Question 1

can you take zyrtec and benadryl 12 hours apart?

Accepted Answer

: If you are not sleepy from the Zyrtec you can take a Benadryl later, and the opposite is true as well.

Be sure to avoid other possible causes of respiratory tract symptoms/irritation, in addition to the suspected allergen: no smoke of any kind (including candles), aerosols, and fragrances, which are bad for us all generally, see: 
http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/factsheets/airquality.htm

Question 2

is it okay to take zyrtec with benadryl (diphenhydramine)?

Accepted Answer

Not really: These are both antihistamines. If both are needed then physician guidance should be sought.

Question 3

taking zyrtec and benadryl (diphenhydramine) at the same time okay?

Accepted Answer

Depends: The combination can cause increased drowsiness; however, if you are taking zyrtec for allergies and you have an allergic reaction, you can take an additional benadryl (diphenhydramine). You should always discuss these interactions with your doctor.

Question 4

benadryl (diphenhydramine) knocks me out, will zyrtec do the same?

Accepted Answer

Less likely: Although Zyrtec can cause drowsiness in 10-15% of the people, it is likely to cause  much less drowsiness than Benadryl (diphenhydramine) which is often used as a sleep-aid in OTC medications.

Question 5

i took zyrtec at 5 pm and benadryl (diphenhydramine) 9 pm is that ok?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If you take the recommended dose, it should be okay to combine these two medications.

Question 6

is it ok to take zyrtec after you've taken benadryl (diphenhydramine)?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Antihistamine is safe even with 4x the average daily dose.  The major side effects would be dry mouth and drowsiness ( the latter much less common if one uses the non-sedating type).

Question 7

can you take zyrtec during day and benadryl (diphenhydramine) at night?

Accepted Answer

Zyrtec and Benadryl (diphenhydramine): Hello. These two antihistamines taken together will probably cause sedation. As physicians, we often times double up on antihistamines in challenging cases but i usually use non-sedating antihistamines when I do this. There are other medications that may work better than this combination. Check with your doctor for other options.

Question 8

should i take benadryl (diphenhydramine) until my zyrtec really kicks in?

Accepted Answer

Probably not helpful: Both drugs need to be absorbed by the GI system before they take effect to stop itching and sneezing (can take up to 1 hr). Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can dry up mucus (and make you sleepy), which zyrtec will not do at any time. If you have taken zyrtec for several days without relief from itching or sneezing, you may have something besides allergies (e.g. A cold) or need a different treatment. See your doctor.

Question 9

is safe if i take benadryl (diphenhydramine) six hours after take zyrtec?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Both can cause drowsiness.Saution when need
to be at peak of concentration.
Both can add to urinary steam reduction.

Question 10

i had zyrtec about 6 hours ago. can i take benadryl (diphenhydramine) now?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can: Yes you can if your symptoms are not controlled with zyrtec (cetirizine) alone for short period.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Benadryl vs zyrtec

A member asked:

Can you take zyrtec and benadryl 12 hours apart?

A member asked:

Is it okay to take zyrtec with benadryl (diphenhydramine)?

A member asked:

Taking zyrtec and benadryl (diphenhydramine) at the same time okay?

A member asked:

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) knocks me out, will zyrtec do the same?

A member asked:

I took zyrtec at 5 pm and benadryl (diphenhydramine) 9 pm is that ok?

A member asked:

Is it ok to take zyrtec after you've taken benadryl (diphenhydramine)?

A member asked:

Can you take zyrtec during day and benadryl (diphenhydramine) at night?

A member asked:

Should i take benadryl (diphenhydramine) until my zyrtec really kicks in?

A member asked:

Is safe if i take benadryl (diphenhydramine) six hours after take zyrtec?

A member asked:

I had zyrtec about 6 hours ago. can i take benadryl (diphenhydramine) now?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?