Update: diphenhydramine is no longer available in Ecuador.
I wanted to post an update to this thread, but unfortunately the thread is closed, and the website says I should create a new post instead.
* https://www.expatexchange.com/expatguide/202/3360867/Ecuador/Expats-Living-in-Ecuador/benadryl_diphenhydramine
The thread above (from 2012) erroneously states that Diphenhydramine (C17H21NO) is available in Ecuador
> Regarding Benadryl and Antihistamines: There are many kinds of antihistamines sold here. Specifically for a Benadryl equivalent you should ask for the generic name in Spanish: "Difenhidramina". I have seen the brand name Benadryl being sold in pharmacies here, but not everywhere.
In the US, the popular brand is Benadryl. Benadryl is, in English, 25 mg of "Diphenhydramine HCl" = "Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride". In spanish, the name is "El clorhidrato de difenhidramina".
I went to about 10 farmacies in Quito over the past week. Most said that they didn't have it. Finally, one pharmacist told me that it's just not available in Ecuador at all.
I was told something similar in Sweden. My best-guess is that some governments put it on an import banlist because it makes you sleepy.
