HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Can Benadryl And Atarax Be Taken Together?

default
Posted on Thu, 12 Nov 2015
Question: I was prescribed atarax but I did not fill the prescription yet because of insurance .I have taken 50 mg of Benadryl but am still itching like crazy. I want toget the atarax for itching. I am having a reaction to either or both: sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim or clindamycin. My last dose of Bactrim DS was yesterday morning. Last dose of clindamycin was about 2 hours ago. Hand infection is gone. I am on week 3 of both drugs. Although doctor almost took me off both meds 2 days ago but I said I did not mind taking them longer if necessary.
I took 50 mg of Benadryl and am still itching like crazy and also have been using triamcinolone .1% ointment. Can I take atarax?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
you'd better not

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

benadryl and atarax are both antihistamines. Normally taking two drugs of the same class is not recommended because you'll probably get more side effects without too much benefit. If the symptoms are not getting any better with benadryl alone or if they're getting worse, you'd better consult your doctor regarding the use of corticosteroids either locally or by mouth.

If you're talking about generalized itching then local application is not a good choice. If the symptoms are contained in a particular area then triamcinolone is a very potent corticosteroid and should help. The most effective way to treat it is by taking corticosteroids by mouth. Since taking corticosteroids may have various side effects, you'd better talk with your doctor first.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3809 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Can Benadryl And Atarax Be Taken Together?

Brief Answer: you'd better not Detailed Answer: Hello, benadryl and atarax are both antihistamines. Normally taking two drugs of the same class is not recommended because you'll probably get more side effects without too much benefit. If the symptoms are not getting any better with benadryl alone or if they're getting worse, you'd better consult your doctor regarding the use of corticosteroids either locally or by mouth. If you're talking about generalized itching then local application is not a good choice. If the symptoms are contained in a particular area then triamcinolone is a very potent corticosteroid and should help. The most effective way to treat it is by taking corticosteroids by mouth. Since taking corticosteroids may have various side effects, you'd better talk with your doctor first. I hope you find my comments helpful! You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information. Kind Regards!