Medication is and has been the quickest and most effective means of dealing with illness, however special care should be taken when it comes to the consumption of medicines. A frequently asked question is whether Benadryl, a drug used to treat coughing, sneezing, allergies and other symptoms of the common cold, can be taken with Claritin, another drug for the same purpose? Can i take benadryl with claritin? We will firstly understand how both medicines work and how they are similar and different to one another so that we can establish whether this is advisable or not and the pros and cons of doing so. In this article you can also find out what drugs can be safely taken along with Benadryl.

How do Benadryl and Claritin Work?

Benadryl and Claritin serve similar purposes and work in similar ways. Benadryl and Claritin work by stopping the production of histamine in the body which causes the eyes to water and the nose to get runny. Histamine production is usually increased when a person is suffering from the cold.

Benadryl is a type of antihistamine. This drug is used in the treatment of allergies causing itchiness, cough, rashes, sneezing and all the symptoms of the common cold. It can also be used as a cure of motion sickness, nausea, light-headedness and vomiting. Besides this, Benadryl is also used as a tranquilizer to relax and soothe the mind and body by triggering sleep.

Claritin or Loratadine is also an antihistamine, like Benadryl. However, unlike the Benadryl which is first generation, Claritin is second generation drug. Claritin is used to treat allergies and control sneezing, coughing and itching.

Can I Take Benadryl with Claritin?

The answer is no. taking both drugs at the same time is in no way recommended. Although it may not be gravely dangerous if both Benadryl and Claritin are consumed together and may not cause serious harm, yet, doing this is not advised as it may lead to a number of side effects.

If you have to, do it as follows:

The effects of Claritin are supposed to stay in the body for at least twenty-four hours so if you want to take a Benadryl after already taking a Claritin, you should, at least wait until this duration has passed before doing so, to avoid any reaction.

If any of these drugs are not affective on their own and a doctor approves, you can then take both medicines together and hope it works out for you. Keep in mind, however that both drugs are pretty much the same so you have to time their intake correctly.

For example, we suggest that you take Claritin in the morning and Benadryl at night, before bed. You can then take maximum advantage out of the tranquilizing effects of the latter as it triggers sleep. Also remember to increase you water consumption as both these drugs dry up your bodily fluids.

Can I Take Benadryl with Other Drugs?

Below is a list of other commonly used medicines which can and cannot be taken with Benadryl and what side effects taking them together might have.

Can i take benadryl with claritin or other drugs? Medication is a sensitive issue and a doctor should be consulted before any two drugs are consumed simultaneously. This table is just for reference. Actual results may vary from person to person.