Pseudoephedrine/Diphenhydramine (drug interaction?)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential interaction between Pseudoephedrine and Diphenhydramine, particularly in the context of treating cold symptoms. Participants share their personal experiences with these medications and discuss their effectiveness, side effects, and alternative options.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Personal experiences

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes severe cold symptoms and inquires about the safety of taking Tylenol Allergy (Diphenhydramine) alongside Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine), expressing concern about potential interactions.
  • Another participant references a source suggesting that mixing decongestants and antihistamines is acceptable for children, implying it may be safe for adults as well.
  • Several participants express skepticism about the effectiveness of Claritin-D, with one stating it did not work for them and recommending alternatives like Actifed or medications containing chlorpheniramine.
  • Some participants note that the combination of Pseudoephedrine and Diphenhydramine is common in cold remedies but caution that Diphenhydramine may cause drowsiness.
  • One participant shares a positive experience with Claritin-D, claiming it alleviated their allergy symptoms significantly, contrasting with others' negative views.
  • Humorous exchanges occur regarding the stigma of purchasing medications like Sudafed and the awkwardness of being scrutinized at the pharmacy.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the effectiveness of Claritin-D, with some participants praising it while others dismiss it as ineffective. The safety of combining Pseudoephedrine and Diphenhydramine remains uncertain, with mixed opinions on their interaction.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of personal experience with the medications discussed, and some mention specific side effects or personal preferences that may not apply universally. The discussion includes anecdotal evidence rather than clinical guidelines.

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I am sick right now :frown:

I just have cold symptoms, sneezing, runny nose, coughing, etc...

I took some Sudafed 12 hour with the active ingredient, Pseudoephedrine.
Since I took it my nose is running out of control, I am sneezing non stop, it's like someone opened up a faucet (not to be gross).

This might be nice if I could lay in bed and blow my nose all day, but I have a ton of homework to get done.

Would there be a problem with me taking Tylenol Allergy (active ingredient Diphenhydramine). This stuff is supposed to:
"It prevents sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and nose; and other symptoms of allergies and hay fever."

while Pseudoephedrine is supposed to:
"It constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins and arteries). This reduces the blood flow to certain areas, which decreases swelling and allows nasal and respiratory (breathing) passages to open up."

They seem like they might clash, so I thought I should ask if it is cool to take both.

Any suggestions?

It looks like Claritin-D uses a decongestant/antihistamine combo... so I'm thinking it is ok.
 
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FrogPad said:
It looks like Claritin-D uses a decongestant/antihistamine combo... so I'm thinking it is ok.
Claritan - D does not work, trust me, don't waste your money.

The only thing that worked for me was Actifed,with triprolydine, but it's no longer on the market in the original formula, thanks to the clever move by authorities to put it behind the counter and have you sign for it. The manufacturer decidded to change the formula so it could be sold over the counter.

I haven't found anything that really works well so far. I feel your pain. :frown:

Get something with chlorpheniramine in it.
 
Last edited:
Evo said:
Claritan - D does not work, trust me, don't waste your money.

The only thing that worked for me was Actifed,with triprolydine, but it's no longer on the market in the original formula, thanks to the clever move by authorities to put it behind the counter and have you sign for it. The manufacturer decidded to change the formula so it could be sold over the counter.

I haven't found anything that works so far. I feel your pain. :frown:

Yeah no fun :frown:

Why can't colds come around when there is nothing going on? :smile:
 
Yeah, the pseudephedrine/diphenhydramine combination is common in cold remedies, but the diphenhydramine will make you drowsy.

And, yeah, Claritin is useless. I gave it a try recently, because I don't really have bad allergies, just this time of year I get a mildly stuffy nose when I wake up, which I can tolerate, but just makes me even more reluctant to get up in the morning, and even though I know it doesn't work for people who have bad allergies, I thought that since my symptoms are so mild, maybe it would work for me; I got the 12 hour one and took it before bed so it should be working when I wake up. Nope. It doesn't do a thing.

So, back to feeling like a felon having to go the pharmacy counter to request sudafed. :rolleyes:
 
Moonbear said:
Yeah, the pseudephedrine/diphenhydramine combination is common in cold remedies, but the diphenhydramine will make you drowsy.

And, yeah, Claritin is useless. I gave it a try recently, because I don't really have bad allergies, just this time of year I get a mildly stuffy nose when I wake up, which I can tolerate, but just makes me even more reluctant to get up in the morning, and even though I know it doesn't work for people who have bad allergies, I thought that since my symptoms are so mild, maybe it would work for me; I got the 12 hour one and took it before bed so it should be working when I wake up. Nope. It doesn't do a thing.

So, back to feeling like a felon having to go the pharmacy counter to request sudafed. :rolleyes:

:smile: I know... they eye you so hard when you are purchasing medication. I think it's funny too, because I'll be in pajamas, my hair isn't done, I more than likely didn't shower, my eyes are red, and I don't make as much eye contact like usual. I look like a huge crack head.

Maybe next time I'll jokingly ask them how many boxes I can buy at once. If they say, "you can only buy one box at a time". I'll say something like, "so there are 20 pills in a container, so how many containers are in that one box?"
:smile:
 
FrogPad said:
:smile: I know... they eye you so hard when you are purchasing medication. I think it's funny too, because I'll be in pajamas, my hair isn't done, I more than likely didn't shower, my eyes are red, and I don't make as much eye contact like usual. I look like a huge crack head.
I keep thinking I should ask for a huge box of condoms and Monistat and maybe a Hustler magazine while I'm there, just to ease the embarrassment of having to request the sudafed.
 
MB + Box of Condoms + Hustler Magazine = An awesome time!
 
don't be blinded by her beauty. She's also buying Monistat...

you know what? I wrote that line and realized I have no idea what monistat is or does. so my line could be idiotic.
 
  • #10
I had no clue what monistat was either, then I looked it up. Now I am not so sure if it will be that great of a time :cry:
 
  • #11
Claritan D

I've got to disagree with Frog. Claritan D (24 hour) has done something no other OTC allergy medication has done. I just recently moved from Colorado to Illinois, with that move came an increased problem with my allergies and Asthama. Claritan D, gave me back my life. I can breath again, I have no sinus pressure headaches and my scratchy throat is gone and has stayed gone. Just 1 day and I'm free. I've had no adverse side effects at this time. Its a bit of a pain to go to the pharmacy to get it. But worth it.

:!) Hope it helps you as much as it has helped me.
 

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