethoxy)diphenylmethane

237. C06960

238. D00300

239. F19220

240. Ab00053460-22

241. Ab00053460-23

242. Ab00053460_24

243. Ab00053460_25

244. .beta.-(dimethylamino)ethanol Diphenylmethyl Ether

245. 274d173

246. A831996

247. Diphenhydramine; Antistominum; Benzhydramine

248. Diphenylmethanol, (n,n-dimenthylaminoethyl) Ether

249. L000227

250. Q413486

251. Q-201002

252. Brd-k47278471-003-05-7

253. Brd-k47278471-003-15-6

254. Orphenadrine Citrate Impurity D [ep Impurity]

255. 110491-04-8

2.4 Create Date
2005-03-25
3 Chemical and Physical Properties
Molecular Weight 255.35 g/mol
Molecular Formula C17H21NO
XLogP33.3
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count0
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count2
Rotatable Bond Count6
Exact Mass255.162314293 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass255.162314293 g/mol
Topological Polar Surface Area12.5 Ų
Heavy Atom Count19
Formal Charge0
Complexity211
Isotope Atom Count0
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count0
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Covalently Bonded Unit Count1
4 Drug and Medication Information
4.1 Therapeutic Uses

Anesthetics, Local; Anti-Allergic Agents; Antiemetics; Histamine H1 Antagonists; Hypnotics and Sedatives

National Library of Medicine's Medical Subject Headings. Diphenhydramine. Online file (MeSH, 2014). Available from, as of March 10, 2014: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2014/mesh_browser/MBrowser.html


Antihistamines are most beneficial in the management of nasal allergies. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (e.g., hay fever) and perennial (nonseasonal) allergic rhinitis are benefited more than perennial nonallergic (vasomotor) rhinitis. Orally administered antihistamines generally provide symptomatic relief of rhinorrhea, sneezing, oronasopharyngeal irritation or itching, lacrimation, and red, irritated, or itching eyes associated with the early response to histamine. /Antihistamines; Included in US product labeling/

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2013; Drug Information 2013. Bethesda, MD. 2013, p. 1


Antihistamines are often effective in the treatment of allergic dermatoses and other dermatoses associated with histamine release, but effectiveness varies with the causative agent and symptoms may return when the drug is stopped. /Antihistamines; Included in US product labeling/

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2013; Drug Information 2013. Bethesda, MD. 2013, p. 1


Antihistamines may provide some benefit in certain asthmatic patients, but the drugs usually are not effective in treating bronchial asthma per se and should not be used in the treatment of severe acute asthma attacks. In addition, antihistamines are not included in the usual recommended regimens for the management of asthma, including long-term control of the disease. /Antihistamines; Included in US product labeling/

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2013; Drug Information 2013. Bethesda, MD. 2013, p. 2


For more Therapeutic Uses (Complete) data for DIPHENHYDRAMINE (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


4.2 Drug Warning

Numerous side effects ... /incl/ drowsiness, confusion, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blurring of vision, diplopia, difficulty in urination, constipation, nasal stuffiness, vertigo, palpitation, headache, and insomnia. Other side effects observed were urticaria, drug rash, photosensitivity, hemolytic anemia, hypotension, epigastric distress, anaphylactic shock, tightness of the chest and wheezing, thickening of bronchial secretions, dryness of the mouth, nose and throat and tingling, and heaviness and weakness of the hands.

Troy, D.B. (Ed); Remmington The Science and Practice of Pharmacy. 21 st Edition. Lippincott Williams & Williams, Philadelphia, PA 2005, p. 1545


Like other antihistamines, diphenhydramine should be used with caution in infants and young children and should not be used in premature or full-term neonates Children younger than 6 years of age should receive diphenhydramine only under the direction of a physician. Safety and efficacy of diphenhydramine as a nighttime sleep aid in children younger than 12 years of age have not been established. In addition, children may be more prone than adults to paradoxically experience CNS stimulation rather than sedation when antihistamines are used as nighttime sleep aids. Because diphenhydramine may cause marked drowsiness that may be potentiated by other CNS depressants (e.g., sedatives, tranquilizers), the antihistamine should be used in children receiving one of these drugs only under the direction of a physician.

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2013; Drug Information 2013. Bethesda, MD. 2013, p. 10


Prolonged use of antihistamines ... may decrease or inhibit salivary flow, thus contributing to the development of caries, periodontal disease, oral candidiasis, and discomfort. /Antihistamines/

USP Convention. USPDI - Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. 15 th ed. Volume 1. Rockville, MD: United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc., 1995. (Plus updates.), p. 306


Local necrosis has occurred with subcutaneous or intradermal administration of parenteral diphenhydramine.

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2013; Drug Information 2013. Bethesda, MD. 2013, p. 10


For more Drug Warnings (Complete) data for DIPHENHYDRAMINE (18 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


4.3 Minimum/Potential Fatal Human Dose

...PROBABLY BEST DESCRIBED AS LYING NEAR BORDERLINE BETWEEN TOXICITY CLASSES 4 & 5. 4= VERY TOXIC: PROBABLE ORAL LETHAL DOSE (HUMAN) 50-500 MG/KG, BETWEEN 1 TEASPOON & 1 OZ FOR 70 KG PERSON (150 LB). 5= EXTREMELY TOXIC: PROBABLE ORAL LETHAL DOSE (HUMAN) 5-50 MG/KG, BETWEEN 7 DROPS & 1 TEASPOONFUL. /HYDROCHLORIDE/

Gosselin, R.E., R.P. Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products. 5th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984., p. II-378


4.4 Drug Indication

Diphenhydramine is a first-generation histamine H1 receptor antagonist (H1 antihistamine) that is widely available as a non-prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) medication. As an OTC medication, diphenhydramine is typically formulated as tablets and creams indicated for use in treating sneezing, runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, itching of nose or throat, insomnia, pruritis, urticaria, insect bites/stings, allergic rashes, and nausea. Additionally, when the use of oral diphenhydramine is impractical, there are also prescription-only formulations such as diphenhydramine injection products that are effective in adults and pediatric patients (other than premature infants and neonates) for: i) the amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma, in anaphylaxis as an adjunct to epinephrine and other standard measures after acute allergic reaction symptoms have been controlled, and for other uncomplicated allergic conditions of the immediate type when oral therapy is impossible or contraindicated; ii) the active treatment of motion sickness; and iii) use in parkinsonism when oral therapy is impossible or contraindicated, as follows: parkinsonism in the elderly who are unable to tolerate more potent agents; mild cases of parkinsonism in other age groups, and in other cases of parkinsonism in combination with centrally acting anticholinergic agents.


5 Pharmacology and Biochemistry
5.1 Pharmacology

Diphenhydramine has anti-histaminic (H1-receptor), anti-emetic, anti-vertigo and sedative and hypnotic properties. The anti-histamine action occurs by blocking the spasmogenic and congestive effects of histamine by competing with histamine for H1 receptor sites on effector cells, preventing but not reversing responses mediated by histamine alone. Such receptor sites may be found in the gut, uterus, large blood vessels, bronchial muscles, and elsewhere. Anti-emetic action is by inhibition at the medullary chemoreceptor trigger zone. Anti-vertigo action is by a central antimuscarinic effect on the vestibular apparatus and the integrative vomiting center and medullary chemoreceptor trigger zone of the midbrain.


5.2 MeSH Pharmacological Classification

Anti-Allergic Agents

Agents that are used to treat allergic reactions. Most of these drugs act by preventing the release of inflammatory mediators or inhibiting the actions of released mediators on their target cells. (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual, 1994, p475) (See all compounds classified as Anti-Allergic Agents.)


Histamine H1 Antagonists

Drugs that selectively bind to but do not activate histamine H1 receptors, thereby blocking the actions of endogenous histamine. Included here are the classical antihistaminics that antagonize or prevent the action of histamine mainly in immediate hypersensitivity. They act in the bronchi, capillaries, and some other smooth muscles, and are used to prevent or allay motion sickness, seasonal rhinitis, and allergic dermatitis and to induce somnolence. The effects of blocking central nervous system H1 receptors are not as well understood. (See all compounds classified as Histamine H1 Antagonists.)


Antiemetics

Drugs used to prevent NAUSEA or VOMITING. (See all compounds classified as Antiemetics.)


Sleep Aids, Pharmaceutical

Drugs used to induce SLEEP, prevent SLEEPLESSNESS, or treat SLEEP INITIATION AND MAINTENANCE DISORDERS. (See all compounds classified as Sleep Aids, Pharmaceutical.)


Anesthetics, Local

Drugs that block nerve conduction when applied locally to nerve tissue in appropriate concentrations. They act on any part of the nervous system and on every type of nerve fiber. In contact with a nerve trunk, these anesthetics can cause both sensory and motor paralysis in the innervated area. Their action is completely reversible. (From Gilman AG, et. al., Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 8th ed) Nearly all local anesthetics act by reducing the tendency of voltage-dependent sodium channels to activate. (See all compounds classified as Anesthetics, Local.)


Hypnotics and Sedatives

Drugs used to induce drowsiness or sleep or to reduce psychological excitement or anxiety. (See all compounds classified as Hypnotics and Sedatives.)


5.3 FDA Pharmacological Classification
5.3.1 Active Moiety
DIPHENHYDRAMINE
5.3.2 FDA UNII
8GTS82S83M
5.3.3 Pharmacological Classes
Histamine-1 Receptor Antagonist [EPC]; Histamine H1 Receptor Antagonists [MoA]
5.4 ATC Code

D04AA32

S76 | LUXPHARMA | Pharmaceuticals Marketed in Luxembourg | Pharmaceuticals marketed in Luxembourg, as published by d'Gesondheetskeess (CNS, la caisse nationale de sante, www.cns.lu), mapped by name to structures using CompTox by R. Singh et al. (in prep.). List downloaded from https://cns.public.lu/en/legislations/textes-coordonnes/liste-med-comm.html. Dataset DOI:10.5281/zenodo.4587355


D - Dermatologicals

D04 - Antipruritics, incl. antihistamines, anesthetics, etc.

D04A - Antipruritics, incl. antihistamines, anesthetics, etc.

D04AA - Antihistamines for topical use

D04AA32 - Diphenhydramine


R - Respiratory system

R06 - Antihistamines for systemic use

R06A - Antihistamines for systemic use

R06AA - Aminoalkyl ethers

R06AA02 - Diphenhydramine


5.5 Absorption, Distribution and Excretion

Absorption

Diphenhydramine is quickly absorbed after oral administration with maximum activity occurring in approximately one hour. The oral bioavailability of diphenhydramine has been documented in the range of 40% to 60%, and peak plasma concentration occurs about 2 to 3 hours after administration.


Route of Elimination

The metabolites of diphenhydramine are conjugated with glycine and glutamine and excreted in urine. Only about 1% of a single dose is excreted unchanged in urine. The medication is ultimately eliminated by the kidneys slowly, mainly as inactive metabolites.


Volume of Distribution

Diphenhydramine is widely distributed throughout the body, including the CNS. Following a 50 mg oral dose of diphenhydramine, the volume of distribution is in the range of 3.3 - 6.8 l/kg.


Clearance

Values for plasma clearance of a 50 mg oral dose of diphenhydramine has been documented as lying in the range of 600-1300 ml/min.


Distribution of diphenhydramine into human body tissues and fluids has not been fully characterized. Following IV administration in rats, highest concentrations of the drug are attained in the lungs, spleen, and brain, with lower concentrations in the heart, muscle, and liver. Following IV administration in healthy adults, diphenhydramine reportedly has an apparent volume of distribution of 188-336 L. Volume of distribution of the drug reportedly is larger in Asian (about 480 L) than white adults.

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2013; Drug Information 2013. Bethesda, MD. 2013, p. 11


The drug crosses the placenta and has been detected in milk, although the extent of distribution into milk has not been quantitated.

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2013; Drug Information 2013. Bethesda, MD. 2013, p. 11


Following oral administration of a single 100-mg dose in healthy adults, about 50-75% of the dose is excreted in urine within 4 days, almost completely as metabolites and with most urinary excretion occurring within the first 24-48 hours; only about 1% of a single oral dose is excreted unchanged in urine.

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2013; Drug Information 2013. Bethesda, MD. 2013, p. 11


Diphenhydramine, given orally, reaches a maximal concentration in the blood in approximately 2 hours, remains there for another 2 hours, then falls exponentially with a plasma elimination half life of approximately 4-8 hours. The drug is distributed widely throughout the body, including the CNS. Little, if any is excreted unchanged in the urine; most appears there as metabolites.

Brunton, L. Chabner, B, Knollman, B. Goodman and Gillman's The Pharmaceutical Basis of Therapeutics, Twelth Edition, McGraw Hill Medical, New York, NY. 2011, p. 920


For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for DIPHENHYDRAMINE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


5.6 Metabolism/Metabolites

Diphenhydramine undergoes rapid and extensive first-pass metabolism. In particular, two successive N-demethylations occur wherein diphenhydramine is demethylated to N-desmethyldiphenhydramine (the N-desmethyl metabolite) and then this metabolite is itself demethylated to N,N-didesmethyldiphenhydramine (the N,N-didesmethyl metabolite). Subsequently, acetyl metabolites like N-acetyl-N-desmethyldiphenhydramine are generated via the amine moiety of the N,N-didesmethyl metabolite. Additionally, the N,N-didesmethyl metabolite also undergoes some oxidation to generate the diphenylmethoxyacetic acid metabolite as well. The remaining percentage of a dose of administered diphenhydramine is excreted unchanged. The metabolites are further conjugated with glycine and glutamine and excreted in urine. Moreover, studies have determined that a variety of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes are involved in the N-demethylation that characterizes the primary metabolic pathway of diphenhydramine, including CYP2D6, CYP1A2, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19. In particular, CYP2D6 demonstrates higher affinity catalysis with the diphenhydramine substrate than the other isoenzymes identified. Consequently, inducers or inhibitors of these such CYP enzymes may potentially affect the serum concentration and incidence and/or severity of adverse effects associated with exposure to diphenhydramine.


Diphenhydramine is rapidly and apparently almost completely metabolized. Following oral administration, the drug apparently undergoes substantial first-pass metabolism in the liver. Diphenhydramine appears to be metabolized principally to diphenylmethoxyacetic acid, which may further undergo conjugation. The drug also undergoes dealkylation to form the N-demethyl and N, N-didemethyl derivatives. Diphenhydramine and its metabolites are excreted principally in urine.

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2013; Drug Information 2013. Bethesda, MD. 2013, p. 11


Diphenhydramine is widely used as an over-the-counter antihistamine. However, the specific human cytochrome P450 (P450) isozymes that mediate the metabolism of diphenhydramine in the range of clinically relevant concentrations (0.14-0.77 microM) remain unclear. Therefore, P450 isozymes involved in N-demethylation, a main metabolic pathway of diphenhydramine, were identified by a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method developed in our laboratory. Among 14 recombinant P450 isozymes, CYP2D6 showed the highest activity of diphenhydramine N-demethylation (0.69 pmol/min/pmol P450) at 0.5 uM. CYP2D6 catalyzed diphenhydramine N-demethylation as a high-affinity P450 isozyme, the K(m) value of which was 1.12 +/- 0.21 uM. In addition, CYP1A2, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 were identified as low-affinity components. In human liver microsomes, involvement of CYP2D6, CYP1A2, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 in diphenhydramine N-demethylation was confirmed by using P450 isozyme-specific inhibitors. In addition, contributions of these P450 isozymes estimated by the relative activity factor were in good agreement with the results of inhibition studies. Although an inhibitory effect of diphenhydramine on the metabolic activity of CYP2D6 has been reported previously, the results of the present study suggest that it is not only a potent inhibitor but also a high-affinity substrate of CYP2D6. Therefore, it is worth mentioning that the sedative effect of diphenhydramine might be caused by coadministration of CYP2D6 substrate(s)/inhibitor(s). In addition, large differences in the metabolic activities of CYP2D6 and those of CYP1A2, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 could cause the individual differences in anti-allergic efficacy and the sedative effect of diphenhydramine.

PMID:17020955 Akutsu T et al; Drug Metab Dispos 35 (1): 72-8 (2007)


Two strains of the filamentous fungus Cunninghamella elegans (ATCC 9245 and ATCC 36112) were grown in Sabouraud dextrose broth and screened for the ability to metabolize the ethanolamine-type antihistamine diphenhydramine. Based on the amount of parent drug recovered after 7 days incubation, both C. elegans strains metabolized approximately 74% of the diphenhydramine, 58% of this being identified as organic extractable metabolites. The organic extractable metabolites were isolated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and identified by analyzing their mass and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. Desorption chemical ionization mass spectrometry (DCIMS) with deuterated ammonia was used to differentiate possible isobaric diphenhydramine metabolites and to probe the mechanisms of ion formation under ammonia DCIMS conditions. C. elegans transformed diphenhydramine by demethylation, oxidation, and N-acetylation. The major metabolites observed were diphenhydramine-N-oxide (3%), N-desmethyldiphenhydramine (30%), N-acetyldidesmethyldiphenhydramine (13%), and N-acetyl-N-desmethyldiphenhydramine (12%). These compounds are known mammalian metabolites of diphenhydramine ... .

PMID:10772471 Moody JD et al; Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 53 (3): 310-5 (2000)


Diphenhydramine has known human metabolites that include Diphenhydramine N-glucuronide and N-Desmethyldiphenhydramine.

S73 | METXBIODB | Metabolite Reaction Database from BioTransformer | DOI:10.5281/zenodo.4056560


5.7 Biological Half-Life

The elimination half-life ranges from 2.4-9.3 hours in healthy adults. The terminal elimination half-life is prolonged in liver cirrhosis.


The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the H1-receptor antagonist diphenhydramine were studied in 21 fasting subjects divided into three age groups: elderly, (mean age 69.4 +/- 4.3 years), young adults, (mean age 31.5 +/- 10.4 years), and children, (mean age 8.9 +/- 1.7 years). All subjects ingested a single dose of diphenhydramine syrup 1.25 mg/kg. ... The mean serum elimination half-life values for diphenhydramine differed significantly in elderly adults, young adults, and children, with values of 13.5 +/- 4.2 hours, 9.2 +/- 2.5 hours, and 5.4 +/- 1.8 hours being found respectively in each age group. ...

PMID:2391399 Simons KJ et al; J Clin Pharmacol 30 (7): 665-71 (1990)


The terminal elimination half-life of diphenhydramine has not been fully elucidated, but appears to range from 2.4-9.3 hours in healthy adults. The terminal elimination half-life reportedly is prolonged in adults with liver cirrhosis.

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2013; Drug Information 2013. Bethesda, MD. 2013, p. 11


5.8 Mechanism of Action

Diphenhydramine predominantly works via the antagonism of H1 (Histamine 1) receptors. Such H1 receptors are located on respiratory smooth muscles, vascular endothelial cells, the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), cardiac tissue, immune cells, the uterus, and the central nervous system (CNS) neurons. When the H1 receptor is stimulated in these tissues it produces a variety of actions including increased vascular permeability, promotion of vasodilation causing flushing, decreased atrioventricular (AV) node conduction time, stimulation of sensory nerves of airways producing coughing, smooth muscle contraction of bronchi and the GIT, and eosinophilic chemotaxis that promotes the allergic immune response. Ultimately, diphenhydramine functions as an inverse agonist at H1 receptors, and subsequently reverses effects of histamine on capillaries, reducing allergic reaction symptoms. Moreover, since diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine, it readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and inversely agonizes the H1 CNS receptors, resulting in drowsiness, and suppressing the medullary cough center. Furthermore, H1 receptors are similar to muscarinic receptors. Consequently, diphenhydramine also acts as an antimuscarinic. It does so by behaving as a competitive antagonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, resulting in its use as an antiparkinson medication. Lastly, diphenhydramine has also demonstrated activity as an intracellular sodium channel blocker, resulting in possible local anesthetic properties.


Antihistamines used in the treatment of allergy act by competing with histamine for H1-receptor sites on effector cells. They thereby prevent, but do not reverse, responses mediated by histamine alone. Antihistamines antagonize, in varying degrees, most of the pharmacological effects of histamine, including urticaria and pruritus. Also, the anticholinergic actions of most antihistamines provide a drying effect on the nasal mucosa. /Antihistamines/

USP Convention. USPDI - Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. 15 th ed. Volume 1. Rockville, MD: United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc., 1995. (Plus updates.), p. 304


H1 antagonists inhibit both the vasoconstrictor effects of histamine and, to a degree, the more rapid vasodilator effects mediated by activation of H1 receptors on endothelial cells (synthesis/release of NO and other mediators). /H1 Receptor Antagonists/

Brunton, L. Chabner, B, Knollman, B. Goodman and Gillman's The Pharmaceutical Basis of Therapeutics, Twelth Edition, McGraw Hill Medical, New York, NY. 2011, p. 918


H1 antagonists suppress the action of histamine on nerve endings, including the flare component of the triple response and the itching caused by intradermal injection. /H1 Receptor Antagonists/

Brunton, L. Chabner, B, Knollman, B. Goodman and Gillman's The Pharmaceutical Basis of Therapeutics, Twelth Edition, McGraw Hill Medical, New York, NY. 2011, p. 919


The first-generation antihistamines are widely prescribed medications that relieve allergic reactions and urticaria by blocking the peripheral histamine H(1) receptor. Overdose of these drugs often results in serious neuronal toxic effects, including seizures, convulsions and worsening of epileptic symptoms. The KCNQ/M K(+) channel plays a crucial role in controlling neuron excitability. Here, we demonstrate that mepyramine and diphenhydramine, two structurally related first-generation antihistamines, can act as potent KCNQ/M channel blockers. Extracellular application of these drugs quickly and reversibly reduced KCNQ2/Q3 currents heterologously expressed in HEK293 cells. The current inhibition was concentration and voltage dependent. The estimated IC(50) (12.5 and 48.1 microM, respectively) is within the range of drug concentrations detected in poisoned patients (30-300 microM). Both drugs shifted the I-V curve of KCNQ2/Q3 channel to more depolarized potentials and altered channel gating properties by prolonging activation and shortening deactivation kinetics. Mepyramine also inhibited the individual homomeric KCNQ1-4 and heteromeric KCNQ3/Q5 currents. Moreover, mepyramine inhibited KCNQ2/Q3 current in an outside-out patch excised from HEK293 cells and the inhibitory effect was neither observed when it was applied intracellularly nor affected by blocking phospholipase C (PLC) activity, indicating an extracellular and direct channel blocking mechanism. Finally, in cultured rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons, mepyramine reduced the M type K(+) current in a concentration-dependent manner and led to marked membrane potential depolarization. It is likely that these effects may be involved in the adverse neuroexcitatory effects observed in patients experiencing an overdose of antihistamines.

PMID:18222495 Liu B et al; Neuropharmacology 54 (4): 629-39 (2008)


The first generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, are fairly potent muscarinic antagonists in addition to being H1 selective antihistamines. The antimuscarinic action is often not desirable since it is in part responsible for the drying of secretions in the airways and the sedative effect. We therefore examined a number of antihistamines for antimuscarinic effects on ion transport by mucus gland cells isolated from the airways of swine. Enzymatically isolated airway mucus gland cells were purified utilizing density gradients and grown in culture on porous inserts (Millicell HA) at an air interface. Cells grown in this manner maintain phenotype and polarity. Transport of ions, as short-circuit current measured under voltage-clamp, was measured in response to acetylcholine (ACh) or histamine applied to the serosal side of the gland cell layers. Concentration-response relationships for ACh or histamine were generated in the presence and absence of various drugs. The potencies against muscarinic receptor activation were estimated using the dose-ratio method of Schild. Three known muscarinic antagonists were used to validate the system. Atropine had a pA2 of 9.4 +/- 0.1 (n = 9). 4-DAMP and methoctramine had pA2 values of 8.6 +/- 0.1 and 5.6 +/- 0.1, respectively (n = 12, 11) all consistent with inhibition of an M3 subtype muscarinic receptor. The rank order of potency of the antihistamines against the inhibition of M3 receptors was desloratadine = diphenhydramine > hydroxyzine (pA2; 6.4, 6.2, 4.8, respectively). pA2 values for fexofenadine, loratadine and cetirizine were not determined since they had no effect on the cholinergic response at the highest drug concentrations tested (10, 10 and 100 microM, respectively). The pA2 values for the antihistamines against the histamine response could not be calculated, but the estimates of the rank order of potency were estimated to be desloratadine > cetirizine approximate to hydroxyzine > fexofenadine > loratadine > diphenhydramine. The rank order of selectivity for histamine receptors over muscarinic receptors was estimated to be cetirizine approximate to fexofenadine > loratadine > desloratadine > or = hydroxyzine > or = diphenhydramine.

PMID:15790419 Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1079883 Liu H, Farley JM; BMC Pharmacol 5: 8 (2005)


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