Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Diphenhydramine hydrochloride
Diphenhydramine exists in Japan mainly as the OTC sleep aid Drewell and as anti-itch creams, not as an allergy tablet. If you take Benadryl for allergies, buy cetirizine, loratadine or fexofenadine instead; for occasional sleeplessness, Drewell is the direct equivalent of ZzzQuil or Nytol.
- Prescription status
- OTC only
- Over the counter
- Designated Class 2
- Bringing it into Japan
- ✓ 1 month Rx / 2 months OTC
- Names abroad
- Benadryl · Nytol
Over the counter
In Japan diphenhydramine tablets are sold as sleep aids (Drewell, 50 mg, Designated Class 2), not as allergy medicine. Restamin cream is the OTC itch cream. Benadryl-type allergy tablets do not exist here.
- Look for this on the package
- ジフェンヒドラミン（ドリエル・レスタミン）
- Diphenhydramine hydrochloride
- Common product names
- ドリエルレスタミンコーワ糖衣錠レスタミンコーワクリーム
- Category printed on the package
- Designated Class 2
- Sold at any drugstore or pharmacy, and online. Ask staff if you are unsure; this category carries extra cautions.
Show this page to the pharmacist or staff. Prices and packaging vary by store, so look for the Japanese ingredient name.
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Prescription products in Japan
0 productsProducts on Japan's national drug price list. Prescription only: a clinic visit is needed, and pharmacies may substitute a generic with the same ingredient.
| Dosage forms |
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Product names are shown in Japanese, exactly as printed on the package and the prescription. Show this page at the pharmacy.
All listed products (0) · Drug price list as of 2026-08-12
Bringing it into Japan
Up to a 1-month supply of prescription medicine, or 2 months of OTC medicine, without any paperwork. For more, apply for a Yakkan Shoumei (import confirmation) before travel.
Names abroad
| US | Benadryl, ZzzQuil, Unisom |
|---|---|
| UK | Nytol |
| Korea | 베나드릴 |
| China | 苯海拉明 |
| Taiwan | 苯海拉明 |
Sources
- Health Insurance Claims Review & Reimbursement Services — Drug master (NHI drug price list) shinryohoshu.mhlw.go.jp — 2026-08-12
- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare — Bringing medicines for personal use into Japan mhlw.go.jp
This page describes how a medicine is regulated and sold in Japan. It is not medical advice and does not cover dosing for your situation; follow your doctor's and pharmacist's instructions.