Can I take Benadryl with Claritin?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
Not routinely. Benadryl and Claritin are both antihistamines, so combining them stacks side effects without stacking benefits. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is short-acting and strongly sedating; loratadine (Claritin) is a once-daily, low-sedation antihistamine. Taking both means more drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth, and in older adults a higher risk of confusion and falls. MedlinePlus warns about these effects for each drug on its own, and doubling the class makes them more likely. The exception is directed care: for severe hives or a significant allergic reaction, a clinician may intentionally layer a fast-acting antihistamine over your daily one. Seek emergency care for swelling of the face or throat, wheezing, or faintness; those are not wait-and-see symptoms.
What to do
- Pick one oral antihistamine as your daily default and give it several days to work.
- Add a different tool instead: a nasal steroid spray or antihistamine eye drops often helps more than a second pill.
- Check combination products: many cold and sleep medicines already contain diphenhydramine.
- Call 911 for facial or throat swelling, trouble breathing, or fainting after an allergen exposure.
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