{"id":57532,"date":"2023-03-14T09:30:13","date_gmt":"2023-03-14T13:30:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=57532"},"modified":"2024-11-12T19:46:47","modified_gmt":"2024-11-13T00:46:47","slug":"does-benadryl-raise-blood-pressure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/does-benadryl-raise-blood-pressure\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Benadryl raise your blood pressure?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve had allergies, hives, hay fever, or the common cold then it\u2019s likely you\u2019ve considered <\/span>Benadryl<\/span><\/a> to treat your symptoms. It\u2019s an <\/span>oral antihistamine<\/span><\/a> that is very effective to help alleviate symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and runny nose. However, it\u2019s an older medication that can come with some unpleasant side effects\u2014like major drowsiness or dry mouth. But, if you have hypertension, does Benadryl raise your blood pressure? Experts offer advice.<\/span><\/p>\n

How does Benadryl work<\/span><\/h2>\n

Benadryl (<\/span>diphenhydramine<\/span><\/a>) is a first-generation antihistamine sold over the counter. Like other antihistamines, it works by blocking histamine receptors. Histamine is a chemical in your body that responds to allergens.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBenadryl suppresses the effects of histamine by blocking its action on a variety of target organs including blood vessels, respiratory airways, and smooth muscles,\u201d says Dung Trinh, MD, an expert in preventive health and inflammation and founder of <\/span>Healthy Brain Clinic<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Because Benadryl can make you feel sleepier than newer allergy treatments, it is more often used to treat an allergic reaction, hives, or viral symptoms whereas second- and third-generation medications like <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span><\/a> (cetirizine), <\/span>Claritin<\/span><\/a> (loratadine), and <\/span>Allegra<\/span><\/a> (fexofenadine) are generally used to treat or prevent daily allergy symptoms. Benadryl is also sometimes used to prevent motion sickness or to help with nausea.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does Benadryl affect blood pressure?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cMost antihistamines, including Benadryl, do not have much effect on your blood pressure,\u201d says <\/span>Brandon Cometti<\/span><\/a>, MD, a dermatologist at Roswell Skin Center in New Mexico<\/span>. \u201cAn antihistamine might react with other medications or other underlying health issues and lead to lower blood pressure, but this is usually not the case.\u201d When taken along with blood pressure medications (such as propranolol or metoprolol), Benadryl may cause your blood pressure to dip <\/span>too low<\/span><\/a>. Be sure to discuss any pre-existing medical conditions and current medications with a healthcare professional to rule out any potential drug interactions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cResearch studies have shown that patients taking Benadryl may experience a decrease in their blood pressure readings, which may cause symptoms of dizziness and increase the risk of falls,\u201d Dr. <\/span>Trinh says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Benadryl side effects<\/span><\/h3>\n

In addition to dizziness and impaired coordination, other common <\/span>side effects<\/span><\/a> of Benadryl include:<\/span><\/p>\n