The Dangers of Combining Alcohol and Benadryl – Because both alcohol and Benadryl depress your CNS, taking them together is dangerous because they can slow your central nervous system too much. This causes sedation and trouble doing physical and mental tasks that need you to be alert.
Dr. David Corry of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas says, “First-generation antihistamines will cause drowsiness in just about everybody alcohol does that too, so if you’re taking alcohol and antihistamines your chances of having a double dose of that drowsiness are very, very high.” He also explained that the worst-case scenario is that the double-dose of drowsiness increases the likelihood of an accident and could lead to unconsciousness.
A major danger occurs when people engage in activities like driving or operating machinery while under the influence of these substances. It’s also possible to have an accident such as falling or cutting yourself. In addition, the sedation effect caused by the combination of Benadryl and alcohol can sometimes be enough to lead to unconsciousness.
- Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
- Clemastine (Tavist)
- Hydroxyzine (Atarax)
Second-generation allergy medications are considered a slightly safer combination with alcohol. They don’t usually cause drowsiness or the other side effects that are increased by alcohol consumption. Second-generation allergy medications include:
- Loratadine (Claritin)
- Fexofenadine (Allegra)
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Contents
- 1 Can you drink alcohol while taking Benadryl?
- 2 How long after drinking alcohol can I take Benadryl?
- 3 Does Benadryl interact with anything?
- 4 Does Benadryl make you sleepy?
- 5 Can I take 3 Benadryl?
- 6 What is a Benadryl cocktail?
- 7 Can I take antihistamine before drinking alcohol?
- 8 Why not to take Benadryl?
- 9 How long does Benadryl last in your system?
Can you drink alcohol while taking Benadryl?
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is especially dangerous to combine with alcohol. That’s because it can cause drowsiness, which can be worse with alcohol. It’s best to avoid this combination.
How long after drinking alcohol can I take Benadryl?
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 2 Benadryl after drinking?
– Benadryl doesn’t affect your liver like alcohol does. But both drugs work on your central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of your brain and spinal cord. That’s the problem. Benadryl and alcohol are both CNS depressants. These are drugs that slow down your CNS,
Taking them together is dangerous because they can slow down your CNS too much. This can cause drowsiness, sedation, and trouble doing physical and mental tasks that require alertness. In short, Benadryl and alcohol shouldn’t be used together. It’s important to know, though, that it’s especially risky to use them together in certain cases.
These cases include if you misuse Benadryl, if you take these drugs together while driving, and if you’re a senior.
Does Benadryl interact with anything?
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an over-the-counter drug that’s used to treat allergies and certain other conditions. This drug can interact with other medications and some supplements. For example, Benadryl can interact with certain blood pressure medications and some antidepressants.
How long does Benadryl last in your system?
Toxicokinetics – Diphenhydramine can also have negative cardiovascular consequences in the setting of toxicity. ECG changes can be observed, which include the widening of the QRS-complex and tachycardia, possibly caused by the anticholinergic effects of diphenhydramine.
More specifically, diphenhydramine can affect the delayed rectifier potassium ion channels of the heart as it can act as a blocker of potassium channels. These channels are responsible for the rapid component of the cardiac repolarizing current. This leads to the prolongation of the QT-interval and a flattening of the T-wave.
As a result, individuals are at increased risk of developing potentially fatal arrhythmias, such as torsade de pointes. Diphenhydramine pharmacokinetics do not appear to change in the event of intoxication/overdose. Peak serum levels of diphenhydramine are reached approximately 2 to 3 hours after oral administration.
- The elimination half-life of diphenhydramine can vary between age groups.
- For pediatric patients, the elimination half-life is approximately 5 hours (range: 4 to 7 hours).
- For adult patients, the elimination half-life is approximately 9 hours (range: 7 to 12 hours) and approximately 13.5 hours (range: 9 to 18 hours) for elderly patients (range: 9 to 18 hours).
Diphenhydramine is lipophilic and has a relatively large volume of distribution (Vd). Vd can also vary between age groups. For pediatric patients, the Vd is approximately 22 L/kg (range: 15 to 28 L/kg). For adult patients, the Vd is approximately 17 L/kg (range: 13 to 20 L/kg) and approximately 14 L/kg (range: 7 to 20 L/kg) for elderly patients.
- It is extensively metabolized by the liver via cytochrome P450 enzymes.
- Most of the diphenhydramine that is hepatically metabolized undergoes N-demethylation via CYP2D6, with minor demethylation occurring via CYP1A2, CYP2C9, AND CYP2C19.
- The drug undergoes metabolism to much smaller degrees in the pulmonary and renal system and is, thus, minimally removed by hemodialysis.
Studies have shown that diphenhydramine toxicity is dose-dependent. One retrospective study observed that moderate symptoms, characterized as agitation, confusion, hallucinations, and ECG disturbances, occurred at doses of 0.3 grams. Furthermore, severe symptoms, characterized as delirium/psychosis, seizures, coma, and death, manifested at doses of 1 gram or more.
Does Benadryl make you sleepy?
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.
People sometimes turn to these medications to help them sleep, even when they’re not sick. But the use of medication to force children or adults to sleep is generally not the best idea,” said, assistant professor of, 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
Can I take 3 Benadryl?
Maximum dosage – Oral Benadryl products should not be taken more than six times each day. For adults and children over 12 years of age, the maximum dosage is 300 mg each day. For children ages 6 to 12 years, the maximum is 150 mg each day. Adults or children should not apply Benadryl products, such as the cream, gel, and spray, to their skin more than four times per day.
What is a Benadryl cocktail?
Sexual assault advocates are warning over-the-counter medications such as Benadryl are being slipped into drinks by sexual predators in order to incapacitate their victims. The “Benadryl Cocktail” is created when the liquid version of the anti-histamine is added to drinks and given to unsuspecting victims, says Sarah Katula, advanced practice nurse in psychiatry at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, Ill,
The most commonly referenced date-rape drugs may be rohypnol and GBH. However, when benadryl, gravol or sleep aids are mixed with alcohol, the victim can become disoriented and even unconscious. “It’s important to pay attention to your surroundings. If you are at a party where people are drinking alcohol, pour your own drink and never leave them unattended.
If you suspect your drink has been tampered with, leave the party. It’s important to make safety your number one priority,” says Katula. Katula says you should pay attention to the following warning signs if you suspect your drink has been tampered with:
Suddenly feeling drowsy and nauseated Flushed cheeks Increased body temperature Feeling like you’ve consumed more drinks than you have Staggering and feeling unsteady.
“If you suspect that you’ve been drugged and assaulted, call 911 immediately or go straight to the nearest hospital. Do not urinate before going to the hospital and bring the remnants of the drink with you. The drugs can be easily detected and will be used as evidence in a rape kit,” she says.
In the U.S., one person is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds, according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN). Both men and women can be perpetrators, and Katula points out that they can also often be acquaintances or even friends. “Since most sexual assaults occur between the ages of 15 and 24, I recommend that parents talk to their teenagers and young adults about how to stay safe and keep their friends safe,” she says.
RAINN offers the following tips to stay safe in social situations:
Make a plan – Attend an event or party with people you trust. Agree to watch out for one another and plan to leave together. Protect your drink – Never leave your drink unattended, and watch out for your friends’ drinks as well. Know your limits – Keep track of how many drinks you’ve had. Also be aware of your friends’ behavior. If one of you feels extremely tired or more drunk than you should, leave the event immediately and seek help, as you may have been drugged. Trust your instincts – If you notice something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Seek help.
Can I take melatonin with alcohol?
However, taking melatonin supplements when drinking alcohol is not recommended and can get in the way of your normal sleep-wake cycle. This combination can also raise your risk of experiencing side effects or of injuring yourself.
Why avoid alcohol with antihistamines?
Who can take antihistamines – Most people can safely take antihistamines. But speak to a pharmacist or GP for advice if you:
are pregnant or breastfeedingare looking for a medicine for a young childare taking other medicines have an underlying health condition, such as heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease or epilepsy
Some antihistamines may not be suitable in these cases. A pharmacist or doctor can recommend one that’s best for you. Loratadine is usually recommended if you need to take an antihistamine in pregnancy. Loratadine or cetirizine are usually OK to take while breastfeeding. Always check the leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it’s safe for you before taking it or giving it to your child.
Does alcohol cancel antihistamine?
– According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol can interact with antihistamines like Claritin. The main issue is that both alcohol and antihistamines are central nervous system depressants. Both can leave you feeling:
uncoordinatedweaksleepy
When combined, these effects can be dangerous. These effects are more pronounced when alcohol is mixed with first-generation antihistamines, like Benadryl, Though second-generation antihistamines like Claritin are less likely to cause serious side effects, that doesn’t mean it’s safe to mix this type of medication with alcohol.
agesexoverall health
Women and older adults are more likely to experience serious alcohol-medication interactions. Mixing alcohol and Claritin may also be riskier if you have certain conditions, such as:
alcohol use disorder diabetes epilepsy enlarged prostate heart disease kidney disease liver disease thyroid problems
Alcohol also affects the way your body processes medication. It may make the antihistamine less effective at relieving your allergy symptoms. If this happens, don’t take more Claritin until the alcohol is out of your system,
Can I take antihistamine before drinking alcohol?
Other types of antihistamines include loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl). These medications should also be avoided when drinking alcohol. They can cause drowsiness and dizziness — especially diphenhydramine. When taken with alcohol, their side effects can become more intense.
When should you not take Benadryl?
High blood pressure. stenosing peptic ulcer. blockage of the urinary bladder. enlarged prostate.
When should you avoid Benadryl?
Caution is advised if you have diabetes, liver disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug.
Why not to take Benadryl?
Benadryl ® can dry out secretions and mucous membranes. This can create problems not only in the eyes, nose and throat but throughout the rest of the body as well.
How long does Benadryl last in your system?
Toxicokinetics – Diphenhydramine can also have negative cardiovascular consequences in the setting of toxicity. ECG changes can be observed, which include the widening of the QRS-complex and tachycardia, possibly caused by the anticholinergic effects of diphenhydramine.
- More specifically, diphenhydramine can affect the delayed rectifier potassium ion channels of the heart as it can act as a blocker of potassium channels.
- These channels are responsible for the rapid component of the cardiac repolarizing current.
- This leads to the prolongation of the QT-interval and a flattening of the T-wave.
As a result, individuals are at increased risk of developing potentially fatal arrhythmias, such as torsade de pointes. Diphenhydramine pharmacokinetics do not appear to change in the event of intoxication/overdose. Peak serum levels of diphenhydramine are reached approximately 2 to 3 hours after oral administration.
- The elimination half-life of diphenhydramine can vary between age groups.
- For pediatric patients, the elimination half-life is approximately 5 hours (range: 4 to 7 hours).
- For adult patients, the elimination half-life is approximately 9 hours (range: 7 to 12 hours) and approximately 13.5 hours (range: 9 to 18 hours) for elderly patients (range: 9 to 18 hours).
Diphenhydramine is lipophilic and has a relatively large volume of distribution (Vd). Vd can also vary between age groups. For pediatric patients, the Vd is approximately 22 L/kg (range: 15 to 28 L/kg). For adult patients, the Vd is approximately 17 L/kg (range: 13 to 20 L/kg) and approximately 14 L/kg (range: 7 to 20 L/kg) for elderly patients.
- It is extensively metabolized by the liver via cytochrome P450 enzymes.
- Most of the diphenhydramine that is hepatically metabolized undergoes N-demethylation via CYP2D6, with minor demethylation occurring via CYP1A2, CYP2C9, AND CYP2C19.
- The drug undergoes metabolism to much smaller degrees in the pulmonary and renal system and is, thus, minimally removed by hemodialysis.
Studies have shown that diphenhydramine toxicity is dose-dependent. One retrospective study observed that moderate symptoms, characterized as agitation, confusion, hallucinations, and ECG disturbances, occurred at doses of 0.3 grams. Furthermore, severe symptoms, characterized as delirium/psychosis, seizures, coma, and death, manifested at doses of 1 gram or more.
Does Benadryl interact with anything?
Does Benadryl interact with other antihistamines such as Claritin, hydroxyzine, or Zyrtec? – Benadryl is not known to interact with Claritin (loratadine), Vistaril (hydroxyzine), or Zyrtec (cetirizine). However, taking Benadryl in combination with any of these drugs is not typically advised, unless your doctor recommends it.
- This is because Benadryl and these medications all belong to a class of drugs called antihistamines,
- Taking more than one antihistamine at a time could worsen the side effects of this drug class.
- Examples of these side effects include dry mouth, headache, and sleepiness.
- To learn more about possible side effects of Benadryl, see this article,
If you’d like to find out how Benadryl compares with Claritin and Zyrtec, see this article, You can also talk with your doctor and pharmacist.
