(about 4-to-6 hours max) one that may provide some additional relief. So as a "one-time" dose, there should not . My Child's Runny Nose Got Better After Taking Benadryl . Your pharmacist can help you avoid potential interactions. The opinions expressed are the authors alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers. (Dr. Raimo takes that a step further, advising patients to avoid taking these two. Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. Severe allergic reactions can lead to swelling and shortness of breath. Heres what you need to know about the similarities and differences between these two common antihistamines. If you experience hay fever, seasonal allergies or skin hives, ask your doctor about taking an antihistamine, says Dr. Husain. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a brand-name medication thats classified as an antihistamine. The diphenhydramine in BENADRYL Allergy can cause drowsiness. Read this article to learn more about the types of antihistamines available and their side. If youve ever faced those pesky symptoms, chances are youve taken an antihistamine for relief. Claritin is also available in many different forms, including: Claritin tablets, liquid-filled capsules, and syrup are taken once daily. This prevents histamine from binding to these receptors. Claritin usually costs more than Benadryl. Your doctor may want to evaluate your symptoms. Staff. can be an effective treatment option. Lifestyle changes, such as reducing your exposure to allergy triggers or using a HEPA air filter, can help reduce your chance of experiencing symptoms during peak allergy season. All rights reserved. If you have constipation, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about other medication options instead of Benadryl. Oral Benadryl products are approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies, and symptoms of the common cold, such as sneezing and runny nose. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Examples of these supplements include: As with all medications, the costs of Benadryl products can vary. Severe allergic reactions can lead to swelling and shortness of breath. In one study, people over the age of 65 years who took medications such as Benadryl daily for 3 years or longer had an increased risk of dementia or Alzheimers disease. Both Allegra and Claritin are effective in treating seasonal allergies and have similar efficacy and safety profiles, says Dr. Ogajeer. Answer (1 of 10): How often can I take Benadryl? However, . Your doctor may want to evaluate your symptoms to determine the safest treatment. This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. However, in children, oral Benadryl can sometimes cause unexpected side effects such as: Because of the risk of dangerous side effects in children, over-the-counter oral Benadryl products are only approved for use in children 6 years of age and older. Different drug interactions can cause different effects. Taking these drugs with Benadryl can increase the risk of excessive sleepiness. A person may use medications to relieve seasonal allergy symptoms. However, taking Benadryl regularly or in large doses may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Although its effective for decreasing symptoms of seasonal allergies, Benadryl isnt often used for this purpose. An expectorant is a product that loosens mucus in your respiratory tract so you can cough it up. Benadryl is not approved for use in dogs. Below are comparisons between Benadryl and several medications. They are a good option for the treatment of seasonal allergies as each dose lasts around 24 hours and they don't cause drowsiness. Your body sees the allergen as an invader and attacks it, giving you a runny nose and itchy eyes. Melatonin is a hormone that naturally occurs in the body. Learn which provider you should see for your stuffy nose, Here is what to watch for if you take this fat-soluble supplement, Non-drowsy antihistamines, such as Allegra, Claritin, and Clarinex can offer allergy relief without the symptom of drowsiness. Popular brand names of first-generation antihistamines include. It may also reduce your milk supply. Always follow the instructions that come with any BENADRYL product, which can be found on the packaging. If its not possible to eliminate exposure to your allergy trigger, you may keep daily symptoms under control with an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription antihistamine. If you have trouble swallowing whole tablets, Benadryl liquid solution and chewable tablets are available. Some herbs and supplements can cause sleepiness. Benadryl and Zyrtec are both brand-name over-the-counter products. Zyrtec usually costs more than Benadryl. Claritin is approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies. Visit the FDA website for more information. However, Benadryl isnt usually a first choice for these conditions because of the risk of side effects such as sleepiness. Having said all of the above, there are cases when both can be used together but first, a little on the differences between the two drugs. If they decide that the baby requires treatment with Benadryl, your doctor can also recommend the most appropriate dosage. One situation where taking both within a 24 window may be recommended, however, is if you are experiencing a mild allergic reaction. Taking Benadryl with Zyrtec may increase the risk of certain side effects such as sleepiness, dry mouth, fatigue, and headache. If you feel like your antihistamine is no longer working, try a different one or consult with your allergist for more information. Benadryl. If you take other medications, talk with your pharmacist before taking Benadryl. Dr. Arthur Torre answered. Although tolerance to sleepiness caused by Benadryl can happen, tolerance doesnt seem to develop for other effects of Benadryl. In addition, taking Benadryl long term might increase the risk of dementia such as Alzheimers disease, especially in older adults. Benadryl causes significantly more sedation and only lasts four to six hours while Claritin is non-sedating and lasts 24 hours per dose. It is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of signs of medication abuse, such as: Empty medicine boxes or packaging in the trash of your childs room or their backpack, Purchase or use of large amounts of medicine when not ill or exhibiting symptoms, Missing packages of medicine from home medicine cabinets, Changes in friends, physical appearance, or sleeping or eating patterns, Loss of interest in hobbies or favorite activities. Side effects of Benadryl in children are generally similar to those in adults, described above. Nasal Spray For Allergies: What You Need To Know, Allergy Medicine For Pollen: What You Need To Know, What Is A Mold Allergy? Oral Benadryl products are approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies, and symptoms of the common cold, such as sneezing and runny nose. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Do NOT swallow a Topical BENADRYL product. All rights reserved. There are many different Benadryl-branded products. This side effect may go away after 3 to 4 days of daily use. Oral Benadryl products are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours. The release of too much histamine can spur bothersome symptoms like coughing, sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and itchy eyes, throat, or skin. Benadryl isnt an effective treatment for anxiety. If you have symptoms that dont go away, call your doctor. Benadryl can cause constipation, especially if you use it regularly. Allergies are one of the most common chronic conditions worldwide, affecting more than 50 million Americans, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Daily dosing is based on a 24-hour period. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Spring brings warmer weather, longer days and blooming treesand that often means an increase in pollen. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication. Claritin has a relatively long half-life so it may not be safe to take Benadryl 12 hours after Claritin. If you have symptoms of depression while taking Benadryl, talk with your doctor. How frequently can I take BENADRYL ? These products usually cost about the same. In addition to the information below, you can also refer to this article for details about Benadryls interactions. Ideally, you want to separate both by at least 12 hours. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Benadryl is effective for decreasing itchy skin from hives. Benadryl and most Unisom products contain the same ingredient, diphenhydramine. BENADRYL is an antihistamine that works to relieve your allergies when you need it the most. Antihistamines can ease a persons allergy symptoms. Taking Xanax with Benadryl can increase your risk of excessive sleepiness. Human embryonic cells (fetal cells) are not involved in the production of these products. Not all of these uses are recommended by the FDA or by medical experts. Oral BENADRYL Allergy products are meant to be ingested (swallowed). However, the effects of Benadryl may be felt much sooner. 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. If you drink alcohol, you should not consume it while taking Benadryl. The American Headache Society recommends not using diphenhydramine for treating migraine headaches. * Both Benadryl and Claritin can cause sleepiness, but its much more common in people who take Benadryl. Antihistamines: if/when are first generation medications advantageous over newer antihistamines?. Some allergy medications contain an antihistamine and a decongestant (e.g., Claritin D). Some are oral, and some are topical. It works by blocking histamine in the body, which is a substance that causes allergic symptoms. Absolutely. Consult a doctor for medical advice before taking multiple antihistamines. Dr. Cori Copilevitz Passer is a board certified allergist and immunologist who practices at Allergy & Asthma Care P.A. If you take Xanax, talk with your doctor before taking Benadryl. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, neither Benadryl nor melatonin is recommended to treat ongoing or long-term insomnia. When histamine does bind to histamine receptors, it generally produces the symptoms of allergy that we are so familiar with (e.g. Always follow the instructions that come with Childrens BENADRYL. Below are examples of these side effects. Drinking alcohol with Benadryl can increase the effects of alcohol and cause excess sleepiness that can impair your abilities. 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. This site contains links to websites to which our Privacy Policy does not apply. If youve ever faced those pesky symptoms, chances are youve taken an antihistamine for relief. I have it on my medical HelloPharmacist MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a first generation antihistamine. In addition, and perhaps most importantly, you most likely will not get any additional benefit from using both at the same time. Since the inception of this challenge weve taken action to stop this behavior. The purpose of the expiration date is to guarantee the effectiveness of the medication during this time. 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. The plasma half-life is 2 to 8 hours with a duration of action of about 4 to 6 hours. Newer 2nd generation over-the-counter antihistamines such as loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine (Claritin , Zyrtec , and Allegra ) last much longer (18-24 hours compared with 4-6 hours for Benadryl ) and have much fewer side effects, most notably sedation. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Health site. However, it may not help improve symptoms. But when it comes to allergy medications for seasonal allergies, its best to start taking them. However, its not usually a first-choice treatment for treating hay fever or other respiratory allergies. There are two types of antihistamines, first- and second-generation. They may recommend other treatment options. For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects. Topical Benadryl products are typically used up to four times daily. Both Benadryl and Claritin are over-the-counter medications. Benadryl and Allegra are both effective for reducing symptoms of hay fever and other allergies and for treating hives or itchy skin. | Can I take antihistamines every day? These medications include: Note: In rare cases, swelling from hives may cause a swollen tongue or throat and may make it difficult to breathe. Follow this helpful BENADRYL Dosage Chart to learn more about proper dosing. To prevent this possible side effect, you should use the lowest effective dose of Benadryl for the shortest time possible. Allurtica is a safe, non-drowsy, non-habit-forming, natural formula made with organic stinging nettles, rosemary, quercetin, herbs & other antioxidants to help stabilize irritated mast cells, natural support, breathe free & for better absorption. Can I also take my daily Claritin after? Can my doctors mix Metamucil with Is it safe to take Synthroid and phentermine together? that decreases your sensitivity to allergens over time. However, Dr. Lin says antihistamines alone are not bad for the heart in otherwise healthy people., The later generation non-sedating antihistamines, such as loratadine, fexofenadine, and cetirizine are safe to take daily, says. I have bronchitis and was prescribed prednisone. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional. Although its not approved, some people take oral Benadryl to help improve their sleep. Before giving oral Benadryl to children under 6 years, or cough and cold products to children under 2 years, talk with your doctor. Decongestants containing the active ingredient pseudoephedrine, like Sudafed, or phenylephrine, like Sudafed PE, help relieve nasal congestion and sinus pressure due to the common cold, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. With first-generation antihistamines, some people note decreasing effectiveness if used daily for several days, says Dr. Lin. This messenger causes symptoms such as inflammation, edema (swelling), itchiness, and runny nose. It competes with free histamine at the H1-receptor binding sites. Both pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are decongestants that help relieve the symptoms of nasal and sinus congestion, as well as sinus pressure. You could however give the medicines separately, at least 6 hours apart. Use this table as a quick reference guide for which medications are safe, but always consult with your pharmacist or healthcare provider before adding a medication to your daily regimen. Answer. Experts say, its usually okay. The major side effects would be dry mouthand drowsiness( the latter much less common if one uses the non-sedating type). Drowsiness can be a side effect of all forms of Benadryl. I am taking Metamucil and am scheduled for a cat scan any day now. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Diphenhydramine is an ingredient that Benadryl contains. 2-4 weeks before you expect your allergic symptoms to start. in Overland Park, Kansas.