Philadelphia, PA
A 18-year-old female asked:
I took 24h claritin about 4-5 hours& it did not help at all. (i'm 18) i'm exhausted, can't breathe & can't sleep. can i take a benadryl (diphenhydramine) tablet?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Katharine Coxanswered
Pediatric Emergency Medicine 46 years experience
Yes: They act in different ways. The Benadryl (diphenhydramine) may cause drowsiness. I hope you feel better.
2.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Corey Clayanswered
Allergy and Immunology 11 years experience
Yes: Although Claritin is somewhat slower in onset of effect, antihistamine may not be the answer. Knowing more about why you can't breath (congestion? mucus? wheezing? etc) would increase efficacy of any advice. That said, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is likely safe. Cetirizine is somewhat faster than Claritin, but longer effect compared with Benadryl (diphenhydramine). Consider Afrin for 2-3 days max (read warnings carefully) if congest
2.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jul 4, 2018
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