{"id":5496,"date":"2019-08-23T10:00:49","date_gmt":"2019-08-23T14:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=5496"},"modified":"2025-07-31T11:45:59","modified_gmt":"2025-07-31T15:45:59","slug":"benadryl-allergy-medicine-and-alcohol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/benadryl-allergy-medicine-and-alcohol\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking allergy medicine?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seasonal allergies are as common as they are annoying. According to the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, allergic rhinitis (aka hay fever) affects 20 million adults in the United States each year. And millions more experience various other types of allergies\u2014everything from insect bites and pet dander to shellfish, peanuts, and mold spores (to name a few). If your allergy is severe enough, you might carry an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/epipen-2-pak\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">EpiPen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or receive allergy shots. For most people, however, over-the-counter allergy medicine is the first line of defense against allergy symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But how does taking <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/allergy-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">allergy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> medication impact your ability to enjoy those #weekendvibes? In other words, will you still have the option to enjoy a cold beer on a hot summer night (or a hot toddy on a cold winter night) if you are taking something to combat your itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, hives, rash, or scratchy throat?<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"can-you-drink-while-taking-allergy-medication\"><b>Can you drink while taking allergy medication?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re taking medication to manage your allergies, you may wonder if it\u2019s safe to drink alcohol\u2014and for good reason. Combining allergy meds with alcohol can cause side effects that impair your daily functioning and pose health risks. Keep reading to uncover the relationship and risks between alcohol and first- and second-generation allergy medications.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"first-generation-allergy-medicines\"><b>First-generation allergy medicines<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your allergy med of choice is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/diphenhydramine-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diphenhydramine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, also known as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/benadryl-itch-relief\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benadryl<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the answer is an emphatic NO. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/diphenhydramine-hcl\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diphenhydramine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and alcohol should never, EVER, be combined, says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/clinicianresources.bcm.edu\/people\/profile\/1755\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">David Corry, MD<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a pulmonologist and professor of medicine in the immunology, allergy, and rheumatology department at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcm.edu\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Baylor College of Medicine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Houston, Texas. The same rule applies to other first-generation allergy medications such as Chlor-Trimeton (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/chlorpheniramine-maleate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chlorpheniramine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), Tavist (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/clemastine-fumarate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">clemastine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), and Atarax (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/hydroxyzine-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hydroxyzine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThat is a big contraindication,\u201d Dr. Corry says. Why? The primary side effect of these medications, which are central nervous system depressants, is drowsiness (case in point: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/zyrtec-vs-benadryl\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benadryl is also used to treat insomnia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), which is also one of the primary side effects of alcohol consumption.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cFirst-generation antihistamines (like diphenhydramine, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/chlorpheniramine-maleate\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chlorpheniramine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/clemastine-fumarate\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">clemastine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/hydroxyzine-hcl\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hydroxyzine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) will cause drowsiness in just about everybody, and alcohol does that too,\u201d Dr. Corry explains. \u201cSo if you are taking alcohol and antihistamines, your chances of having a double dose of that drowsiness are very, very high.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the worst-case scenario, he explains, this double dose of drowsiness can not only impair your ability to function and increase the likelihood of some sort of accident, but it can also lead to difficulty breathing and unconsciousness. Meaning, that cocktail is <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">not<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> worth the risk.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-9505 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mixup_Chart_082319_Allergy-1024x480.png\" alt=\"Chart illustrating the risk of mixing alcohol and allergy medicine\" width=\"640\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mixup_Chart_082319_Allergy-1024x480.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mixup_Chart_082319_Allergy-300x141.png 300w, https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mixup_Chart_082319_Allergy-768x360.png 768w, https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mixup_Chart_082319_Allergy-1536x720.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Mixup_Chart_082319_Allergy.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The only exception to this hard-and-fast rule is if someone has a severe allergic reaction to something, like food or an insect bite, in the midst of alcohol consumption.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIf you are allergic to shellfish and you had two martinis and then somebody passes you a shrimp and you are having a reaction \u2026 you would not withhold Benadryl,\u201d says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stjohns.edu\/academics\/faculty\/maria-m-mantione-pharmd\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maria Marzella Mantione, Pharm.D.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, director of the Doctor of Pharmacy program at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stjohns.edu\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">St. John\u2019s University<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Queens, New York. She adds that in this scenario, the patient needs professional medical care, so call 911 or get them to a healthcare provider immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cThese concerns (about antihistamines and drowsiness) are really outside of this particular context of severe, life-threatening situations,\u201d Dr. Corry agrees.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fortunately, Benadryl clears from your system in four to six hours, says Dr. Mantione. So, presuming the allergic reaction is kept at bay, you won\u2019t be teetotaling indefinitely.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"second-generation-allergy-medicines\"><b>Second-generation allergy medicines<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have chronic seasonal allergies, it is unlikely your healthcare provider will recommend a first-generation antihistamine, says Dr. Mantione, because these are normally used for acute reactions. Instead, she explains, you\u2019ll likely be steered toward one of the second-generation allergy medications. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/claritin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Claritin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/loratadine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loratadine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/allegra-allergy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allegra<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/fexofenadine-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fexofenadine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/xyzal-allergy-24hr\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Xyzal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (levocetirizine), or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/zyrtec-allergy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zyrtec<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cetirizine-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cetirizine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), and alcohol are generally considered a slightly safer combination. These medications do not typically cause drowsiness or other side effects that are intensified by alcohol consumption.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cMost of these have a reduced, if not completely absent, side effect of sleepiness,\u201d Dr. Corry says. This is not to say, however, that it is okay to go on a bender while taking <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/claritin\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Claritin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/zyrtec-allergy\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zyrtec<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/xyzal-allergy-24hr\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Xyzal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/allegra-allergy\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allegra<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014Dr. Corry recommends avoiding alcohol use altogether while taking <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">any<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> medication.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But is doing so going to lead to a critical medical emergency? Probably not, explains Dr. Mantione. \u201cIt is one of those situations where, as a pharmacist, I say it is best to avoid because we don\u2019t know how it is going to affect you, but it is not (considered) a life-threatening combination,\u201d she says.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She also offers an alternative treatment option for those who don\u2019t want to give up the opportunity to have a drink\u2014nasal corticosteroids, such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/flonase-vs-nasonex\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flonase or Nasonex<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These are used as needed and are safe to use regularly throughout the allergy season. They don\u2019t have a contraindication with alcohol, and they don\u2019t cause drowsiness or other systemic side effects, she says.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIf somebody came to me and said, \u2018I am on this allergy medication, but I am going away on vacation, and I am hoping to have Bahama Mamas every day,\u2019 I would recommend the nasal corticosteroid,\u201d Dr. Mantione says.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"is-having-one-or-two-drinks-okay\"><b>Is having one or two drinks okay?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s crucial to be cautious when combining alcohol with allergy medications\u2014even that glass of wine with dinner. Alcohol should be avoided completely with first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine due to the increased risk of drowsiness and impairment. Although second-generation antihistamines are generally considered safer, healthcare professionals advise against drinking on any allergy medications, except nasal sprays<\/span><b>.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"are-certain-people-at-greater-risk-of-side-effects\"><b>Are certain people at greater risk of side effects?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. Older adults, individuals with certain medical conditions, and those with heightened sensitivity to either substance may be at a higher risk of adverse effects from mixing alcohol with allergy medications. Additionally, people taking multiple drugs or with a history of alcohol abuse should be particularly cautious.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-long-after-taking-allergy-medicine-can-you-drink-alcohol\"><b>How long after taking allergy medicine can you drink alcohol?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you take your allergy medication is important, too. For first-generation <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/antihistamines\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antihistamines<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like Benadryl, it is recommended to wait at least four to six hours after the last dose before consuming alcohol, which is typically how long it takes the medication to clear from your system. For second-generation antihistamines, consult with a healthcare professional to determine the safest approach regarding alcoholic beverages.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-bottom-line\"><b>The bottom line<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Combining alcohol with medicines for allergies should be avoided. First-generation antihistamines pose significant risks when paired with alcohol, while second-generation options are generally safer but still warrant caution. Ultimately, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid alcohol while taking any allergy medication to ensure optimal health and safety. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Seasonal allergies are as common as they are annoying. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergic rhinitis (aka hay fever) affects 20 million adults in the United States each year. And millions more experience various other types of allergies\u2014everything from insect bites and pet dander to shellfish, peanuts, and mold spores (to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":85,"featured_media":9273,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8029],"tags":[8742,554],"coauthors":[8369],"class_list":["post-5496","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-education","tag-alcohol-interactions","tag-allergies","franchise-the-mix-up","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Allergy medicine and alcohol: Are they a safe combination?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Find out if it&#039;s safe to drink alcohol while taking allergy medicine, 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