Is it safe to take Benadryl and Sudafed together? 

Is it safe to take Benadryl and Sudafed together? 

Yes, it is safe to take Benadryl and Sudafed together. There is no known interaction between the two medications. Benadryl is Diphenhydramine, which is an antihistamine medication with sedative properties (1). 

Sudafed, on the other hand, is Pseudoephedrine. It is a nasal decongestant (2). Although they don’t interact chemically, they may have some opposing results. 

Sudafed can act as a stimulant and may increase your alertness. One of the most commonly reported side effects of this med is insomnia, as it stimulates the brain (2). 

Benadryl is a sedative in nature and is used as a sleep aid. If you’re taking the two concomitantly, you will not achieve the sedative effects of Benadryl or may achieve them mildly as Sudafed will stimulate your brain a little. 

This is why I advise you to take them at separate times. Preferably, you can take Sudafed in the daytime and Benadryl at bedtime. Sudafed can also be combined with non-sedative antihistamines like Zyrtec (Cetirizine).

Potential benefits and risks of using Benadryl and Sudafed together

Using Benadryl and Sudafed together can offer potential benefits in addressing various cold, allergy, and sinus symptoms. However, it’s essential to be cautious of the potential risks involved (1,2).

Benefits:

Combining Benadryl and Sudafed offers a wide range of symptom relief. Benadryl can help with allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itching, while Sudafed can alleviate nasal congestion. 

Together, they provide a more comprehensive approach to addressing multiple colds, allergies, and sinus symptoms.

Risks:

Both Benadryl and Sudafed can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. Taking them together may increase the risk of experiencing these side effects.

Furthermore, individuals with certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart problems, glaucoma, or thyroid disorders, may need to avoid one or both of these medications due to their potential effects on these conditions (1,2).

Final words

Overall, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using Benadryl and Sudafed together. They can provide professional advice based on your health status, current medications, and specific symptoms.

It is essential to follow their recommended dosages and usage instructions to ensure safe and effective symptom relief. If you experience any unusual or concerning side effects while using these medications, seek medical attention right away.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

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.-

Głowacka K, Wiela-Hojeńska A. Pseudoephedrine-Benefits and Risks. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 May 13;22(10):5146. doi: 10.3390/ijms22105146. PMID: 34067981; PMCID: PMC8152226. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8152226/