Last Updated on May 19, 2023 by River Tree Farms
Caffeine is more than the fuel you need to get through tough days. It is delicious and has plenty of health benefits. It can improve brain function, memory, and sports performance.
Are you a big fan of coffee and other caffeinated drinks? You may not want to give your caffeine up even when under medication. The question, ”Is it safe to take antihistamines with caffeine?” has probably come up. Keep reading to learn about caffeine and antihistamines.
Caffeine and Antihistamine Medications
When taken with allergy medications, caffeine can ease seasonal allergies. It could reduce the drowsiness that some drugs cause. You can mix caffeine with most antihistamine medications. But it would help if you always got your doctor’s opinion first. Generally, caffeine is excellent for relieving drowsiness from your antihistamine.
Medications that React Negatively With Caffeine
The caffeine content in tea and coffee could react negatively with some medications. Although it is a rare occurrence, the results can be unpredictable.
Being a stimulant, you should avoid mixing caffeine with other stimulants. It could make you jittery. Avoid mixing it with albuterol and steroids. Note that caffeine can constrict the blood vessels. Caffeine could limit the ability of the medication to flow through your bloodstream.
Benadryl and Antihistamine
The main ingredient in Benadryl is diphenhydramine, a first-generation antihistamine. It relieves watery eyes, an itchy throat, a runny nose, sneezing, and other signs of allergies.
If you have no issues with caffeine or antihistamines, you can mix them. Do it unless your doctor advises otherwise. Note that there is a slight risk of adverse effects due to the interaction of medication and coffee. But, issues relating to caffeine and Benadryl are rare.
Benadryl has a sedating effect, and caffeine is the opposite. Therefore, mixing them could negate side effects.
What Shouldn’t You Mix With Caffeine?
Caffeine mixes well with most drugs. But, there are a few medications that you shouldn’t mix with coffee and other sources of caffeine. They include:
- Dipyridamole (Persantine)
- Estrogen
- Disulfiram (Antabuse)
- Ephedrine
- Clozapine (Clozaril)
- Antidepressants
- Anticoagulant/antiplatelet medications
- Asthma medication
- Phenytoin and other seizure drugs
Avoid mixing birth control pills, ethanol, and fluconazole with caffeine as well. The body digests caffeine to get rid of it. But, ethanol could slow down the digestion process. Mixing alcohol and caffeine can cause headaches, increased heartbeat, and jitteriness.
Mixing caffeine with birth control pills is also a bad idea. The pills slow down the digestion of caffeine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you avoid while taking antihistamines?
Generally, you should avoid mixing alcohol with antihistamines. If you are already taking other kinds of medication, speak with your doctor before taking antihistamines. Antidepressants and cough medication can cause problems when mixed with antihistamines.
What drugs should you not take with caffeine?
Always consult your doctor when unsure whether to mix caffeine with drugs. Here are a few drugs to avoid mixing with caffeine; Dipyridamole (Persantine), estrogen, anti-depressants, and Disulfiram (Antabuse).
Does caffeine affect antihistamines?
Caffeine doesn’t affect the functioning of antihistamines. However, it can revert the drowsiness caused by the drugs.
Read More:
Is It Safe to Take Metronidazole and Coffee Together?
Conclusion
Is it safe to take antihistamines with caffeine? The simple answer is yes, it is. Antihistamine and caffeine go well and can cancel out each other’s side effects. However, you should always consult your doctor before mixing them. Even though there are limited cases of adverse side effects, it is wise to be prepared. In addition, you’d be wise to avoid mixing caffeine with alcohol and birth control pills.