Can you take Benadryl with Tylenol?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
Can you take Benadryl with Tylenol?
Yes, you can take Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) and Tylenol (Acetaminophen) safely together. There is no known interaction between these two and they are often prescribed together.
Tylenol works as a painkiller and it helps to reduce fever. Benadryl can be used as an anti-allergy medication and it helps you fall asleep faster (1,2).
In fact, Tylenol is available in the form of Tylenol PM which contains both Acetaminophen and Diphenhydramine together (3). No matter if you take the combined version of the two meds or take them separately, it’s absolutely safe to do so.
Tylenol can also be paired with other antihistamines, like Hydroxyzine, Cetirizine, etc to help with common cold and allergy symptoms. However, make sure you stick to the recommended doses.
Tylenol is considered the safest OTC painkiller and fever reducer and can be paired with a lot of cold and flu medications, like antihistamines, pseudoephedrine, etc.
Benadryl, on the other hand, can also be taken with other OTC painkillers like Advil (ibuprofen).
Potential benefits of taking Benadryl and Tylenol together
Benadryl and Tylenol together can be a good drug combination to help alleviate various symptoms. Some potential benefits of this combination include (1,2):
- Allergy Relief: Benadryl is an antihistamine that can help relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes.
- Pain Relief: Tylenol is an analgesic (pain reliever) and can help reduce mild to moderate pain and fever. Benadryl can also be used as a local anaesthetic for dental pains. However, it’s use for this purpose is limited.
- Enhanced Symptom Relief: In some cases, combining Benadryl and Tylenol may provide more comprehensive relief if you have both allergy symptoms and pain or fever.
- Sleep Aid: Benadryl’s sedative effect can help promote sleep in some individuals, making it useful for occasional sleeplessness.
- Cold and Flu Symptom Relief: The combination might provide relief for cold or flu symptoms like congestion, headache, and body aches.
Who should not take Benadryl and Tylenol?
Although Benadryl and Tylenol are considered safe to use and their combination is often used together. However, there are certain individuals who should seek professional advice before combing the two medications together. These include (1,2):
- Allergy: People who are allergic to Diphenhydramine (the active ingredient in Benadryl), Acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol), or any other components of these medications should not take them.
- Medical Conditions: Individuals with specific medical conditions, such as liver disease or kidney problems, should consult their healthcare provider before using these medications, as they may need adjustments to the dosage or alternative treatments.
- Interaction with Other Medications: Some medications can interact with Benadryl or Tylenol, leading to adverse effects or reduced efficacy. It’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements.
- Age Restrictions: Certain forms of Benadryl or Tylenol may not be suitable for infants, young children, or older adults. Always follow age-specific dosing recommendations and consult a healthcare provider when in doubt.
Importance of knowing which OTC formulation to go for
It’s generally safe to take a combination of Benadryl and Tylenol for common ailments. However, one important point to note is that these medications are available in different varieties – as some of the formulations may contain other active ingredients or a higher dose of the original active drug.
While it is safe to use the original versions of Benadryl and Tylenol, some versions are not compatible with one another or may contain similar ingredients – which can lead to an overdose.
For example, Tylenol PM (as mentioned earlier), contains both Acetaminophen and Diphenhydramine in a combined form. If you pair this formulation of Tylenol with Benadryl, you will end up having a higher-than-recommended dose of Diphenhydramine in your system.
This is why you need to know the active ingredients in any OTC formulation you are taking to avoid the risk of overdosing. If you are not sure which formulation is right, consult your pharmacist.
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References
1.-
Sicari V, Zabbo CP. Diphenhydramine. 2022 Jul 11. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30252266. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526010
2.-
Gerriets V, Anderson J, Nappe TM. Acetaminophen. 2022 Sep 18. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29493991. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482369
3.-
LABEL: TYLENOL PM- acetaminophen, diphenhydramine hydrochloride tablet, film coated. DailyMed [Internet]. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=8ed9a9f0-d37e-5c10-e053-2a95a90a559f&type=pdf
