What is Benadryl (diphenhydramine)? Benadryl is a brand) name for diphenhydramine hydrochloride, a sedating antihistamine used to treat allergies, sleep problems, and motion sickness. Benadryl is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. Benadryl is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other cold or allergy symptoms. Benadryl® (diphenhydramine) is a liquid medication that treats the symptoms of allergies and allergic reactions. It may also prevent and treat motion sickness or the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Diphenhydramine, or Diphenylhydramine, sold under the brand name Benadryl among others, is an antihistamine and sedative. Although generally considered sedating, diphenhydramine can cause paradoxical central nervous system stimulation in some individuals, particularly at higher doses. Benadryl is a brand of antihistamine medications used to treat allergies, whose content varies in different countries, but which may include diphenhydramine, acrivastine, or cetirizine. Find patient medical information for Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Unisom, and others) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a brand-name over-the-counter drug that’s used for allergies and itchy skin. Learn about side effects, price, and more. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an antihistamine used to treat allergies, hives, insomnia, motion sickness, and mild cases of Parkinsonism. Benadryl is available in generic form and over-the-counter (OTC). Do you need help relieving allergies or a pesky itch? Check out the many allergy and itch relief products BENADRYL® offers which may help provide relief. Find BENADRYL® dosage information for adults, children, and toddlers and learn how much you and your family should take with our allergy medicine product-dosing guide.