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DIPHENHYDRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Histamine H1 Receptor Antagonists [MoA] | MoA | All 136 members |
| Histamine-1 Receptor Antagonist [EPC] | EPC | All 134 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 087513-001 | DIPHENHYDRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE | ELIXIR | DIPHENHYDRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE | Prescription | AA | RLD RS |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — no known or suspected bioequivalence problems (conventional dosage forms)
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 14 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | March 17, 2020 | — |
| Supplement | 12 | Labeling | Approved | June 10, 2009 | — |
| Supplement | 10 | Labeling | Approved | March 20, 1996 | — |
| Supplement | 7 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | November 12, 1991 | — |
| Supplement | 9 | Labeling | Approved | November 21, 1990 | — |
| Supplement | 8 | Labeling | Approved | April 12, 1990 | — |
| Supplement | 6 | Labeling | Approved | September 14, 1988 | — |
| Supplement | 5 | Labeling | Approved | July 25, 1988 | — |
| Supplement | 3 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | September 9, 1987 | — |
| Original application | 1 | Approved | February 10, 1982 | — |
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260704). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug LabelingINDICATIONS AND USAGE Diphenhydramine hydrochloride in the oral form is effective for the following indications: Antihistaminic For allergic conjunctivitis due to foods; mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of urticaria and angioedema; amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma; dermatographism; as therapy for anaphylactic reactions adjunctive to epinephrine and other standard measures after the acute manifestations have been controlled. Motion Sickness For active and prophylactic treatment of motion sickness. Antiparkinsonism For parkinsonism (including drug-induced) in the elderly unable to tolerate more potent agents; mild cases of parkinsonism (including drug-induced) in other age groups; in other cases of parkinsonism (including drug-induced) in combination with centrally acting anticholinergic agents. Nighttime Sleep-aid.
Purpose
openFDA Drug LabelingPrincipal Display Panel Oncor Pharmaceuticals NDC 83720-502-16 Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride Oral Solution 12.5 mg/5 ml Antihistamine Cherry Flavor RELIEVES - Sneezing - Itchy, Watery Eyes - Runny Nose - Itchy Throat due to Allergies DO NOT USE IF TAMPER EVIDENT SEAL UNDER CAP IS BROKEN OR MISSING Alcohol Free NET WT. 16 OZ. (473 ml) NDC 83720-502-04 Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride Oral Solution 12.5 mg/5 ml Antihistamine Cherry Flavor RELIEVES - Sneezing - Itchy, Watery Eyes - Runny Nose - Itchy Throat due to Allergies DO NOT USE IF TAMPER EVIDENT SEAL UNDER CAP IS BROKEN OR MISSING Alcohol Free NET WT. 4 OZ. (118 ml) Manufactured In USA For : Oncor Pharmaceuticals 6755 Business Pkwy Suite 202 Elkridge, MD 21075 United States. Rev. 03/25
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug LabelingDOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION DOSAGE SHOULD BE INDIVIDUALIZED ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS AND THE RESPONSE OF THE PATIENT. A single oral dose of diphenhydramine hydrochloride is quickly absorbed with maximum activity occurring in approximately one hour. The duration of activity following an average dose of diphenhydramine hydrochloride is from four to six hours. Adults 25 to 50 mg three to four times daily. The nightime sleep aid dosage is 50 mg at bedtime. Pediatric Patients, other than premature infants and neonates 12.5 mg to 25 mg three or four times daily. Maximum daily dosage not to exceed 300 mg. For physicians who wish to calculate the dose on the basis of body weight or surface area, the recommended dosage is 5 mg/kg/24 hours or 150 mg/m 2 /24 hours. Data are not available on the use of diphenhydramine hydrochloride as a nighttime sleep-aid in children under 12 years. The basis for determining the most effective dosage regimen will be the response of the patient to medication and the condition under treatment. In motion sickness, full dosage is recommended for prophylactic use, the first dose to be given 30 minutes before exposure to motion and similar doses before meals and upon retiring for the duration of exposure
Contraindications
openFDA Drug LabelingCONTRAINDICATIONS Use in Neonates or Premature Infants This drug should not be used in neonates or premature infants. Use in Nursing Mothers Because of the higher risk of antihistamines for infants generally, and for neonates and prematures in particular, antihistamine therapy is contraindicated in nursing mothers. Antihistamines are also contraindicated in the following conditions Hypersensitivity to diphenhydramine hydrochloride and other antihistamines of similar chemical structure.
Warnings
openFDA Drug LabelingWARNINGS Antihistamines should be used with considerable caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, stenosing peptic ulcer, pyloroduodenal obstruction, symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy, or bladder-neck obstruction. Use in Pediatric Patients In pediatric patients, especially, antihistamines in overdosage may cause hallucinations, convulsions, or death. As in adults, antihistamines may diminish mental alertness in pediatric patients. In the young pediatric patient, particularly, they may produce excitation. Use in the Elderly (approximately 60 years or older) Antihistamines are most likely to cause dizziness, sedation, and hypotension in elderly patients.
Ask a Doctor
openFDA Drug LabelingAsk a doctor before use if you have - glaucoma - trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland - a breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug LabelingADVERSE REACTIONS The most frequent adverse reactions are underscored. 1. General: Urticaria, drug rash, anaphylactic shock, photosensitivity, excessive perspiration, chills, dryness of the mouth, nose and throat. 2. Cardiovascular System: Hypotension, headache, palpitations, tachycardia, extrasystoles. 3. Hematologic System: Hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis. 4. Nervous System: Sedation, sleepiness, dizziness, disturbed coordination, fatigue, confusion, restlessness, excitation, nervousness, tremor, irritability, insomnia, euphoria, paresthesia, blurred vision, diplopia, vertigo, tinnitus, acute labyrinthitis, neuritis, convulsions. 5. GI System: Epigastric distress, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation. 6. GU System: Urinary frequency, difficult urination, urinary retention, early menses. 7. Respiratory System: Thickening of bronchial secretions, tightness of chest or throat and wheezing, nasal stuffiness. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Annora Pharma Limited at 1-866-495-1995 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug LabelingDrug Interactions Diphenhydramine hydrochloride has additive effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants (hypnotics, sedatives, tranquilizers, etc.). MAO inhibitors prolong and intensify the anticholinergic (drying) effects of antihistamines.
Description
openFDA Drug LabelingDESCRIPTION Diphenhydramine hydrochloride USP is an antihistamine drug having the chemical name 2-(diphenylmethoxy)-N,N-dimethylethanamine hydrochloride and has the molecular formula C 17 H 21 NO•HCl (molecular weight 291.82). It occurs as a white, odorless, crystalline powder. Slowly darkens on exposure to light and is freely soluble in water, alcohol and in chloroform. Sparingly soluble in acetone. Very slightly soluble in benzene and in ether. The structural formula is as follows: Each 5 mL contains 12.5 mg of diphenhydramine hydrochloride USP and alcohol 14% for oral administration. Inactive Ingredients: cassia cinnamon flavour (contains cassia bark oil, cinnamic aldehyde, cinnamon leaf oil, eugenol and glyceryl triacetate), citric acid monohydrate, D&C red No. 33, ethyl alcohol dehydrated, FD&C red No. 40, purified water, sucrose and trisodium citrate dihydrate. diphenhydraminehclstruct
Active Ingredient
openFDA Drug LabelingActive ingredients (in each 5 mL teaspoonful) Purpose Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride 12.5mg .............................Antihistamine
Overdosage
openFDA Drug LabelingOVERDOSAGE Antihistamine overdosage reactions may vary from central nervous system depression to stimulation. Stimulation is particularly likely in pediatric patients. Atropine-like signs and symptoms, dry mouth; fixed, dilated pupils; flushing and gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur. If vomiting has not occurred spontaneously , the patient should be induced to vomit. This is best done by having him drink a glass of water or milk after which he should be made to gag. Precaution against aspiration must be taken, especially in infants and children. If vomiting is unsuccessful , gastric lavage is indicated within 3 hours after ingestion and even later if large amounts of milk or cream were given beforehand. Isotonic or 1/2 isotonic saline is the lavage solution of choice. Saline cathartics , as milk of magnesia, by osmosis draw water into the bowel and therefore are valuable for their action in rapid dilution of bowel content. Stimulants should not be used. Vasopressors may be used to treat hypotension.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug LabelingHOW SUPPLIED Each 5 mL of Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride Oral Solution, USP- Clear, purple to red solution with cinnamon flavour, contains 12.5 mg diphenhydramine hydrochloride with 14% alcohol and is supplied as: NDC 31722-600-11 118 mL (4 oz) bottle NDC 31722-600-31 Box of 100 (10 cartons containing 10 x 5 mL unit dose cups in each.) NDC 31722-601-31 Box of 100 (10 cartons containing 10 x 10 mL unit dose cups in each.) STORAGE Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from freezing and light. Manufactured for: Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Piscataway, NJ 08854. By: Annora Pharma Pvt. Ltd. Sangareddy - 502313, Telangana, India. Revised: 05/2026 camberlogo
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: DIPHENHYDRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Recalls
Source: FDA Enforcement| Classification | Reported | Firm | Reason | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class II | June 15, 2022 | Mckesson Medical-Surgical Inc. Corporate Office | cGMP deviations: Temperature abuse | Terminated |
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31722-600-11 | 31722-600 | Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (31722-600-11) / 118 mL in 1 BOTTLE | June 17, 2026 |
| 31722-600-31 | 31722-600 | Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 10 CARTON in 1 BOX (31722-600-31) / 10 CUP, UNIT-DOSE in 1 CARTON / 5 mL in 1 CUP, UNIT-DOSE | June 17, 2026 |
| 31722-601-31 | 31722-601 | Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 10 CARTON in 1 BOX (31722-601-31) / 10 CUP, UNIT-DOSE in 1 CARTON / 10 mL in 1 CUP, UNIT-DOSE | June 17, 2026 |
| 71872-7242-1 | 71872-7242 | Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC | 1 CUP, UNIT-DOSE in 1 BAG (71872-7242-1) / 10 mL in 1 CUP, UNIT-DOSE | March 1, 2021 |
| 83720-502-04 | 83720-502 | Oncor Pharmaceuticals | 118 mL in 1 BOTTLE (83720-502-04) | March 27, 2025 |
| 83720-502-16 | 83720-502 | Oncor Pharmaceuticals | 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE (83720-502-16) | March 27, 2025 |
| 0121-0489-00 | 0121-0489 | PAI Holdings, LLC dba PAI Pharma | 10 TRAY in 1 CASE (0121-0489-00) / 10 CUP, UNIT-DOSE in 1 TRAY / 5 mL in 1 CUP, UNIT-DOSE (0121-0489-05) | February 10, 1982 |
| 0121-0978-00 | 0121-0978 | PAI Holdings, LLC dba PAI Pharma | 10 TRAY in 1 CASE (0121-0978-00) / 10 CUP, UNIT-DOSE in 1 TRAY / 10 mL in 1 CUP, UNIT-DOSE (0121-0978-10) | February 10, 1982 |
| 31722-600 | 31722-600 | Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | — | June 17, 2026 |
| 31722-601 | 31722-601 | Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | — | June 17, 2026 |
| 71872-7242 | 71872-7242 | Medical Purchasing Solutions, LLC | — | February 10, 1982 |
| 83720-502 | 83720-502 | Oncor Pharmaceuticals | — | March 27, 2025 |
| 0121-0489 | 0121-0489 | PAI Holdings, LLC dba PAI Pharma | — | February 10, 1982 |
| 0121-0978 | 0121-0978 | PAI Holdings, LLC dba PAI Pharma | — | February 10, 1982 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
| Enforcement | FDA | Recall records |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 13 sections on this page.