Antihistamines And Your Heart Risk
Every week I see allergic patients who are avoiding antihistamine medications because of a concern about their heart or blood pressure. But Most of this worry is outdated and unneeded.
Firstly, lets discuss the antihistamines themselves: older generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine , hydroxyzine or chlorpheneramine are messier chemicals with more side effects such as sedation and dry mouth. Versus newer generation antihistamines like ceterizine , loratadine or fexofenadine have fewer side effects and a bit more targeted action in the body.
High Blood Pressure Risk. The antihistamines alone are not associated with high blood pressure or making blood pressure worse. However many times the antihistamines are bundled with a We typically only recommend taking the combination antihistamine-decongestants on an occasional basis when really feeling sick and they should be avoided with poorly controlled blood pressure. To be safe, just stick with the plain antihistamine meds for allergies if you have high blood pressure.
Cardiac Arrythmia Risk. The risks of cardiac rhythm problems are small but do exist some with the first generation antihistamines. If you are at risk of QT prolongation or certain other rare rhythm disorders, avoiding first generation antihistamines is a good idea. Newer antihistamines like fexofenadine, ceterizine and loratadine are all fairly safe for the heart, with fexofenadine seeming to be the absolute safest if you are at risk of arrythmia.
About Katie Mccormack Mdallergy Asthma & Immunology Specialist
As part of the Allergy Department at Boulder Medical Center, Dr. Katie McCormack treats infant, youth, and adult patients for everything from seasonal and food allergies to asthma and eczema. She strives to educate, inform, and empower her patients to become participants in their own wellness and care.
Dr. McCormack completed her allergy and immunology fellowship at the University of Colorado Childrens Hospital and her Pediatric Residency at the University of Michigan, where she was chief resident. She earned her medical degree at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.
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Childrens Benadryl Allergy Liquid
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Give your children effective relief from allergies with a liquid allergy medicine thats cherry-flavored and contains an antihistamine that helps them feel better when they need it.
Available in:
Antihistamine
Inactive Ingredientsanhydrous citric acid, D& C red no. 33, FD& C red no. 40, flavors, glycerin, monoammonium glycyrrhizinate, poloxamer 407, purified water, sodium benzoate, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, sucrose
Each 5 mL contains: sodium 14 mg.
Take every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by a doctor.
Do not take more than 6 doses in 24 hours.
Attention: Use only the dosing cup specifically designed for use with this product. Do no use any other dosing device.
Other InformationStore between 20-25° C .Protect from light. Store in outer carton until contents used.
Temporarily relieves these symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies:
Ask a doctor before use if the child has:
- A breathing problem such as chronic bronchitis
- Glaucoma
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if the child is taking sedatives or tranquilizers
When using this product:
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Dangers Of Allergy Meds For Your Heart
Have high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, or another heart condition? Heres what you need to know about allergy drugs.
Allergy medications might seem harmless enough theyre sold over the counter , so that makes them safe, right?
Not necessarily.
Though allergy drugs can stop the misery of seasonal bouts with pollen, hay fever, and grasses, some can aggravate a heart condition, or be downright dangerous when mixed with blood pressure drugs and certain heart medicines.
If a patient has allergies or a cold and is considering OTC medications, it is always recommended to talk with the pharmacist on site, or to ask your physician for recommendations in the context of the other medications that are prescribed, says L. Kristin Newby, MD, MHS, a cardiology professor at Duke Medicine in Durham, North Carolina.
Some OTC medications for example, those containing pseudoephedrine or similar components may cause increases in heart rate or blood pressure that could exacerbate some cardiac conditions, explains Dr. Newby.
Coricidin And Benadryl: Alternatives That Wont Affect Blood Pressure
If youre looking for a safe cold medicine for high blood pressure, consider Coricidin. Coricidin is an over-the-counter multi-symptom product marketed specifically for patients with high blood pressure. It comes in many varieties and contains different active ingredients that target coughs, colds, chest congestion and allergies.
For runny nose, drainage, or allergy symptoms, you may want to consider diphenhydramine, marketed under the brand name Benadryl. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that will help keep your sinuses clear. Drowsiness is a common side effect of this medication, so it is best taken at bedtime. For non-drowsy antihistamines, consider Zyrtec, Claritin, and Allegra.
Guaifenesin, the active ingredient in Mucinex, is an expectorant that helps you cough up mucus when congested. This medication is also safe to use if you have high blood pressure.
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How To Use Benadryl Allergy
Follow all directions on the product package. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take the tablet, capsule, or liquid form by mouth with or without food. Measure liquid forms of this medication using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If you have a single-dose form of this medication , you do not need to measure the dose.
The rapidly-dissolving tablet or strip should be allowed to dissolve on the tongue and then swallowed, with or without water. The chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before being swallowed.
The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. There are many brands and forms of diphenhydramine available. Read the dosing instructions carefully for each product because the amount of diphenhydramine may be different between products. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed.
To prevent motion sickness, take your dose 30 minutes before starting activity such as travel. To help you sleep, take your dose about 30 minutes before bedtime. If you continue to have difficulty sleeping for longer than 2 weeks, contact your doctor.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Allergic To Benadryl What Can I Take
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How Do I Safely Take Otc Antihistamines
Read the directions on the label before taking any medicine. Learn how much to take and how often you should take it. If you have any questions about how much medicine to take, call your family doctor or pharmacist. Keep track of which OTC medicines you are using and when you take them. If you need to go to the doctor, take the list with you.
Follow these tips to make sure you are taking the right amount of medicine:
- Take only the amount recommended on the medicines label. Dont assume that more medicine will work better or quicker. Taking more than the recommended amount can be dangerous.
- Mixing medicines can be dangerous. If you take a prescription medicine, ask your doctor if its okay to also take an OTC antihistamine.
- Dont use more than 1 OTC antihistamine at a time unless your doctor says its okay. They may have similar active ingredients that add up to be too much medicine.
Can Benadryl Worsen Or Cause Anxiety
One of the possible side effects of Benadryl is called paradoxical CNS stimulation. Its a condition where you experience the opposite drug reaction to whats expected.
Most people experience side effects of drowsiness and sedation on Benadryl. For some people, Benadryl can have the opposite effect.
Instead of feeling sleepy, you may experience excitation and agitation, which might make anxiety symptoms feel worse.
Theres no way to predict who will have a paradoxical reaction.
There are no studies linking Benadryl, or its active ingredient diphenhydramine, directly to the symptoms of clinical depression.
Feeling tired, lethargic, or mentally foggy on Benadryl is often from the drugs CNS depressant effects.
If youre experiencing symptoms of depression while taking Benadryl, your mental healthcare team can evaluate your symptoms and check for co-occurring conditions.
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Are There Any Long
Yes, there are. Some long-term side effects that Benadryl may cause include:
Benadryl is recommended only as a short-term treatment for people with symptoms of allergies or other conditions that the drug treats. If you take Benadryl long term, you may develop long-term side effects of the medication.
Which side effects you experience can determine how long your side effects last. For example, if you feel sleepy, this side effect may last a few hours or until the medication is no longer in your body. But other side effects can be longer lasting.
Talk with your doctor about your Benadryl use and which other medications may be better for your condition.
How Does Alcohol Interact With Allergy Medications Like Diphenhydramine Loratadine Or Cetirizine
Lets begin by distinguishing between first-generation antihistamines and second-generation antihistamines.
First-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, are more capable of affecting the central nervous system than second-generation antihistamines. This means that they are more likely to cause drowsiness, confusion, and impaired thinking.
Second-generation antihistamines, such as loratadine and cetirizine, tend to cause fewer side effects than first-generation antihistamines and are generally considered safer.
Alcohol, which also impacts the CNS, interferes with brain communication to cause initial feelings of happiness and excitement. In excessive amounts, it can lead to confusion and stupor. In extreme cases, too much alcohol can lead to coma or death.
Because diphenhydramine and alcohol both affect the CNS, combining the two can worsen side effects. Cetirizine and loratadine dont involve the CNS as much, but theres still a risk of drowsiness or dizziness after taking them, so side effects can still be enhanced by alcohol.
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Alcohol Use And Benadryl
You shouldnt drink alcohol while youre taking Benadryl. Alcohol can increase your risk of drowsiness or dizziness. It may also cause more serious side effects, such as trouble breathing or slowed breathing.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about other medications you can take to treat your cold or allergy symptoms.
How Is This Medicine Best Taken
Use Benadryl Allergy/Cold as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Take with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- If you take Benadryl Allergy/Cold on a regular basis, take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- Many times Benadryl Allergy/Cold is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.
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Memory Loss Or Dementia
Taking Benadryl may cause memory loss or dementia. Although rare, this side effect may be more common in older adults or people whove taken the drug long term. Symptoms can include:
- trouble speaking or finding the right words to say
- trouble concentrating
What might help
If youre experiencing memory loss or dementia while taking Benadryl, talk with your doctor. Theyll likely suggest that you stop taking Benadryl. Theyll also look for the cause of your memory loss or dementia so that they can recommend the right treatment for you.
How Does Alcohol Affect People With Allergies
Histamines are chemicals released by cells in the immune system that can cause allergic reactions. This is why you take antihistamines when you have allergies they reduce the amount of histamines in your body to help relieve allergy symptoms.
When alcoholic beverages are made, research has shown that histamines can form. And, if consumed, this can result in worse allergy symptoms in some people because the drink is counteracting the effects of the medication.
Additional research suggests that drinking alcohol may trigger an allergic response, especially in people with asthma. Plus, a 2005 study from Sweden showed that drinking alcohol might worsen nasal allergy symptoms.
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Fda Warns About Serious Problems With High Doses Of The Allergy Medicine Diphenhydramine
Teen misuse sparked by dangerous Benadryl Challenge promoted on social media
09-24-2020 FDA Drug Safety Communication
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning that taking higher than recommended doses of the common over-the-counter allergy medicine diphenhydramine can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or even death. We are aware of news reports of teenagers ending up in emergency rooms or dying after participating in the Benadryl Challenge encouraged in videos posted on the social media application TikTok.
We are investigating these reports and conducting a review to determine if additional cases have been reported. We will update the public once we have completed our review or have more information to share. We also contacted TikTok and strongly urged them to remove the videos from their platform and to be vigilant to remove additional videos that may be posted.
Consumers, parents, and caregivers should store diphenhydramine and all other OTC and prescription medicines up and away and out of childrens reach and sight. FDA recommends you lock up medicines to prevent accidental poisonings by children and misuse by teens, especially when they are home more often due to the COVID-19 pandemic and may be more likely to experiment.
Health care professionals, patients, and consumers can sign up for email alerts about Drug Safety Communications on medicines or medical specialties of interest to you.
Related Information
Can You Combine Allergy Nasal Sprays
I would suggest topical nasal steroids, assuming they dont have a contraindication, says Dr. Gels. Those are nasal sprays. Flonase, Nasacort, and Rhinocort are available over the counter.
He continues, However, if itchy eyes are the patients main issue, a topical antihistamine is better. Some choices include Ketotifen over the counter, or a prescription like Olopatadine .
You should avoid nasal decongestant sprays such as oxymetazoline unless absolutely needed. Even then, do not use Afrin for more than use three to five days. These drugs cause rebound congestion and are addictive.
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Can Benadryl Make My Child Sleepy
Yes, one of the main side effects is sedation. This can make children very drowsy, to the point of falling asleep. In addition, sedation can cause lingering confusion and significantly impair gross motor and even affect learning abilities. This can be a big problem when it comes to school performance.
When Can I Start Drinking After Taking Allergy Medications Like Diphenhydramine Loratadine Or Cetirizine
Its best to wait to drink alcohol until after an allergy medicine leaves your system. Although everybody processes medications differently, diphenhydramine, loratadine, and cetirizine are likely eliminated from your body about 2 days after your last dose. However, some studies have shown that loratadine and cetirizine may have residual effects for 1 to 4 days after stopping daily use.
Because everyone has their own personal risks and factors that influence how their bodies break down medications, talk to your provider about when its safe to have a drink.
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What Are Typical Side Effects
Side effects of allergy medications like diphenhydramine can include:
-
Drowsiness
-
Dry eyes or dry mouth
-
Stomach upset
Side effects of allergy medications like cetirizine and loratadine can include:
-
Headache
-
Drowsiness
-
Dry mouth
All of the listed side effects can worsen with alcohol use. Of these effects, drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination may be the most dangerous when combined with alcohol.
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