DRUG

CLASSIFICATION

GENERIC NAME:
Dipenhydramine
BRAND NAME:
Benadryl
DOSAGE:
50mg
FREQUENCY:
30mins before
chemotherapy, per
orem

ACTION

INDICATION

Diphenhydramin
e competes with
free histamine
for binding at
HA-receptor
sites. This
antagonizes the
effects of
histamine on HAreceptors,
leading to a
reduction of the
negative
symptoms
brought on by
histamine HAreceptor binding.
Diphenhydramin
e blocks the
effects of the
naturally
occurring
chemical
histamine in the
body.

Given as
premedication to
Etoposide for
Chemotherapy to
prevent
hypersensitivity
reaction

SIDE EFFECTS

ADVERSE
EFFECTS

NURSING
CONSIDERATIONS
and
RESPONSIBILITIES

drowsiness
1. Give 30 minutes
prior to
chemotherapy.
2. May be taken
with or without
meals.
3. Inform patient
that drug may
cause
drowsiness.
Avoid activities
that would
require
alertness.
4. Use sugarless
gum/candy to
reduce dry
mouth effects.
5. Avoid other CNS
depressants.