Published: Feb 21, 2018 Last Updated: Oct 28, 2019
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can safely be taken with Motrin (ibuprofen).
Feb 21, 2018 Can you take Benadryl with Motrin? I am taking Motrin a few times a day and am having some trouble sleeping. Just checking to make
sure the combination is safe. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can safely be taken with Motrin (ibuprofen) and there is no interaction between the two medications. Motrin PM actually contains both of these medications in a single dose (ibuprofen 200 mg & diphenhydramine 38 mg). Diphenhydramine is a sedating antihistamine marketed under many
names, including Benadryl and ZzzQuil. Benadryl is well known for treating the itchiness resulting from allergic reactions to things like insect bites, laundry detergent, or poison ivy. It can be taken orally but also comes in a topical form. In addition to treating allergy symptoms, Benadryl can help with insomnia due to the sedation it causes. Benadryl begins to work about 20 to 30 minutes after taking by mouth and maximum blood concentrations are reached after 1 to 2 hours. The
duration of action varies by individual but generally lasts 4 to 6 hours. Motrin (ibuprofen) is an NSAID that is used to treat fever as well as pain and inflammation caused by headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, menstrual cramps, and toothaches to name a few. Ibuprofen comes in 200 mg when sold over the counter. Ibuprofen comes in 400 mg, 600 mg, and 800 mg when dispensed with a prescription. Ibuprofen is not recommended on a daily basis because it can cause
stomach irritation or ulcers when taken chronically. As discussed above, Benadryl is safe to take with Motrin. There is no drug interaction between the two.Josiah asked
Answer
Dr. Brian Staiger Pharm.D
Dr. Brian Staiger is a licensed pharmacist in New York State and the founder of the Q+A website PharmacistAnswers.com. He graduated from the University At Buffalo with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2010.
He has been featured in numerous publications including the Huffington Post as well as a variety of health and pharmacy-related blogs.
Please feel free to reach out to him directly if you have any inquiries or want to connect! He's answered thousands of medication and pharmacy-related questions and he's ready to answer yours!
Related Questions
Ready for a more personal experience with your meds?
Free RX Coupon
Save up to 80% on your prescriptions.
Available coupons
Save up to 80% on your prescription with WebMDRx
You Might Also Like
Related Links
- List Benadryl side effects by likelihood and severity
- Who should not take Benadryl?
- Does Benadryl interact with other medications?
- Should I avoid certain foods while taking Benadryl?
- What should I know regarding pregnancy, nursing and administering Benadryl to children or the elderly?
- What conditions does Benadryl treat?
- Common Searches
- Adderall
- Celexa
- Cipro
- Cymbalta
- Flexeril
- Hydrocodone
- Prilosec
- Prozac
- Seroquel
- Synthroid
- Tramadol
- Trazodone
- Lexapro
- Lisinopril
- Mobic
- Naproxen
- Neurontin
- Pradaxa
- Prednisone
- Vicodin
- Warfarin
- Wellbutrin
- Xanax
- Zocor
- Zoloft
Drug Survey
Have you ever purchased Benadryl?
Yes, In the past 3 months
Yes, In the past 6 months
Yes, In the past year
Haven't purchased but considering
Don't plan to purchase
This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.
Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.