Can You Take Benadryl With A Z-Pak (Azithromycin)?

Answer

There are no drug interactions between Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and a Z-Pak (azithromycin). They are considered safe to combine.

Benadryl may actually help with some of the symptoms associated with an infection, such as runny nose, sneezing, and itching of the nose, throat, or eyes.

I discuss these two drugs in additional detail below.

Information About Benadryl

Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine. Antihistamines are widely used for self-care of allergy symptoms including runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and itching of the nose, throat, or eyes. Benadryl may also be used for symptoms of the common cold, allergic reactions, occasional insomnia, and more.

Because Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine, it is more likely to cause sedation and drowsiness.

Other first-generation antihistamines include:

• Dramamine (dimenhydrinate)
• Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine)
• Tavist (clemastine)
• Phenergan (promethazine)

These medications cross the blood-brain barrier and have CNS effects like drowsiness and dizziness.

First-generation antihistamines can also cause urinary retention, GI upset, and blurry vision. The first generation antihistamines are also listed as medications to avoid in elderly adults by the Beers Criteria due to the increased risk of confusion, dry mouth, and drowsiness.

Second-generation antihistamines include Claritin (loratadine), Cetirizine (Zyrtec), and Allegra (fexofenadine) which are much less sedating. These antihistamines are generally only used for the treatment of allergy symptoms, whereas Benadryl can be used for a variety of reasons including allergies, insect bites, poison ivy, sleep, and motion sickness.

Information About The Z-Pak

A Z-pak consists of six tablets of azithromycin 250 mg. Usually, two tablets are prescribed on the first day of therapy, followed by one tablet for the following four days.

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that can treat a variety of infections including bronchitis, sinus infections, ear infections, skin infections, sexually transmitted infections, and more. Azithromycin can cover several types of bacteria but is not effective in treating the flu, the common cold, or other viral infections.

Like most antibiotics, azithromycin may cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Macrolides are more likely to cause these types of side effects, but azithromycin is one of the more tolerable drugs in the class.

Another concern with azithromycin is that it can cause QT prolongation in patients with a past medical history related to the heart. Drug interactions can also be a concern so always check each new medication prior to starting a new therapy.

Final Words

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