DPH

Medical abbreviation · Drug

DPH
Stands forDiphenhydramine
CategoriesMedical

DPH stands for Diphenhydramine, a drug abbreviation.

First-generation sedating antihistamine, best known as Benadryl, used for allergies, hives, insomnia and as part of anaphylaxis and dystonic reaction treatment. DPH is common shorthand in emergency and toxicology notes.

Example: Dystonic reaction after metoclopramide: DPH 50 mg IV with resolution in 10 minutes.

Usage notes

Diphenhydramine has strong anticholinergic effects, causing confusion, urinary retention and constipation, and the Beers Criteria advise avoiding it in older adults. Overdose causes delirium, seizures and wide-complex heart rhythms. It is the "PM" ingredient in many nighttime pain relievers.

More drug abbreviations

  • DHEA – Dehydroepiandrosterone
  • DMPA – Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate
  • DMSA – Dimercaptosuccinic acid (succimer)
  • DMSO – Dimethyl sulfoxide
  • DMT – N,N-Dimethyltryptamine
  • doxy-PEP – Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis
  • DPT – Demerol-Phenergan-Thorazine
  • DRV – Darunavir
  • DSS – Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (docusate sodium)
  • DTG – Dolutegravir
  • DXM – Dextromethorphan
  • EE – Ethinyl estradiol

See all 170 drug abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.