Clinical decision-support only. For use by licensed dental professionals. Not a substitute for professional judgment or a complete drug reference. Always verify with primary sources.
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Medication

Diphenhydramine

Antihistamine (first-generation, anticholinergic)

Brand names: Benadryl

Oral health effects

  • Xerostomia (dry mouth)

    Strongly anticholinergic first-generation antihistamine; dry mouth is common, especially with regular use.

    Mechanism: Antagonism of muscarinic receptors on salivary glands.

    Clinical management: Encourage hydration and salivary substitutes; reinforce caries prevention.

Sources

  1. A Guide to Medications Inducing Salivary Gland Dysfunction, Xerostomia, and Subjective Sialorrhea: A Systematic Review Sponsored by the World Workshop on Oral Medicine VI. Wolff A, Joshi RK, Ekström J, et al. Drugs in R&D, 2017.