benadryl peptide FAQ

When you take Benadryl by mouth, it begins to work within 15 to 30 minutes. When you apply it to your skin, it works right away. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Benadryl.

No, Benadryl doesn’t work as an expectorant. An expectorant is a product that loosens mucus in your respiratory tract so you can cough it up.

Use the tables below to help you find the best product to treat your symptoms

Benadryl is not approved for use in dogs. In some cases, a veterinarian might recommend giving Benadryl to your dog to treat allergies. However, it’s important to talk with a veterinarian before using any medication for your dog. They can recommend whether Benadryl is safe for your dog and what dosage to use.

Benadryl causes most people who take it to feel sleepy. This side effect may go away after 3 to 4 days of daily use. Currently, there aren’t any nondrowsy forms of Benadryl available. Drowsiness can be a side effect of all forms of Benadryl. However, other antihistamine drugs, such as fexofenadine (Allegra) and levocetirizine (Xyzal), may come in nondrowsy forms. Keep in mind that nondrowsy drugs are less likely to cause drowsiness, but this can still be a side effect. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor to recommend nondrowsy alternatives to Benadryl.

You can crush Benadryl tablets. If you have difficulty swallowing whole tablets, Benadryl liquid solution and chewable tablets are available. Benadryl is an antihistamine. If you have allergies or have a cold, your body releases a chemical messenger called histamine. Histamine causes symptoms such as inflammation, edema (swelling), itchiness, and a runny nose. Benadryl blocks some of the effects of histamine and decreases some of the symptoms it causes.

The main active ingredient in all Benadryl products is diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine works to block a substance in your body called histamine. Benadryl products that are taken by mouth are used to treat allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, runny nose, and itchy nose and throat. Some Benadryl products may also contain a decongestant called phenylephrine. Phenylephrine works to shrink the blood vessels in your nose. This helps to relieve sinus congestion, sinus pressure, and a stuffy nose. Benadryl products can also be applied to the skin to treat pain and itching associated with the following.

Use Benadryl as directed and do not use more than the recommended dose. Do not use more than one Benadryl product at a time or use another medicine with diphenhydramine while using Benadryl. Do not drink alcohol while taking by-mouth Benadryl or take other medicines that can make you sleepy (such as a sedative or tranquilizer). Be careful when you drive or operate machinery when taking by-mouth Benadryl and do not use it to make a child sleepy. If you are taking a Benadryl product that contains phenylephrine, it should not be used if you are taking a medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or for two weeks after stopping the MAOI. An MAOI is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease. If you do not know if your prescription medicine contains an MAOI, ask your health care provider or pharmacist before taking a Benadryl product. Check with a health care provider if you have any of the following conditions before taking any by-mouth Benadryl product.

No, Benadryl isn’t an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). Benadryl is an antihistamine.

Benadryl isn’t an effective treatment for anxiety. Since Benadryl can cause sleepiness, some people may feel that it causes them to relax. However, this effect often goes away after using the product for a few days.

Any medicine may cause an allergic reaction, which can be serious or life-threatening. Stop taking the medicine and get medical attention right away if you have any of the following signs of an allergic reaction.