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

Does Consumption Of Benadryl Cause Significant Respiratory Depression?

Posted on Wed, 13 Jul 2016

Question: My doctors diagnosed me with idiopathic anaphylaxis due to what they think is mast cell activation. Usually 25 mg quercetin twice a day or 25 mg Benadryl in the moment helps suppress great breathing problems and air hunger I get. I was having a lot of trouble breathing and getting air last night, and took 25 mg Benadryl. It helped me breathe and fall asleep, but I woke up with slowed and labored breathing. Is it ever possible for benadryl or other specific antihistamines to make trouble breathing by slowing down breathing too much? (With all respect, any doctor but Dr. XXXXXXX Rynne please.)

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

Benedryl (Diphenhydramine) does not cause significant respiratory depression or slowing down the respiratory rate.

However, it is advisable to avoid it in lower respiratory tract infections and in asthma flare ups.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107

Dr. M.S. Khalil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (31 hours later)

Thank you kindly Dr. XXXXXXX Are there any H1 blockers that cause respiratory depression/respiratory rate slowing if taken above certain amounts?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hydroxyzine

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

Yes. Hydroxyzine when taken in higher doses can lead to significant respiratory depression.

wishing you best of health

Thanks

Dr M.S Khalil

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