Can You Drink Alcohol With Allergy Medications like Benadryl, Claritin, or Zyrtec?

If you have seasonal allergies, you may reach for over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications to keep your symptoms at bay. For many people, this includes antihistamines. Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Claritin (loratadine), and Zyrtec (cetirizine) are a few examples of antihistamines you may have on hand.

But what happens when you mix antihistamines with alcohol — is it safe? The short answer: Not really.

Let’s discuss what you should know before taking allergy medications such as Benadryl with alcohol.

What are the dangers of mixing alcohol and antihistamines such as Benadryl?

Alcohol can slow down your central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of your brain and spinal cord. This can make you feel drowsy, impair your coordination, and slow down your breathing. When combined with allergy medications like antihistamines, these effects can worsen.

But not all antihistamines are created equally. For example, there are differences between older antihistamines, such as Benadryl, and newer antihistamines, such as Claritin and Zyrtec.

Benadryl and alcohol

Benadryl’s main ingredient is diphenhydramine — an older, first-generation antihistamine. First-generation antihistamines can cause side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, and impaired thinking. That’s because they’re much more likely to reach the brain and affect your CNS.

Because of these effects, combining Benadryl and alcohol is particularly risky. In some cases, you could experience serious problems like confusion, enhanced drowsiness, and dizziness. And you may be more sensitive to these effects if you’re 65 or older.

Given the risks, it’s best to avoid this combination.

Keep in mind: Diphenhydramine is also found in many OTC products beyond allergy medications. OTC sleep aids, motion sickness pills, and cold and flu products are a few examples. So, it’s a good idea to check the ingredient list on the OTC label if you’re concerned about interactions with alcohol.

Claritin and alcohol

Claritin’s main ingredient is loratadine — a newer, second-generation antihistamine. Medications in this category tend to cause fewer side effects than first-generation antihistamines. That’s because they don’t affect the CNS as much.

Even so, some drowsiness and dizziness are still possible with Claritin. And these effects may be worse if it’s combined with alcohol.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Other notable interactions: Read more about other Benadryl (diphenhydramine) interactions — from sleeping pills to antidepressants — and how to manage them.

• Comparing options: Pharmacists discuss some of the most common antihistamines and what sets them apart from one another.

• Medications not to mix with alcohol: There are many medications that interact with alcohol, some of which can have life-threatening consequences if combined.

In general, it’s best to avoid or limit alcohol if you’re taking Claritin. Your healthcare professional can tell you how much alcohol may be safe in your specific situation.

Zyrtec and alcohol

Zyrtec’s main ingredient is cetirizine, another second-generation antihistamine.

While it’s considered to be non-drowsy, Zyrtec may cause more drowsiness than Claritin. Like the situations above, combining it with alcohol can make you drowsier. Avoid or limit alcohol with this combination. Your healthcare professional can tell you more about the best approach to take.

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Is having 1 or 2 drinks OK?

It’s difficult to know how 1 or 2 drinks might interact with your allergy medication. Everyone reacts differently to antihistamines. Some people might feel extremely drowsy from one Benadryl or Zyrtec dose. But someone else might not feel that way at all. And the same holds true for alcohol.

It’s best to avoid alcohol until you know how your allergy medication affects you. If you do decide to have a drink or two, avoid driving or other activities that require coordination or alertness. It’s also best to make sure there’s someone with you in case you have a negative reaction.

Are certain people more at risk when combining alcohol and allergy medications?

Alcohol affects everyone differently. But certain people may be more susceptible to its effects.

Older adults tend to have a lower alcohol tolerance than younger people. Combining any medication with alcohol can raise the risk of serious side effects for this age group. And this is especially the case with first-generation antihistamines like Benadryl. In fact, Benadryl is typically avoided in older adults altogether.

Women tend to feel the effects of alcohol more than men. Sedation and confusion may be more likely for women who mix alcohol with antihistamines.

Are there any serious side effects or risks?

Most people don’t experience serious side effects when taking antihistamines by themselves. These medications have been used by the public for decades and are available OTC. They’re typically safe to use if you follow the instructions on the label.

But there have also been reports of people taking too much Benadryl. This has led to side effects like hallucinations, seizures, and trouble breathing. These effects can be worsened by alcohol.

Benadryl can also worsen some serious medical conditions, especially if combined with alcohol. Examples include glaucoma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and an enlarged prostate.

When should you get medical attention?

Get immediate medical help if you have any of the following symptoms after taking an antihistamine with alcohol:

• Confusion

• Feeling disconnected from reality

• Extreme drowsiness

• Hallucinations

• Seizures

• Trouble breathing

When can you start drinking alcohol after taking Benadryl, Claritin, or Zyrtec?

It’s best to wait to drink alcohol until an allergy medication has fully left your system. Benadryl, Claritin, and Zyrtec are likely cleared from your body about 2 days after your last dose. But Claritin and Zyrtec may have residual effects for 1 to 4 days after stopping daily use.

Keep in mind that everyone’s body breaks down medications differently. And there are personal risks that should be considered, too. So, you should talk to a healthcare professional about when it’s safe to have a drink.

Are there any allergy medications that aren’t affected by alcohol?

Depending on your allergy symptoms, you can consider a couple of alternatives to oral antihistamines. Alcohol may be less of a problem with these options since your body doesn’t absorb them the same way as oral medications.

These medications include:

• Steroid nasal sprays: A steroid nasal spray may help with a stuffy nose. Options such as Flonase Allergy Relief (fluticasone) or Nasonex (mometasone) work well for nasal allergy symptoms. Most are available OTC.

• Antihistamine nasal sprays: These nasal sprays help with sneezing and a runny or itchy nose. Examples include OTC Astepro (azelastine) and prescription Patanase (olopatadine).

• Decongestant nasal sprays: Sprays such as Afrin (oxymetazoline) can help with a stuffy nose. But you should only use them for up to 3 days in a row. Otherwise, they can worsen congestion.

• Eye drops: Antihistamine eye drops like Zaditor (ketotifen) or Pataday (olopatadine) are also used to help with itchy or watery eyes due to allergies. They’re both available OTC.

For seasonal allergies, it’s best to try to stay indoors as much as possible when the pollen or mold count is high. It’s also a good idea to wash your hands and face after spending time outdoors.

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Written by:

Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD

Sarah Pearson is a practicing pharmacist with over 10 years of experience in the field. She received her doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Georgia in Athens, GA.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

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