72. Which of the following is a common side effect of diphenhydramine?
Answer: D
Drowsiness
Drowsiness is a commonly reported side effect of diphenhydramine, a first-generation antihistamine often used for allergy relief and as a sleep aid.
A) Bradycardia
Bradycardia, or a slower than normal heart rate, is not a typical side effect of diphenhydramine. While antihistamines can affect cardiovascular function, diphenhydramine is more associated with sedative effects rather than bradycardia.
B) Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not recognized as a common side effect of diphenhydramine. In fact, it is more likely to cause sedation rather than increase blood pressure, making this option incorrect.
C) Joint pain
Joint pain is not a known side effect of diphenhydramine. While some individuals may experience various reactions to medications, joint pain is not typically listed among the common side effects of this antihistamine.
D) Drowsiness
Drowsiness is a well-documented side effect of diphenhydramine due to its sedative properties. This effect is a significant reason why the drug is often used as a sleep aid, making this option the correct answer.
Conclusion
Drowsiness is definitively the correct answer as it is a primary side effect of diphenhydramine, making it useful for individuals seeking relief from insomnia or allergies. The other options, including bradycardia, hypertension, and joint pain, do not align with the known side effects of this medication, reinforcing that they are not applicable in this context.