Can You Take Benadryl With Amoxicillin?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and amoxicillin are safe to take together.
Is Benadryl safe to take with amoxicillin?
Aug 31, 2022- Benadryl and amoxicillin can be taken together safely with no drug interactions between them. Benadryl may be recommended alongside amoxicillin to help manage infection-related symptoms like insomnia, congestion, and post-nasal drip. Be aware that Benadryl causes drowsiness and typically lasts 4 to 6 hours, so plan accordingly if you need to be alert.
Answer
Benadryl and amoxicillin have no drug interactions and are safe to take together.
In fact, there may be situations where Benadryl and amoxicillin are recommended to take together to treat symptoms from infection such as insomnia, congestion, and post-nasal drip. You can feel safe combining them.
Amoxicillin Information
Amoxicillin is an aminopenicillin antibiotic. It has a broader spectrum of action (i.e. effective for more types of infection) than penicillin and is generally well tolerated when compared to other antibiotics.
Amoxicillin is indicated for the treatment of a variety of infections including otitis media (ear infection), upper respiratory infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Amoxicillin is generally taken for 10 to 14 days and can be given without regard to food in most cases. Outside of the potential for allergic reaction with amoxicillin, the most common side effects are:
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nausea
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) Information
Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine, which typically have a relatively short duration of action (around 4 to 8 hours) and are known to cause sedation. In addition to its use for treating seasonal allergy symptoms such as a runny nose and watery eyes, Benadryl is also effective for treating symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and vertigo associated with motion sickness.
As Benadryl has fairly significant sedating effects, it is very often used as a nighttime sleep aide. In fact, it is a common ingredient in over-the-counter sleep products, such as ZzzQuil.
Benadryl will begin working in about 20 to 30 minutes after taking a dose by mouth and maximum blood concentrations are reached after 1 to 2 hours. The duration of action varies by individual but generally lasts 4 to 6 hours. It is known to last longer in older adults and the elderly.
Benadryl is generally well tolerated but can cause the following side effects:
- Sedation
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Constipation
Final Words
Thanks again for reaching out! You can feel safe taking Benadryl and amoxicillin together. Please be sure to reach back out to us if anything comes up for you!
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Aminopenicillin antibiotic
- A type of antibiotic medication derived from penicillin that can treat a wide range of bacterial infections.
- Spectrum of action
- The range of different types of infections or bacteria that a medication can effectively treat.
- Otitis media
- An infection of the middle ear, commonly known as an ear infection.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Infections that occur in any part of the system that carries urine, including the bladder and urethra.
- Antihistamine
- A medication that blocks the effects of histamine in the body to reduce allergy symptoms and itching.
- Vertigo
- A spinning sensation or feeling of dizziness where the room appears to be moving around you.
- Sedation
- A state of reduced alertness or drowsiness caused by medication.
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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