Visit: https://nursing.com/140meds to request your free copy of "140 Must Know Meds" Generic Name Diphenhydramine Trade Name Benadryl Indication Allergy, anaphylaxis, sedation, motion sickness, antitussive Action Antagonizes effects of histamine, CNS depression Therapeutic Class Allergy, cold and cough remedy, antihistamine, antitussive Pharmacologic Class Antihistamine Nursing Considerations • May cause drowsiness, anorexia, dry mouth, nausea, chest tightness, thick secretions, hypotension, blurred vision, headache • Anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, sedation) • Assess purpose of medication prior to giving it • Assess allergies, sleep patterns, cough and lung sounds • Patient should avoid other over-the-counter cough and cold remedies