Is Benadryl Safe To Take With Antibiotics?
The pharmacist discusses whether or not it is safe to take Benadryl if you are also taking antibiotics.
Is it safe to take Benadryl with antibiotics?
Jul 08, 2022- Benadryl is generally safe to take with most common antibiotics like amoxicillin, penicillin, and azithromycin. You should take your antibiotic alone for a dose or two before adding Benadryl since it can mask signs of an allergic reaction. Avoid or use caution with Benadryl when taking injectable minocycline or aminoglycoside antibiotics due to increased drowsiness or masked hearing problems.
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is safe to take with most antibiotics and can help to relieve symptoms of infection such as:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Clogged sinuses
- Watery eyes
- Insomnia
It is important to note that you should ideally take your antibiotic alone for a dose or two before combining it when Benadryl, as Benadryl can mask the symptoms of an allergic reaction (since it is an antihistamine).
Safety Of Benadryl With Antibiotics
Benadryl is safe to take with most commonly prescribed antibiotics, which include:
- Amoxicillin
- Penicillin
- Ciprofloxacin
- Levofloxacin
- Cephalexin
- Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim
- Azithromycin
- Cefadroxil
- Erythromycin
- Clarithromycin
- Tetracycline
- Doxycycline
There are only a few antibiotics to take precaution with when it comes to Benadryl, and those include injectable minocycline and anything from the aminoglycoside family:
Minocycline: Injectable minocycline contains magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, which has central nervous system depressant effects. Additive central-depressant effects can occur following concurrent administration with Benadryl and Injectable minocycline. Caution should be exercised when using these agents concurrently.
Aminoglycosides: Benadryl may mask the symptoms of ototoxicity, a sign of overdose with these antibiotics. Symptoms include dizziness, tinnitus, or vertigo. Benadryl can relieve these symptoms. Since it is important to be aware that ototoxic symptoms are happening, Benadryl should be avoided or used with caution with aminoglycosides.
Final Words
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References & sources
- Diphenhydramine Monograph — PubChem
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Diphenhydramine
- The active ingredient in Benadryl, a medication that blocks histamine to relieve allergy symptoms.
- Antihistamine
- A medication that blocks histamine, a chemical in the body that causes allergy symptoms like itching and sneezing.
- Aminoglycoside
- A class of antibiotics that can damage the inner ear and hearing at high doses.
- Ototoxicity
- Damage to the ear or hearing caused by a medication, which can result in symptoms like dizziness or ringing in the ears.
- Tinnitus
- A ringing, buzzing, or whistling sound in the ears that only the person can hear.
- Vertigo
- A spinning sensation or dizziness that makes you feel like the room is moving around you.
- Central nervous system depressant
- A substance that slows down brain and nerve activity, causing drowsiness or reduced alertness.
- Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate
- A chemical compound used in injectable minocycline that can slow down nervous system activity.
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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