Can Benadryl And Delsym Be Taken together?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses if there is a drug interaction between Delsym and Benadryl.
Hello, I am wondering if I can take Benadryl and Delsym together?
May 21, 2021- Benadryl and Delsym can be taken together if Delsym contains only dextromethorphan as the active ingredient, as there is no known drug interaction between these two medications.
- If your Delsym contains other active ingredients besides dextromethorphan, you should avoid combining it with Benadryl until confirming with your pharmacist that they are safe to use together.
- Make sure to shake your Delsym bottle well before measuring a dose since the medication settles to the bottom.
Hi Issam and thank you for reaching out to us. Diphenhydramine, or under the brand name Benadryl is a “first generation” antihistamine. It was originally used as an effective allergy medication, but became a popular sleep aid due to the fact that it almost always causes drowsiness. Additionally, it can cause dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and next day fatigue.
Delsym, like many other over-the-counter cough and cold medications, has multiple different formulations available. The most commonly used and original formulation contains an extended release formulation of a cough suppressant, dextromethorphan.
Look on the back of your Delsym bottle. If the active ingredient is listed as dextromethorphan, then yes, there is no known drug interaction between it and diphenhydramine, and it should be safe to take these medications together. If you see other active ingredients besides dextromethorphan on your Delsym bottle, then I would recommend avoiding taking the two medications together until you know they are safe to combine (ask your pharmacist!)
Lastly, Delsym is a suspension, so while it’s sitting on your shelf, all of the medication has sunk to the bottom of the bottle. Please make sure that you shake the bottle well before you measure out a dose!
Thanks for reaching out to us and I hope this helps!
References & sources
- Drug Interaction Report — Lexicomp (Subscription Required)
- Diphenhydramine Monograph — PubChem
- Delsym product information page — Delsym.com
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Antihistamine
- A medication that blocks histamine, a chemical in your body that causes allergy symptoms like itching and swelling.
- Cough suppressant
- A medication that reduces the urge to cough.
- Dextromethorphan
- A common cough suppressant ingredient found in many over-the-counter cough medicines.
- Drug interaction
- When two medications affect each other in a way that changes how one or both of them work in your body.
- Extended release
- A medication formulation designed to release the active ingredient slowly over several hours instead of all at once.
- Diphenhydramine
- The active ingredient in Benadryl, a first-generation antihistamine commonly used for allergies and sleep.
- Suspension
- A liquid medication in which solid particles are mixed throughout but tend to settle at the bottom, requiring shaking before use.
- Urinary retention
- A condition where the body has difficulty emptying the bladder completely.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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