Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is classified as which type of drug, and what are common side effects?

Prepare for the Rasmussen Pharmacology Exam 3. This quiz includes multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Review essential pharmacological concepts and get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is classified as which type of drug, and what are common side effects?

Explanation:
Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine that blocks H1 receptors, reducing histamine-driven allergic symptoms. Because it easily crosses the blood–brain barrier, it also depresses the CNS, leading to drowsiness and sedation. In addition, it has anticholinergic (muscarinic) effects, which cause dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and urinary retention. So, the common side effects you’d expect are sedation, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and blurred vision. It’s not a beta-adrenergic agonist, it doesn’t cause mast cell degranulation, and it isn’t an expectorant.

Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine that blocks H1 receptors, reducing histamine-driven allergic symptoms. Because it easily crosses the blood–brain barrier, it also depresses the CNS, leading to drowsiness and sedation. In addition, it has anticholinergic (muscarinic) effects, which cause dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and urinary retention. So, the common side effects you’d expect are sedation, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and blurred vision. It’s not a beta-adrenergic agonist, it doesn’t cause mast cell degranulation, and it isn’t an expectorant.

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