Can You Take Benadryl If You Have Pneumonia?

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What Is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a commonly diagnosed condition that is characterized by inflammation in the lungs. It is most typically caused by a bacteria or viral infection.

Pneumonia symptoms can vary significantly among individuals based on how severe the case is. Mild cases generally have symptoms such as shortness of breath and a productive cough (i.e. mucus is expelled when clearing the throat) and can often be treated as an out-patient (i.e. not in the hospital).

More severe cases can be associated with fever, extreme shortness of breath, respiratory distress (due to several factors, including a build-up of mucus), and sepsis. More severe cases require a hospital stay.

What is Benadryl?

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a first-generation antihistamine. First-generation antihistamines differ from their second-generation counterparts (like Claritin and Allegra) by being relatively short-acting (4 to 6 hours per dose) and by their sedative effects. In fact, Benadryl is very commonly used as a sleep aid due to the sedation it causes.

Is Benadryl Safe To Take If You Have Pneumonia?

Antihistamines like Benadryl can be used in those who have been diagnosed with pneumonia but there are some considerations to be aware of. It may not be the best option if you have a more severe case of pneumonia, or have mucus you are having trouble clearing from your chest/throat.

Benadryl has strong 'anticholinergic effects', which includes a drying effect (which is why it's helpful to treat a running nose and watery eyes).

In more mild cases of pneumonia, this effect generally is fine, and Benadryl can help treat some associated symptoms of pneumonia, and could certainly help you get a better night's sleep.

However, for more severe pneumonia cases, where there is significant mucus buildup and breathing may be an issue, the drying effects of Benadryl can thicken mucus secretions, and make these secretions more difficult to clear, which could increase the risk of breathing problems. 

So, this is really a two-pronged answer.

In general, Benadryl is fine to use if you have pneumonia, it won't necessarily make your infection worse, and can help some symptoms. However, due to its drying effects, it increases the risk of breathing problems by thickening mucus secretions, which is an important consideration if you have a more severe case of pneumonia.

It's also important to point out that some studies have shown that the chronic use of anticholinergic drugs (Benadryl would be included in this) may increase the risk of pneumonia in older adults.

The study reported:

In older adults, anticholinergic medication use is associated with pneumonia risk, adding to substantial evidence suggesting that these medications are high risk.

If you are an older adult and have had pneumonia in the past, it would be prudent to discuss the use of Benadryl before taking it.

Final Words

Thanks again for your question!