How Long After Taking Benadryl Can You Drink Alcohol?

When can I start drinking after taking Benadryl, Claritin, or Zyrtec? It’s best to wait to drink alcohol until an allergy medication has fully left your system. Benadryl, Claritin, and Zyrtec are likely cleared from your body about 2 days after your last dose.

Can you take Benadryl 2 hours after drinking alcohol?

How long after drinking can I take Benadryl? – You should wait at least six hours before taking Benadryl after drinking. Healthcare providers prescribe Benadryl if a person is experiencing allergic symptoms. The drug is a helpful allergy medication. But many times, people misuse this drug.

Can I take Benadryl 4 hours before drinking?

– Benadryl is a strong drug. Using it safely means not drinking alcohol while you take it. Combining the drug with alcohol can cause dangerous effects, such as extreme drowsiness and impaired motor skills and alertness. Benadryl is designed for short-term use, so it’s best to simply wait until you’re done taking it before you have any alcohol.

This includes beverages, mouthwashes, and other drugs that list alcohol as an ingredient. To be on the safe side, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist how long to wait after you finish taking Benadryl before you reach for a drink. If you drink a lot and find it difficult to hold off on drinking for a few days, consider reading up on resources and support,

Shop for Benadryl products.

How long does it take Benadryl to wear off?

9. Common questions about diphenhydramine – How does diphenhydramine work? Diphenhydramine is a medicine called an antihistamine, It is classed as a drowsy (sedating) antihistamine. When you come into contact with something you’re allergic to, your body produces a chemical called histamine.

This can cause symptoms such as a runny nose or skin rashes. Diphenhydramine blocks the effects of histamine in your brain and this reduces symptoms. It enters the brain in large quantities and this can make you feel drowsy. Diphenhydramine also blocks the effects of another chemical called acetylcholine.

This can help a cough or runny nose but can also cause side effects such as a dry mouth and dry nose. How long does it take to work? If you’re taking diphenhydramine for short-term sleep problems, it will start to make you feel drowsy around 20 to 30 minutes after you take it.

For coughs and colds, your symptoms will normally start to improve within 20 minutes. The medicine should work for around 4 to 6 hours. How long can I take it for? Only take diphenhydramine for a short time. You can become dependent on it if you take it continuously for too long. To avoid this, follow the instructions that come with the medicine and only take diphenhydramine for a very short time, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Is diphenhydramine addictive? It is unlikely that you’ll become addicted to diphenhydramine but it’s best to only take it for a short time. You can become dependent on diphenhydramine if you take it continuously for too long. Follow the instructions that come with the medicine and only take diphenhydramine for a very short time, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

• Can I take more than one antihistamine at a time? If you have a severe itchy skin rash, your doctor may recommend taking 2 different antihistamines at the same time for a few days.
• As well as taking a non-drowsy antihistamine during the day (such as fexofenadine, cetirizine or loratadine ), your doctor may advise that you take a drowsy antihistamine at night if itching is making it difficult to sleep.

Do not take another drowsy antihistamine together with diphenhydramine. It will make you very tired and sleepy. Other drowsy antihistamines include chlorphenamine (Piriton), promethazine (Phenergan) and hydroxyzine (Atarax or Ucerax).

Can I take Benadryl after 1 beer?

1. Drowsiness – Benadryl can cause side effects, including sedation and drowsiness, which impair coordination and reaction speed. Mixing Benadryl with alcohol can intensify these side effects and will impair a person’s daily functioning. This can be life-threatening if it involves certain activities, such as driving or operating heavy machinery.

Can you take Benadryl with any drink?

– While you’re using Benadryl, you should avoid drinking alcohol, This is because both alcohol and Benadryl may cause you to feel sleepier than usual. Drinking alcohol while using Benadryl may also increase your risk of other side effects. These include confusion, dizziness, and a slowed breathing rate,

What not to mix with Benadryl?

Other antihistamines – Taking Benadryl along with other antihistamines can increase the risk of side effects. This includes drugs like meclizine (Antivert), loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), hydroxyzine (Vistaril), and promethazine (Promethegan).

What antihistamine can I take with alcohol?

Is it okay to drink alcohol with cetirizine? – Cetirizine (Zyrtec ® ) is a second-generation (non-drowsy) antihistamine commonly used to treat seasonal allergies. Combining cetirizine and alcohol is unlikely to cause severe drowsiness. However, cetirizine can make some people feel sleepy.

How much alcohol is in Benadryl?

Diphenhydramine Description – Diphenhydramine hydrochloride is an antihistamine drug having the chemical name 2-(diphenylmethoxy)-N,N -dimethylethylamine hydrochloride and has the molecular formula C 17 H 21 NO•HCI (molecular weight 291.82). It occurs as a white odorless, crystalline powder and is freely soluble in water and alcohol. The structural formula is as follows: Each 5 mL contains 12.5 mg of Diphenhydramine hydrochloride and alcohol 14% for oral administration. Inactive Ingredients: Citric acid, D&C Red No.33, FD&C Red No.40, flavoring, purified water, sodium citrate, and sucrose.

How can I make Benadryl wear off faster?

How Long Does Diphenhydramine HCL Stay in Your System? – The diphenhydramine HCL half-life ranges from 2.4 hours to 9.3 hours but can average out to around 4.3 hours in young adults. A half-life of a drug determines how long it will take for 50% of it to flush out of your system.

Age: Adults over the age of 65 and children who are 12 and younger tend to metabolize diphenhydramine more slowly, meaning the drug can last longer in their systems. Hydration: The more water you drink, the quicker diphenhydramine is flushed from the system. Metabolism: Everyone’s body metabolizes or breaks down drugs and similar substances at a different rate. The faster your drug metabolism is, the less time diphenhydramine stays in your system. Dose taken: Even healthy adults who take higher than the recommended dose of Benadryl will experience some unwanted side effects. Higher than recommended doses of diphenhydramine can take longer to metabolize and can lead to a build-up of tolerance in the body, increasing the medication’s elimination time in future uses. Kidney health: The kidneys help to process toxins in the body and pass them out through the bladder. A person with kidney problems may have a tough time metabolizing diphenhydramine or Benadryl. Liver health: Similar to kidney health, the health of your liver can also determine how long diphenhydramine stays in your system. Since the active ingredient in Benadryl is processed through the liver, anyone with liver problems may have difficulties safely using and metabolizing this drug. Presence of other medications: As previously mentioned, taking other substances like prescription pills, alcohol, or other OTC drugs can change how the body metabolizes diphenhydramine. Mixing substances like this also increase the risk of overdose, so it’s important to be cautious when using any medications. Bodyweight/mass: Different body types process drugs at different rates. Drugs tend to linger in fat, so individuals with higher levels of body fat may take longer to metabolize Benadryl and other similar drugs.

Although it usually takes around 500 mg of diphenhydramine to feel high or experience adverse side effects, any form of drug misuse can be dangerous. There are many risks in taking any drugs, whether OTC or prescription, for long periods of time. Diphenhydramine addiction is a real thing, and those who become dependent on it often require detox and inpatient drug treatment to recover.

Is it OK to take Benadryl to sleep?

Trouble sleeping? Experts say skip antihistamines Houston, TX – Jun 28, 2021 For people who take an antihistamine such as Benadryl for a cold or allergies, drowsiness is often a welcome side effect. But a Baylor College of Medicine sleep expert cautions against turning to this type of medication as a sleep aid. “Many allergy sufferers know that antihistamines work for their symptoms but also make them sleepy.

1. People sometimes turn to these medications to help them sleep, even when they’re not sick.
2. But the use of medication to force children or adults to sleep is generally not the best idea,” said, assistant professor of,
3. Antihistamines have side effects that include altered mental state, urinary retention and dry mouth.

While these side effects are generally mild and well tolerated in young patients without other medical problems, they can pose a risk, especially for the elderly. “Use of antihistamines can lead to sleep walking and other parasomnias. That can definitely occur with Benadryl just as with other hypnotic agents like Ambien,” Alapat said.

While antihistamines may help you to fall asleep, overall sleep quality is usually not very good, he said. Sometimes, they even have the opposite affect and cause hyperactivity, especially in children. “Using Benadryl or any antihistamine for sleep has no long term benefit,” Alapat said. “Most people develop a tolerance very quickly.” Many over-the-counter sleep aids are simply antihistaminic drugs repackaged and labeled as something to help you achieve sleep, he cautioned.

Alapat recommends that people who suffer from long-term insomnia visit a physician or sleep disorders specialist to address the problem, which could result from medical issues such as obstructive sleep apnea, depression or circadian rhythm disorders.

“For many people, insomnia is short-term due to a stressful event or family problems. In this context, for a brief period it’s not unreasonable to consider pharmacological agents to help you get to sleep but even in this situation people should consult a physician to determine what medication might work best,” Alapat said.

: Trouble sleeping? Experts say skip antihistamines

Does Benadryl help with anxiety?

Can you use Benadryl (diphenhydramine) for anxiety? If you are living with anxiety and don’t like traditional medications or have not yet visited your doctor, you might wonder whether over-the-counter (OTC) medications like Benadryl might help you manage your symptoms.

• Benadryl is readily available and fast-acting, can have a calming effect, and can even help you sleep, so it may help you deal with feelings of anxiety.
• That said, there are potential downsides to off-label use medications like Benadryl for anxiety.
• Before taking an OTC medication for anxiety, you should consider safety, efficacy, potential drug interactions, and more.

This article considers each of these issues to help you sort through your options for treating anxiety with over-the-counter medication like Benadryl.

Can I drink alcohol after 2 hours of taking medication?

Timing is important – Alcohol and medicines can interact harmfully even if they are not taken at the same time. Mixing alcohol and medicines puts you at risk for dangerous reactions. Protect yourself by avoiding alcohol if you are taking a medication and don’t know its effect.

Commonly Used Medicines (Both Prescription and Over-the-Counter) That Interact With Alcohol

Symptom/Disorders	Medication (Brand name)	Medication (Generic name)	Some possible reactions with alcohol
Allergies/Colds/Flu	Alavert®	Loratadine	Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk for overdose
Atarax®	Hydroxyzine
Benadryl®	Diphenhydramine
Clarinex®	Desloratadine
Claritin®, Claritin-D®	Loratadine
Dimetapp® Cold &Allergy	Brompheniramine
Sudafed® Sinus & Allergy	Chlorpheniramine
Triaminic® Cold & Allergy	Chlorpheniramine
Tylenol® Allergy Sinus	Chlorpheniramine
Tylenol® Cold & Flu	Chlorpheniramine
Zyrtec®	Cetirizine
Angina (chest pain), coronary heart disease	Isordil®	Isosorbide Nitroglycerin	Rapid heartbeat, sudden changes in blood pressure, dizziness, fainting
Anxiety and epilepsy	Ativan®	Lorazepam	Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk for overdose; slowed or difficulty breathing; impaired motor control; unusual behavior; memory problems
BuSpar®	Buspirone
Klonopin®	Clonazepam
Librium®	Chlordiazepoxide
Paxil®	Paroxetine
Valium®	Diazepam
Xanax®	Alprazolam
Herbal preparations (Kava Kava)		Liver damage, drowsiness
Arthritis	Celebrex®	Celecoxib	Ulcers, stomach bleeding, liver damage
Naprosyn®	Naproxen
Voltaren®	Diclofenac
Attention and concentration (Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder)	Adderall®	Amphetamine/dextro-amphetamine	Dizziness, drowsiness, impaired concentration (methylphenidate, dexmethylphenidate); possible increased risk for heart problems (amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine); liver damage (atomoxetine)
Concerta®, Ritalin®	Methylphenidate
Dexedrine®	Dextroamphetamine
Focalin®	Dexmethylphenidate
Strattera®	Atomoxetine
Vyvanse®	Lisdexamfetamine
Blood clots	Coumadin®	Warfarin	Occasional drinking may lead to internal bleeding; heavier drinking also may cause bleeding or may have the opposite effect, resulting in possible blood clots, strokes, or heart attacks
Cough	Delsym®, Robitussin Cough®	Dextromethorpan	Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk for overdose
Robitussin A–C®	Guaifenesin + codeine
Depression	Abilify®	Aripriprazone	Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk for overdose; increased feelings of depression or hopelessness (all medications); impaired motor control (quetiapine, mirtazapine); increased alcohol effect (bupropion); liver damage (duloxetine) Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as tranylcypromine and phenelzine, when combined with alcohol, may result in serious heart-related side effects. Risk for dangerously high blood pressure is increased when MAOIs are mixed with tyramine, a byproduct found in beer and red wine
Anafranil®	Clomipramine
Celexa®	Citalopram
Clozaril®	Clozapine
Cymbalta®	Duloxetine
Desyrel®	Trazodone
Effexor®	Venlafaxine
Elavil®	Amitriptyline
Geodon®	Ziprasidone
Invega®	Paliperidone
Lexapro®	Escitalopram
Luvox®	Fluvoxamine
Nardil®	Phenelzine
Norpramin®	Desipramine
Pamate®	Tranylcypromine
Paxil®	Paroxetine
Pristiq®	Desevenlafaxine
Prozac®	Fluoxetine
Remeron®	Mirtazapine
Risperdal®	Risperidone
Seroquel®	Quetiapine
Serzone®	Nefazodone
Symbyax®	Fluoxetine/Olanzapine
Wellbutrin®	Bupropion
Zoloft®	Sertraline
Zyprexa®	Olanzapine
Herbal preparations (St. John’s Wort)
Diabetes	Diabinese®	Chlorpropamide	Abnormally low blood sugar levels, flushing reaction (nausea, vomiting, headache, rapid heartbeat, sudden changes in blood pressure); symptoms of nausea and weakness may occur (metformin)
Glucotrol®	Glipizide
Glucophage®	Metformin
Glynase®, DiaBeta®, Micronase®	Glyburide
Orinase®	Tolbutamide
Tolinase®	Tolazamide
Enlarged prostate	Cardura®	Doxazosin	Dizziness, light headedness, fainting
Flomax®	Tamsulosin
Hytrin®	Terazosin
Minipress®	Prazosin
Heartburn, indigestion, sour stomach	Axid®	Nizatidine	Rapid heartbeat; increased alcohol effect; sudden changes in blood pressure (metoclopramide)
Reglan®	Metoclopramide
Tagamet®	Cimetidine
Zantac®	Ranitidine
High blood pressure	Accupril®	Quinapril	Dizziness, fainting, drowsiness; heart problems such as changes in the heart’s regular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
Calan®	Verapamil
Capozide®	Hydrochlorothiazide
Cardura®	Doxazosin
Catapres®	Clonidine
Cozaar®	Losartan
Hytrin®	Terazosin
Lopressor® HCT	Hydrochlorothiazide
Lotensin®	Benzapril
Minipress®	Prazosin
Norvasc®	Amlodipine mesylate
Prinivil®, Zestril®	Lisinopril
Vaseretic®	Enalapril
High cholesterol	Advicor®	Lovastatin + Niacin	Liver damage (all medications); increased flushing and itching (niacin), increased stomach bleeding (pravastatin + aspirin)
Altocor®	Lovastatin
Crestor®	Rosuvastatin
Lipitor®	Atorvastatin
Mevacor®	Lovastatin
Niaspan®	Niacin
Pravachol®	Pravastatin
Pravigard™	Pravastatin + Aspirin
Vytorin™	Ezetimibe + Simvastatin
Zocor®	Simvastatin
Infections	Acrodantin®	Nitrofurantoin	Fast heartbeat, sudden changes in blood pressure; stomach pain, upset stomach, vomiting, headache, or flushing or redness of the face; liver damage (isoniazid, ketoconazole)
Flagyl®	Metronidazole
Grisactin®	Griseofulvin
Nizoral®	Ketoconazole
Nydrazid®	Isoniazid
Seromycin®	Cycloserine
Tindamax®	Tinidazole
Zithromax®	Azithromycin
Mood stabilizers	Depakene®, Depakote®	Valproic acid	Drowsiness, dizziness; tremors; increased risk for side effects, such as restlessness, impaired motor control; loss of appetite; stomach upset; irregular bowel movement; joint or muscle pain; depression; liver damage (valproic acid)
Eskalith®, Eskalith®CR, Lithobid	Lithium
Muscle pain	Flexeril®	Cyclobenzaprine	Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk of seizures; increased risk for overdose; slowed or difficulty breathing; impaired motor control; unusual behavior; memory problems
Soma®	Carisoprodol
Nausea, motion sickness	Antivert®	Meclizine	Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk for overdose
Dramamine®	Dimenhydrinate
Phenergan®	Promethazine
Pain (such as muscle ache, minor arthritis pain), fever, inflammation	Advil®	Ibuprofen	Stomach upset, bleeding and ulcers; liver damage (acetaminophen); rapid heartbeat
Aleve®	Naproxen
Excedrin®	Aspirin, Acetaminophen
Motrin®	Ibuprofen
Tylenol®	Acetaminophen
Seizures	Dilantin®	Phenytoin	Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk of seizures (levetiracetam, phenytoin); unusual behavior and changes in mental health (such as thoughts of suicide) (topiramate)
Horizant®, Neurontin®	Gabapentin
Keppra®	Levetiracetam
Klonopin®	Clonazepam
	Phenobarbital
Lamictal®	Lamotrigine
Lyrica®	Pregabalin
Tegretol®	Carbamazepine
Topamax®	Topiramate
Trileptal®	Oxcarbazepine
	Barbiturates
Severe pain from injury, postsurgical care, oral surgery, migraines	Darvocet–N®	Propoxyphene	Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk for overdose; slowed or difficulty breathing; impaired motor control; unusual behavior; memory problems
Demerol®	Merepidine
Fiorinal® with codeine	Butalbital + codeine
Percocet®	Oxycodone
Vicodin®	Hydrocodone
Sleep problems	Ambien®	Zolpidem	Drowsiness, sleepiness, dizziness; slowed or difficulty breathing; impaired motor control; unusual behavior; memory problems
Lunesta™	Eszopiclone
Prosom™	Estazolam
Restoril®	Temazepam
Sominex®	Diphenhydramine
Unisom®	Doxylamine
Herbal preparations (chamomile, valerian, lavender)		Increased drowsiness

How long after taking antihistamines can I drink?

When can I start drinking after taking Benadryl, Claritin, or Zyrtec? It’s best to wait to drink alcohol until an allergy medication has fully left your system. Benadryl, Claritin, and Zyrtec are likely cleared from your body about 2 days after your last dose.

Can I drink alcohol 4 hours after taking paracetamol?

It depends on the type of painkiller. It is usually safe to drink a moderate amount of alcohol (no more than the daily guideline of alcohol units ) if you are taking a painkiller that can be bought over the counter such as paracetamol or ibuprofen; providing you get relevant advice.

Can Benadryl be taken with ibuprofen?

Ask the Doctor: COVID-related questions and taking Benadryl with pain medications SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) – Dr. Bob Cassady from the South Bend Clinic joins us every week on 16 News Now at Noon to answer your medical questions. Question #1 (from Cindy): “Does taking fish oil with a decent amount of EPA and DHA prevent COVID-caused blood clots?” DR.

BOB : Fish oil is a supplement that contains specific fatty acids. The names are quite long but abbreviated as DHA and EPA. The medical community has investigated fish oil for years in trying to find benefits for cholesterol, heart disease and other problems. Similarly, investigators have been studying the effect of fish oil on COVID.

A specific paper was published that I think Cindy may be referring to. This paper does not tell us anything definitive about fish oil and COVID. The paper did not have statistical significance. What this means is that we cannot say the results are not a result of chance.

So, I would currently say the theory that fish oil may help decrease mortality from COVID is just that: a theory. We don’t have any compelling evidence to support it. Question #2 (from Mandy): “How do you know the difference between COVID and sinus issues? All COVID symptoms are cold AND sinus symptoms.” DR.

BOB : This is a tough issue. It is one that has plagued us throughout the pandemic. There is no perfect way to listen to a patient’s symptoms and decide on that alone whether it is COVID or something else like allergies.

At times when there are a lot of cases in the community, it is much more likely a runny nose and scratchy throat are more likely to be due to COVID.At times like now, where there is less COVID circulating in the community and spring has thankfully arrived, it may be more likely that those same symptoms are allergies.In the meantime, it is worth considering if your symptoms may be COVID and to consider doing a home test. Question #3 (from Caitlynn): “Is it safe to take Benadryl with pain meds like ibuprofen?”

DR. BOB : This is a refreshing and fairly straightforward question compared to our COVID questions. In general, it is safe to combine Benadryl with over-the-counter pain medicines such as ibuprofen or Tylenol. All of these medicines work in different ways.

How many Benadryl can I take?

About Adult BENADRYL® (Diphenhydramine HCl) Dosage – BENADRYL® provides 4 to 6 hours of effective relief from of indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms related to hay fever, upper respiratory allergy, or cold symptoms such as:

Runny nose Sneezing Itchy, watery eyes Itchy throat Itchy nose

Always follow the instructions that come with BENADRYL®. Take every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by a doctor. Do not take more than 6 doses in 24 hours. As with any medicine, overdose, abuse, or misuse can lead to serious side effects with potentially long-lasting or even life-threatening consequences.

Some signs of overdose of BENADRYL® in adults are extreme drowsiness, dilated pupils, blurry vision, confusion, racing heart, dry mouth, difficulty urinating, and agitation. If you suspect overdosage of BENADRYL®, immediately contact your local poison control center, If you believe that you or someone you know has taken BENADRYL® or other diphenhydramine products in a manner not directed by the label, contact your local poison control center (1-800-222-1222).

The safety of the people who use our products is our top priority. To learn more about steps taken to address misuse and abuse of BENADRYL® and other diphenhydramine-containing products, visit our SAFETY page. For a list of common questions and answers about BENADRYL®, please visit our frequently asked questions page.

Can you take melatonin with alcohol?

No. Drinking while taking any prescription or OTC sleep medication is a bad idea. Alcohol can worsen the side effects and the intended sleepiness of these medications. Drinking alcohol with any sleep aid can cause life-threatening sedation and raise your risk of an overdose.

Does Benadryl lower heart rate?

– Benadryl may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Benadryl. The list below includes factors to consider. Dementia. Benadryl may cause dementia, as well as worsen symptoms of dementia, in a person with this condition.

1. If you have dementia, talk with your doctor before you take Benadryl.
2. Your doctor may recommend that you take a different medication instead.
3. Allergic reaction.
4. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Benadryl or any of its ingredients, you shouldn’t take it.
5. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.

Heart problems or high blood pressure. Benadryl can increase your heart rate and may cause more serious heart-related side effects, such as heart rhythm problems, If you already have heart disease, taking Benadryl can make your condition worse. Talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe for you to take Benadryl.

• Liver problems.
• Benadryl is removed from your body through your liver.
• If your liver isn’t working properly, it may take your body longer to remove the medication.
• This can increase your risk of side effects.
• If you have any liver conditions, tell your doctor before taking Benadryl.
• Idney, bladder, or prostate problems.

Benadryl may decrease the amount of urine that you make. If you have kidney or bladder problems, you may already produce a decreased amount of urine, If you have prostate problems, you may have urinary retention (not being able to fully empty your bladder).

• These conditions may worsen due to Benadryl.
• If you have kidney, bladder, or prostate problems, talk with your doctor before you take this drug.
• Respiratory conditions, including asthma.
• Benadryl works by drying out your nose and mouth, which decreases symptoms of an allergy or a cold,
• This can make mucus in your nose or mouth thicker.

If you have trouble breathing, thickened mucus can make it even harder for you to breathe. Before you start taking Benadryl, talk with your doctor if you have any respiratory conditions. Certain eye conditions. Benadryl may increase pressure in your eyes.

Is Benadryl an antihistamine?

– Benadryl is an over-the-counter antihistamine that’s used to help relieve symptoms of hay fever, other allergies, and the common cold, as well as itchy skin caused by insect bites, hives, and other causes. Some of Benadryl’s common uses are described below. Not all of these uses are recommended by the FDA or by medical experts.

What class of drug is Benadryl?

pronounced as (dye fen hye’ dra meen) Diphenhydramine is used to relieve red, irritated, itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; and runny nose caused by hay fever, allergies, or the common cold. Diphenhydramine is also used to relieve cough caused by minor throat or airway irritation.

Diphenhydramine is also used to prevent and treat motion sickness, and to treat insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep). Diphenhydramine is also used to control abnormal movements in people who have early stage parkinsonian syndrome (a disorder of the nervous system that causes difficulties with movement, muscle control, and balance) or who are experiencing movement problems as a side effect of a medication.

Diphenhydramine will relieve the symptoms of these conditions but will not treat the cause of the symptoms or speed recovery. Diphenhydramine should not be used to cause sleepiness in children. Diphenhydramine is in a class of medications called antihistamines.

1. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.
2. Diphenhydramine comes as a tablet, a rapidly disintegrating (dissolving) tablet, a capsule, a liquid-filled capsule, a dissolving strip, powder, and a liquid to take by mouth.
3. When diphenhydramine is used for the relief of allergies, cold, and cough symptoms, it is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours.

When diphenhydramine is used to treat motion sickness, it is usually taken 30 minutes before departure and, if needed, before meals and at bedtime. When diphenhydramine is used to treat insomnia it is taken at bedtime (30 minutes before planned sleep).

• When diphenhydramine is used to treat abnormal movements, it is usually taken three times a day at first and then taken 4 times a day.
• Follow the directions on the package or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
• Take diphenhydramine exactly as directed.

Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor or directed on the label. Diphenhydramine comes alone and in combination with pain relievers, fever reducers, and decongestants. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on which product is best for your symptoms.

1. Check nonprescription cough and cold product labels carefully before using two or more products at the same time.
2. These products may contain the same active ingredient(s) and taking them together could cause you to receive an overdose.
3. This is especially important if you will be giving cough and cold medications to a child.

Nonprescription cough and cold combination products, including products that contain diphenhydramine, can cause serious side effects or death in young children. Do not give these products to children younger than 4 years of age. If you give these products to children 4 to 11 years of age, use caution and follow the package directions carefully.

If you are giving diphenhydramine or a combination product that contains diphenhydramine to a child, read the package label carefully to be sure that it is the right product for a child of that age. Do not give diphenhydramine products that are made for adults to children. Before you give a diphenhydramine product to a child, check the package label to find out how much medication the child should receive.

Give the dose that matches the child’s age on the chart. Ask the child’s doctor if you don’t know how much medication to give the child. If you are taking the liquid, do not use a household spoon to measure your dose. Use the measuring spoon or cup that came with the medication or use a spoon made especially for measuring medication.

1. If you are taking the dissolving strips, place the strips on your tongue one at a time and swallow after they melt.
2. If you are taking the rapidly dissolving tablets, place a tablet on your tongue and close your mouth.
3. The tablet will quickly dissolve and can be swallowed with or without water.
4. If you are taking the capsules, swallow them whole.

Do not try to break the capsules. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Can I take antihistamine after drinking alcohol?

Don’t Make it Double. Having alcohol and antihistamines together can compound negative effects. The combination may potentially cause more dangerous reactions, such as: Hallucination.

What not to mix with Benadryl?

Other antihistamines – Taking Benadryl along with other antihistamines can increase the risk of side effects. This includes drugs like meclizine (Antivert), loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), hydroxyzine (Vistaril), and promethazine (Promethegan).

What antihistamine can I take with alcohol?

Is it okay to drink alcohol with cetirizine? – Cetirizine (Zyrtec ® ) is a second-generation (non-drowsy) antihistamine commonly used to treat seasonal allergies. Combining cetirizine and alcohol is unlikely to cause severe drowsiness. However, cetirizine can make some people feel sleepy.

How much alcohol is in Benadryl?

Diphenhydramine Description – Diphenhydramine hydrochloride is an antihistamine drug having the chemical name 2-(diphenylmethoxy)-N,N -dimethylethylamine hydrochloride and has the molecular formula C 17 H 21 NO•HCI (molecular weight 291.82). It occurs as a white odorless, crystalline powder and is freely soluble in water and alcohol. The structural formula is as follows: Each 5 mL contains 12.5 mg of Diphenhydramine hydrochloride and alcohol 14% for oral administration. Inactive Ingredients: Citric acid, D&C Red No.33, FD&C Red No.40, flavoring, purified water, sodium citrate, and sucrose.