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Diphenhydramine Interaction with Alcohol


Are you taking Diphenhydramine? Are you aware of the dangers of combining Diphenhydramine with alcohol? Drug-food-interactions are seldom discussed but can lead to undesirable side effects and potentially diminish the efficacy of the medication.

Diphenhydramine Interactions with Alcohol

Avoid alcohol intake while using diphenhydramine as it can cause some side effects like dizziness, drowsiness and increased risk of an alcohol overdose (1 Trusted Source
Linda B. Bobroff, Ashley Lentz, and R. Elaine Turner (2009) Food/Drug And Drug/Nutrient Interactions: What You Should Know About Your Medications

Go to source
).

When and How to Take Diphenhydramine

  • Diphenhydramine comes as a tablet, a rapidly disintegrating (dissolving) tablet, a capsule, a liquid-filled capsule, a dissolving strip, powder, and a liquid to be taken orally (by mouth).
  • It is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours for the treatment of allergies, colds and cough symptoms.
  • Diphenhydramine is given before going to bed to cure insomnia 30 minutes before planned sleep.
  • To treat motion sickness, it is often taken 30 minutes before departure, as well as before meals and at bedtime if necessary.
  • It is typically used to treat abnormal movements three times a day at first, then four times a day.
  • Follow the directions exactly as given on the prescription label. Do not exceed or skip a dose. If you miss it, take the medication as soon as you remember.
  • Do not double the dose at a time to compensate for a missed dose (2 Trusted Source
    National Library of Medicine: Diphenhydramine MedlinePlus Drug Information.

    Go to source
    ).

References

1. Linda B. Bobroff, Ashley Lentz, and R. Elaine Turner (2009) Food/Drug And Drug/Nutrient Interactions: What You Should Know About Your Medications. http://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/IR/00/00/33/66/00001/HE77600.pdf
2. National Library of Medicine: Diphenhydramine MedlinePlus Drug Information https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682539.html#

Drug Name : Diphenhydramine

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine, prescribed for severe allergic conditions such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes. It is also used for itching of insect bites, sunburns, bee stings, poison ivy, poison oak and minor skin irritation.
We recommend consulting your doctor to verify the information presented on this page or if you need any further clarifications.


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Diphenhydramine for Medical Condition(s)