Cognitive and Learning Effects of Diphenhydramine in Students with Respiratory Disorders: A Systematic Review

Background: Diphenhydramine, a first-generation antihistamine often prescribed to alleviate allergic and respiratory symptoms, has sedative and anticholinergic properties that may impair cognitive functions and learning processes in children and adolescents. This systematic review aims to synthesize empirical evidence on the effects of diphenhydramine on learning outcomes in students with respiratory disorders.Methods: A systematic search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (۲۰۰۰–۲۰۲۴) using combinations of the keywords: Diphenhydramine, learning, cognition, memory, children, students, and respiratory disorders. Studies involving human participants aged ۶–۱۸ were included. Articles assessing acute and chronic diphenhydramine exposure and resulting cognitive or learning impacts were extracted and reviewed. Quality was assessed using the PRISMA ۲۰۲۰ checklist.Results: Twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings showed consistent evidence of short-term impairments in attention and working memory after diphenhydramine administration, particularly at therapeutic doses exceeding ۲۵ mg. Chronic or frequent use was associated with reduced reaction time and decreased cognitive flexibility. In contrast, minimal or no long-term learning deficits were observed in low-dose or short-term users. Furthermore, children with respiratory disorders, particularly asthma and allergic rhinitis, demonstrated higher sensitivity to diphenhydramine's sedative effects, leading to short-term learning inefficiencies.

کلیدواژه ها:

Diphenhydramine ، Learning ، Cognitive Function ، Students ، Respiratory Disorders ، PRISMA ، Systematic Review