Can heart patients take Benadryl?

Antihistamines, which are commonly used to treat symptoms such as a runny nose or sneezing, are generally safe for patients with abnormal heart conditions. However, the FDA has warned that antihistamines taken in conjunction with some high blood pressure medications may cause a spike in blood pressure.

What does Benadryl do to the heart?

Benadryl can increase your heart rate and may cause more serious heart-related side effects, such as heart rhythm problems. If you already have heart disease, taking Benadryl can make your condition worse. Talk with your doctor about whether it's safe for you to take Benadryl.

What allergy medicine is best for heart patients?

For allergy sufferers with heart disease, medicines such as Allegra, Zyrtec or Claritin should be safe.

Who should not take Benadryl?

Benadryl shouldn't be used during the last two weeks of pregnancy. This is due to a risk of eye disease in the newborn. If you're pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking Benadryl. Your doctor may want to evaluate your symptoms to determine the safest treatment.

Is it OK to take Benadryl with blood pressure medication?

Answer. According to the drug interaction checker, Benadryl can increase the effects of diltiazem, which could cause your blood pressure to drop too much. It advises close monitoring of blood pressure if they are taken together. Ideally, I would say to check with your doctor before taking the Benadryl.

Why doctors are advising against Benadryl

Can Benadryl cause heart palpitations?

Many medicines, including diet pills, antihistamines, decongestants, and some herbal products, can cause heart palpitations.

Why is Benadryl not recommended for over 65?

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and hydroxyzine are common examples of anticholinergic medications that are not cleared as well from the system in older people. This can lead to confusion, dry mouth, and constipation.

Does Benadryl raise BP?

Benadryl may cause a drop in blood pressure which may cause symptoms such as dizziness and increase your risk of falls.

When should I not take Benadryl?

Do not use diphenhydramine for longer than 2 weeks to treat sleep problems, or longer than 7 days to treat cold or allergy symptoms. This medicine can affect the results of allergy skin tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using diphenhydramine.

Does Benadryl affect breathing?

Asthma or breathing problems: Diphenhydramine can cause the secretions produced in the lungs to become thick and difficult to clear out of the lungs.

Can long term use of Benadryl cause heart problems?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning that taking higher than recommended doses of the common over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medicine diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or even death.

Are antihistamines safe for heart patients?

Antihistamines, which are commonly used to treat symptoms such as a runny nose or sneezing, are generally safe for patients with abnormal heart conditions.

Can AFIB patients take Benadryl?

Cold and Allergy Medications Can Trigger Afib

For most people, nonprescription medications for stuffy and runny noses are fine, but cold/allergy medicine and atrial fibrillation don't mix well. Use caution when taking these remedies because they could cause more frequent episodes of an irregular heartbeat.

Which medication should be avoided in patients with heart failure?

Avoid taking

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). These include: ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Toradol, Celebrex. These medicines hold fluid and cause swelling. They also can harm your kidneys.

Can antihistamines cause heart attacks?

"In general, antihistamines are safe in patients with high blood pressure and other forms of heart disease," explains Richard Krasuski, MD, director of adult congenital heart disease services at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, but an antihistamine may elevate blood pressure or increase heart rate, according to the U.S. ...

Is Benadryl good for anxiety?

Benadryl is not intended for long-term use, and while it may reduce anxiety symptoms in some individuals, the risks outweigh the benefits. Although it might provide temporary sleepiness, these effects don't last with regular use.

What can you not mix with Benadryl?

What are the negative effects of Benadryl?

Is it OK to take Benadryl to sleep?

Although antihistamines like Benadryl will make you feel sleepy, they're not a great choice when it comes to treating insomnia. Not only can they affect your sleep quality, but they'll also become less effective very quickly, meaning you may not notice any benefits if you use them often.

Why do antihistamines cause heart palpitations?

A decongestant eases congestion by constricting the blood vessels in your nasal passages. This dries up nasal mucus. But these medications can also abnormally stimulate the heart and blood vessels throughout the body. “This can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, or skipped beats.

What sleep aid can I take with high blood pressure?

If you have high blood pressure and are experiencing pain and sleeplessness TYLENOL^® PM may be an appropriate pain reliever/nighttime sleep aid option for you. SIMPLY SLEEP^® may also be an appropriate nighttime sleep aid for those with high blood pressure who experience occasional sleeplessness without pain.

Can I take Benadryl with metoprolol?

Interactions between your drugs

Metoprolol and diphenhydrAMINE may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure. You may experience headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and/or changes in pulse or heart rate.

What is the safest antihistamine for seniors?

Loratadine, cetrizine, and fexofenadine all have excellent safety records. Their cardiovascular safety has been demonstrated in drug-interaction studies, elevated-dose studies, and clinical trials. These three antihistamines have also been shown safe in special populations, including pediatric and elderly patients.

What is the safest sleep aid for seniors?

In the elderly, nonbenzodiazepines such as zolpidem, eszopiclone, zaleplon, and ramelteon are safer and better tolerated than tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines. Pharmacotherapy should be recommended only after sleep hygiene is addressed, however.

What is the safest allergy medicine for seniors?

So what can older adults safely take for allergy relief? Wozniak: Newer antihistamines such as Claritin® (loratadine) and Allegra® (fexofenadine) tend to be safer and better tolerated.