diphenhydramine, synthetic drug used in the treatment of various conditions including hay fever, acute skin reactions (such as hives), contact dermatitis (such as from poison ivy), and motion sickness. Diphenhydramine counteracts the histamine reaction. Introduced into medicine in 1945 and marketed under several trade names, including Benadryl, it occurs as white crystals soluble in water. The drug is administered orally or by intramuscular or intravenous injection in the form of its hydrochloride. The most common side effect is drowsiness.