Alcohol and Benadryl

The Dangers of Drinking While Taking Allergy Medication

Diphenhydramine, brand name Benadryl, is one of the most popular over-the-counter allergy medications in the country. Benadryl is extremely effective for treating seasonal allergies and mild allergic reactions. As noted by the product website, the antihistamine provides relief for:

  • Sneezing
  • Itchy, watery eyes
  • Runny nose
  • Itchy throat

The active ingredient, diphenhydramine HCI 25 mg, is known to cause drowsiness. According to the warning labels, you should “avoid alcoholic drinks” when taking Benadryl. Additionally, the product warns that “Alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness” and to “Be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery.”

Alcohol presents a number of dangers when mixed with other drugs, even over-the-counter medications such as Benadryl. As the product label warns, alcohol may increase drowsiness. According to an article published in Medical News Today, it can also cause a loss of consciousness, impair coordination, cause dehydration, impair learning and memory, and cause complications in older adults.

Healthline also published an article about the dangers of mixing alcohol and Benadryl, noting that both are Central Nervous System depressants. Combining the drugs can lead to a substantial slowdown of your Central Nervous System, which can “cause drowsiness, sedation, and trouble doing physical and mental tasks that require alertness.”

It is vital to always consult a doctor before taking any type of drug, even over-the-counter medication. It is particularly important to avoid alcohol when you are taking any drugs that may make you drowsy or impair your reaction time. You should never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, this is true even for over the counter or prescription drugs if they could reduce your reaction time.

Learn more about the dangerous effect of combining Benadryl and alcohol:

  1. Medical News Today – “Can you drink alcohol while taking antihistamines?
  2. Healthline – “Is it Safe to Mix Benadryl and Alcohol?