Medicine names from abroad

Benadryl (US): diphenhydramine in Ireland

These brands from abroad all contain diphenhydramine, used for allergies (in the US) and, in Ireland, short-term sleeplessness.

Benadryl tablets and capsules sold in Ireland and the UK contain a different antihistamine (such as acrivastine or cetirizine). Check the pack.

Benadryl (US)

Sold in the US. Its active ingredient is diphenhydramine; in Ireland look for Nytol One-A-Night (pharmacy only, adults), or generic diphenhydramine. American Benadryl's active ingredient is diphenhydramine. Irish Benadryl products contain a different allergy medicine.

Before you buy

This is about the plain product. Versions with extra words on the pack (PM, Night, Cold & Flu, Codeine, -D) contain other medicines too. The same active ingredient doesn't mean the same product: the strength, the other ingredients and the pack size can differ, and some packs are sold only in pharmacies. Read the leaflet, and ask a pharmacist which one is right for you, especially for children, in pregnancy or if you take other medicines.