Can you take two different OTC anti-histamines in the same day?

Question

For example if Benadryl isn't cutting it, can you take a Claritin or visa versa?

Source would be good on this.

Answer 1

it isn't advisable. To many antihistamines or decongestants in your system can interact causing all sorts of nasty side effects. Allergies can be miserable, suggest you see an allergist to be tested for what you are allergic to and follow their reccomendation for treatment.

Answer 2

Call your pharmacy. The pharmacist will have best advice.
What other drugs will affect diphenhydramine?
• Do not take diphenhydramine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A very dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
• Talk to your pharmacist before taking other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or insomnia medications. These products may contain medicines similar to diphenhydramine, which could lead to an antihistamine overdose.
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
· anxiety or sleep medicines such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), temazepam (Restoril), or triazolam (Halcion);
· medications for depression such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), or paroxetine (Paxil); or
· any other medications that make you feel drowsy, sleepy, or relaxed.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with diphenhydramine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Answer 3

I really don't know if taking two antihistamines is good but I found some interesting sites that may help you get your answer:
Pharmacist sites:
http://www.vannhealthcare.com/ask%20the%20pharmacist.htm

http://www.geocities.com/hotsprings/8953/

Doctor site:
http://www.the-doctors-inn.com/

These sites are not a way to replace talking to your real doctor or pharmacist but it will give you an idea. Good Luck. Hope they help. Have a nice day.

Answer 4

yeah you can as long as your don't go over the recomended dosage. i pop benadryl when my prescription drugs dont' do what i need them to do in allergy season. my allergist told me it was alright.

Answer 5

Ask a pharmacist.

Answer 6

Yes you can...I do when one seems to not be working for me.

Answer 7

NOT A GOOD IDEA , CHEMICAL REACTION WILL OCCUR