So as a "one-time" dose, there should not . No one can tell you with absolute certainty that taking Benadryl is safe because there are no real studies on these . BENADRYL Allergy Plus Congestion contains phenylephrine, which helps alleviate these symptoms as well as other allergy symptoms for 4 hours. 1 doctor answer 3 doctors weighed in Dr. James Fox answered Allergy and Immunology 46 years experience Yes: There is no interaction. How long does it take for Benadryl to kick in? If you have allergies or have a cold, your body releases a chemical messenger called histamine. This includes Benadryl products that are oral and topical. However, they can occur in people who take very high doses of Benadryl. They can also recommend the most appropriate medication and dosage if treatment is needed. Its also used to treat hives. Claritin usually costs more than Benadryl. Answer. However, its not usually a first-choice treatment for treating hay fever or other respiratory allergies. If you drink alcohol, you should not consume it while taking Benadryl. Consult a doctor for medical advice before taking multiple antihistamines. To learn more about over-the-counter medicine safety best practices for your family, visit Scholastics OTC Medicine Safety page. However, it may not help improve symptoms. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, neither Benadryl nor melatonin is recommended to treat ongoing or long-term insomnia. Below are examples of these side effects. Eye drops with antihistamines like Pataday (olopatadine) can be purchased over the counter for itching, redness, and swelling of the eyes. Your doctor may want to evaluate your symptoms. A 10 milligram dose starts to work one to three hours after you take it and lasts about 24 hours, she says. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Topical Benadryl products are typically used up to four times daily. Certain plant extracts and natural products may have antihistamine properties, meaning they can reduce allergy symptoms. Side effects are rare if you abruptly discontinue antihistamines after regular use. Take each dose with a full glass of water. You should separate each application by 4 to 6 hours. Some topical, over-the-counter Benadryl products are approved for treating hives, itchy skin, and rash. The following list contains some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Benadryl. However, Dr. Lin says antihistamines alone are not bad for the heart in otherwise healthy people.. It usually starts working within an hour of taking the medication, says Dr. Husain. Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Follow this helpful BENADRYL Dosage Chart to learn more about proper dosing. Benadryl is an over-the-counter antihistamine thats 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. Allegra usually costs more than Benadryl. Its used to help relieve symptoms of hay fever (seasonal allergies), other allergies, and the common cold, as well as itchy skin due to insect bites, hives, and other causes. This list doesnt contain all drugs that may interact with Benadryl. Immunotherapy (allergy shots) is a long-term treatment that decreases your sensitivity to allergens over time. Research suggests quercetin, a bioflavonoid derived from plant sources, helps block histamine release. Weight gain can happen in some people who take diphenhydramine, the drug that Benadryl contains. This is due to a risk of eye disease in the newborn. (See warning below in the Benadryl side effects section.). Forms include: Store brands that contain diphenhydramine, the same ingredient in Benadryl, are available in other forms. Since the inception of this challenge weve taken action to stop this behavior. A 2013 meta-analysis of clinical studies found that melatonin slightly decreases the time it takes to fall asleep and increases total sleep time. But second-generation antihistamines such as Claritin (loratadine), Allegra (fexofenadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine) have a lower tendency to cross the blood-brain barrier; for this reason, theyre often recommended over their first-generation counterparts. The half-life of loratadine, or how long it takes for half a dose to leave your body, is 8.4 hours in adults without liver problems. Its involved in regulating the wake-sleep cycle of the body. Use only as directed. By submitting your information, you agree to the Financial Incentive Notice. Benadryls antiemetic effects are likely due to central anticholinergic effects. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Symptoms of an overdose in adults and children can include: If you think youve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or seek guidance from Americas Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or through its online tool. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a first generation antihistamine. Examples of these medications include: Xanax (alprazolam) is a type of drug called a benzodiazepine, which can cause sleepiness. Pediatric Allergy and Asthma 53 years experience. They may recommend treatments such as calamine lotion. Taken in the recommended doses, antihistamines can be taken daily, but patients should make sure they do not interact with their other medications,, , professor and chair of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Wisconsin, The risk of interaction increases with combination products. As a result, they are often associated with certain side effects like drowsiness, sedation, and fatigue. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. There are no known interactions between Benadryl and acetaminophen (Tylenol). It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment. Topical products are typically used up to four times daily. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. Zyrtec (cetirizine) is a newer, second-generation antihistamine. Claritin (loratadine) is known as a second-generation antihistamine, most of which do not cause sedation. Do NOT use multiple products that contain diphenhydramine at the same time, even if one is topical and the other is oral. And there are personal risks that should be considered, too. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that cough and cold products not be used in children under 2 years of age due to the risk of dangerous side effects, including sudden infant death. When you apply it to your skin, it works right away. Topical BENADRYL Itch Stopping Cream temporarily relieves pain and itching associated with insect bites, minor burns, sunburn, minor skin irritations, minor cuts, scrapes, and rashes due to poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. No. Both Benadryl and Zyrtec are over-the-counter medications. If you feel like your antihistamine is no longer working, try a different one or consult with your allergist for more information. Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine. These products include: Over-the-counter Benadryl products arent approved to treat symptoms of motion sickness. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think youre having a medical emergency. Check the ingredients on the label. Absolutely. There are several other antihistamines that you can use as alternatives. If you take Xanax, talk with your doctor before taking Benadryl. Dr. Brian has been practicing pharmacy for over 13 years and has wide-ranging experiences in many different areas of the profession. Benadryl also has central nervous system depressant effects and has a direct suppressive effect on the cough center. However, diphenhydramine, the main ingredient contained in most Benadryl products, is contained in other products that help improve sleep. If you have any questions about treating your childs allergies, please speak with your doctor. Benadryl is often effective in reducing symptoms of motion sickness, but it can cause sleepiness. Over-the-counter antihistamines are not all the same. Allegra is also available in many different forms, including: Allegra products are taken once or twice daily. Not all of these uses are recommended by the FDA or by medical experts. Histamine binds to H1 receptors (cell surface receptors that trigger an inflammatory response when binded with histamines) in your nose and eyes, causing a protective response that results in allergy symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes and itchy skin as the body tries to flush the allergens away, explains Dr. Husain. The content adolescents are exposed to on social media has a very real impact on their lives and urgency needs to be taken to remove all dangerous content. Diphenhydramine, the drug that Benadryl contains, is sometimes used with other medications for treating migraine headaches. However, one Unisom product contains a similar drug, doxylamine. Anticholinergic drugs block the action of acetylcholine, a chemical that relays messages between cells in your body. My Child's Runny Nose Got Better After Taking Benadryl . However, people often use Benadryl to treat these symptoms. The maximum daily dose of Benadryl is 300 mg or 12 tablets. You can take it every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by your doctor. (olopatadine) can be purchased over the counter for itching, redness, and swelling of the eyes. For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects. For more information on the possible side effects of Benadryl or tips on how to deal with a troubling side effect, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Store Benadryl at room temperature in its original container. Visit the FDA website for more information. Ideally, you want to separate both by at least 12 hours. Pharmacy names, logos, brands, and other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Benadryl may be safe for short-term use during pregnancy in some situations. They may recommend other treatment options. such as Claritin and Allegra. Because ingredients vary from one Benadryl product to another, be sure to read the label closely before buying or using a Benadryl product. Dr. Cori Copilevitz Passer is a board certified allergist and immunologist who practices at Allergy & Asthma Care P.A. Second, we also include links to advertisers offers in some of our articles; these affiliate links may generate income for our site when you click on them. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Benadryl. For adults and children over 12 years of age, the maximum dosage is 300 mg each day. Taking aspirin during this time may cause bleeding problems. Benadryl is not approved for use in dogs. [Quercetin] works best when started two to three weeks prior to allergy season. In most cases, after taking Benadryl, it would be prudent to wait that amount of time (4 to 8 hours) to take Claritin. If you no longer need to take Benadryl and have leftover medication, its important to dispose of it safely. Both pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are decongestants that help relieve the symptoms of nasal and sinus congestion, as well as sinus pressure. Answer. If you are concerned about an antihistamines side effects or drug interactions, there are. Aside from tablets, Benadryl is also available as: The generic version of Zyrtec, cetirizine HCl, costs $53 without insurance. Answers when you need them most. If you have restless legs syndrome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about other medication options. Since Zyrtec lasts around 24 hours, to best avoid additive side effects, Benadryl should ideally be taken 24 hours after your last Zyrtec dose. It competes with free histamine at the H1-receptor binding sites. However, the effects of Benadryl may be felt much sooner. Benadryl may be taken without regard to meals and the most commonly reported side effects is drowsiness. Because Benadryl can cause sleepiness, its not typically recommended for less severe swelling. Benadryl is used to treat the following conditions: Allergic Reactions Allergic Rhinitis Cold Symptoms Cough Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Extrapyramidal Reaction Motion Sickness Nausea/Vomiting Pruritus Urticaria Claritin A total of 91 drugs are known to interact with Claritin . Drinking alcohol with Benadryl can increase the effects of alcohol and cause excess sleepiness that can impair your abilities. suggests. Diphenhydramine is marketed under the. There are some exceptions to the above, however, as discussed below. Learn how we can help 4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago Thank If the Dimetapp Cold contains Brompheniramine then you would not want to give Claritin (an anti-histamine) at the same time. All of these antihistamines are indicated for adults and children 2 years old and older, with Zyrtec and Claritin dosed once a day for people of all ages. To prevent this possible side effect, you should use the lowest effective dose of Benadryl for the shortest time possible. The plasma half-life is 2 to 8 hours with a duration of action of about 4 to 6 hours. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, Good Housekeeping, MSN, Yahoo and more. Other medications are considered a first-choice treatment for people who need to relieve motion sickness but want to stay awake while traveling. RELATED: Allergy Meds 101: Your seasonal allergy med questions answered. Also, dont use dangerous equipment if you feel sleepy after taking Benadryl. Below is a list of medications that can interact with Benadryl. | Best antihistamines for daily use | Side effects | Discontinuing antihistamines | Other allergy treatments. Topical Benadryl products that arent approved for use in children under 2 years. Your body sees the allergen as an invader and attacks it, giving you a runny nose and itchy eyes. Store brands are usually cheaper than the brand-name versions. Benadryl may not be a good choice for you if you have certain medical conditions. Severe allergic reactions can lead to swelling and shortness of breath. are newer antihistamines that dont cross the blood-brain barrier as easily as first-generation antihistamines. Currently, there arent any nondrowsy forms of Benadryl available. 2-4 weeks before you expect your allergic symptoms to start. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. Answer (1 of 10): How often can I take Benadryl? are a class of drugs that generally work by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical made by your immune system in response to common allergens like mold, dust, pollen, ragweed. Keep in mind that nondrowsy drugs are less likely to cause drowsiness, but this can still be a side effect. If you are concerned about an antihistamines side effects or drug interactions, there are alternative treatments. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers offers appear on the site. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. , insect bites/stings, latex, or certain food. When standard treatments become ineffective, these tips can help. Both Benadryl and Allegra are over-the-counter medications. However, teens taking part in the Benadryl challenge have ingested as many as a dozen pills, or even moredouble a daily dosein a single sitting. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Our editorial content is based on thorough research and guidance from the, Partner Offers feature brands who paid Forbes Health to appear at the top of our list. Both Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Claritin (loratadine) are antihistamines and aregenerally not recommended to take together. Certain meds lose effectiveness and have serious side effects. Claritin is available in tablet (10 milligram), disintegrating tablet (10 milligram), chewable tablet (10 milligram) and liquid (1 milligram/1 milliliter) form.