Benadryl is a brand name for diphenhydramine, which is an antihistamine. Available in pharmacies as an over the counter (OTC) medication, it is used to treat symptoms of allergies and the common cold, as well as other select issues such as bug bites. Benadryl is a McNeil Healthcare Products brand, a division of Johnson & Johnson.

Several Benadryl products were voluntarily recalled on April 30, 2010 by McNeil. This recall affects all non-expired Infants' and Childrens' liquid products manufactured in the pharmaceutical company's Fort Washington plant. Recalled products were reported to contain improper amounts of active ingredients, as well as suspended particles. Further investigations at the manufacturing plant also reported dirty equipment and bacteria-infected ingredients. Although no adverse reactions were reported, health care officials urged consumers to dispose of unused portions of any of the recalled products and to ask their pharmacist about alternative products. http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/638819.html http://www.benadryl.com/generic.jhtml?id=benadryl/include/press_recall.inc

Benadryl works by blocking the natural substance produced by your body called histamine. When your body has an allergic reaction, it produces histamine which is what causes allergy symptoms like rashes, itchy watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose.

• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Constipation
• Irritability
• Blurred vision
• Upset stomach
• Dry nose, mouth or throat
• Increased appetitehttp://chealth.canoe.ca/drug_info_details.asp?channel_id=0&relation_id=0&brand_name_id=1874&page_no=2

Consult the fact sheet included in your product's package or Benadryl's website for more information about specific side effects.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you suffer adverse side affects to the medication you are using.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before taking Benadryl.