{"id":57852,"date":"2023-04-07T09:30:29","date_gmt":"2023-04-07T13:30:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=57852"},"modified":"2024-11-12T19:24:26","modified_gmt":"2024-11-13T00:24:26","slug":"can-you-take-zyrtec-and-benadryl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/can-you-take-zyrtec-and-benadryl\/","title":{"rendered":"Can you take Zyrtec and Benadryl at the same time?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over-the-counter medications may provide an illusion of safety since they are available without a prescription. However, taking more than one OTC treatment at a time can have very serious consequences.<\/p>\n

Benadryl<\/span><\/a> (diphenhydramine) and <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span><\/a> (cetririzine) are the brand names of common oral antihistamines. Here is what providers say about mixing these two over-the-counter allergy medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is Zyrtec the same as Benadryl?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Benadryl and Zyrtec are both in a class of drugs called <\/span>antihistamines<\/span><\/a>. They treat allergy symptoms by blocking the effects of histamines, compounds released by the body in response to allergens. Though they are similar, Benadryl and Zyrtec are not the same.<\/span><\/p>\n

The active ingredient in Benadryl is diphenhydramine. It is a first-generation antihistamine, meaning the medication crosses the blood-brain barrier and can cause sleepiness. Benadryl comes in several forms, including <\/span>pills<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>liquids<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>spray, gel, or cream<\/span><\/a> for topical applications on insect bites, sunburn, and some rashes. In oral form, a <\/span>standard dose<\/span><\/a> of Benadryl for those 12 and older is 25 mg-50 mg by mouth. Doses can be repeated every four to six hours, as needed. The maximum total dose of diphenhydramine is 300 mg in 24 hours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral Benadryl can be <\/span>used to relieve mild to moderate allergy and cold symptoms<\/span><\/a>, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n