When was benadryl made

Diphenhydramine is an anticholinergic, possessing 58 per cent of the anti-muscarinic power of atropine and was discovered during the search for synthetic alternatives to scopolamine which would be easier to work with.

Diphenhydramine was one of the first known antihistamines, invented in by Dr. George Rieveschl. Diphenhydramine works by blocking the effect of histamine at H1 receptor sites. This results in effects such as the reduction of smooth muscle contraction, making diphenhydramine a popular choice for treatment of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, hives, motion sickness, and insect bites and stings.

In the s it was found that diphenhydramine inhibits reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin. This discovery led to a search for viable antidepressants with similar structures and fewer side effects, culminating in the invention of fluoxetine Prozac , a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor SSRI.

A similar search had previously led to the synthesis of the first SSRI zimelidine from chlorpheniramine, also an antihistamine. Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine drug. Despite being one of the oldest antihistamines on the market, it is largely the most effective antihistamine available either by prescription or over-the-counter, and has been shown to exceed the effectiveness of even the latest prescription drugs.

However, it is not always the drug of choice for treating allergies. In addition, sedation can cause lingering confusion and significantly impair gross motor and even affect learning abilities. This can be a big problem when it comes to school performance.

The only way to know if your child will react this way is by giving it to them. Not really. If your child is having difficulty sleeping, it is very important to discuss possible reasons with their doctor. If your child is itching so much from eczema or other causes, then antihistamines may be helpful to calm this down so they can rest, but we can still use 2 nd generation options instead of older medications.

Not at all. This can create problems not only in the eyes, nose and throat but throughout the rest of the body as well. Officials at Pfizer did not respond Friday to requests for current information on Benadryl's profits or market share. Born Jan. Rieveschl was the son of George and Alma Hoffling Rieveschl.

Rieveschl did not originally intend to be a chemist. In he graduated from the Ohio Mechanics Institute of Technology and began looking for work in commercial art. More than job applications received six responses, all rejections. There, he earned a bachelor's degree in , a master's in , and a doctorate in Three years later, Dr. Rieveschl went to work at Parke-Davis, eventually rising to vice president of commercial development.

When used as recommended, it is a safe and effective medicine. Diphenhydramine is marketed under the brand-name Benadryl, store brands, and generics. It is also available in combination with pain relievers, fever reducers, and decongestants. Health care professionals, patients, and consumers can sign up for email alerts about Drug Safety Communications on medicines or medical specialties of interest to you.