Is Erectile Dysfunction a Side Effect of Benadryl?

November 18, 2024

4 mins

If you feel a cold coming on, your first line of defense may be an OTC (over-the-counter) medication like Benadryl. This medication helps to resolve allergy symptoms quickly. While it’s a commonly used medication — like other antihistamines — it can cause some side effects including erectile dysfunction. 

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What is Benadryl ?

Diphenhydramine is the active ingredient in Benadryl. Antihistamines like diphenhydramine work by blocking histamine from binding to H1 receptors. This prevents allergy symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Benadryl can also be taken before a long road trip to prevent motion sickness and insomnia.

How much Benadryl should you take?

How often you take Benadryl depends on the type of treatment you need. There are multiple ways to ingest Benadryl. It can be consumed as a tablet, capsule, powder, or in liquid form. The average recommended dosage for adults is 25 to 50 mg (milligrams). It’s not recommended to take more than 300 mg of Benadryl.

Depending on the need, the following are recommendations on how often to take Benadryl:

• Treat allergies: Benadryl should be taken every four to six hours. Since Benadryl tends to cause drowsiness, you can take it right before bedtime.

• Prevent motion sickness: Take Benadryl 30 minutes before traveling

• Muscle control: This antihistamine can be used to improve muscle control in those with Parkinsonian syndromes.

• Itchy skin: Apply topical Benadryl cream to the skin three to four times daily.

Taking too much Benadryl can lead to arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). Be sure to seek emergency medical assistance if you overdose on Benadryl.

Can You Experience Erectile Dysfunction with Benadryl?

Antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) may cause erectile dysfunction. Antihistamines block the activity of histamines to prevent allergy symptoms. However, histamines also play a key role in reaching an erection.

One study found that increasing histamine could help prevent erectile dysfunction. In the study, men who took higher doses of histamine were better able to reach at least a partial or full erection.

What are other side effects of Benadryl?

Many people who take Benadryl experience drowsiness. However, this is not the only potential side effect.

When taking Benadryl, you may experience the following side effects:

• Dry mouth, nose, and throat

• Nausea

• Nervousness

• Constipation

• Loss of appetite

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Muscle weakness

Be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you are experiencing any side effects while taking Benadryl — especially if they are serious side effects like changes to your vision and difficulty urinating.

Who should not take Benadryl?

Benadryl is not recommended during pregnancy. It’s a high-risk medication for people who are pregnant or 65 years or older. 

Your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative medication if you have a history of:

• Breathing problems like emphysema

• Chronic bronchitis

• Glaucoma

• An enlarged prostate gland

Be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you are taking sedatives, tranquilizers, or other herbal medications before starting Benadryl.

Alternative Treatment Options for Benadryl

Benadryl can be used with other medications to manage symptoms. Benadryl itch cream is often applied topically to the skin with zinc acetate to relieve itching from bug bites, sunburn, and other mild skin irritations. 

To avoid drowsiness, alternative medications you can take include:

• Clarinex (desloratadine)

• Allegra (fexofendadine)

• Xyzal (levocetirizine dihydrochloride)

• Claritin (loratadine)

Is it safe to take antihistamines with ED medications?

There are no adverse effects expected to occur with taking antihistamines and erectile dysfunction medications like Viagra (sildenafil) at the same time. 

Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider before starting an ED medication while taking Benadryl.

How Rex MD Can Help

Erectile dysfunction can often be an uncomfortable side effect of antihistamines like Benadryl. However, there are treatment options if you have any signs of erectile dysfunction. 

Rex MD offers access to a variety of erectile dysfunction treatments like Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) to treat unexpected erectile dysfunction. 

Get started on finding a medication to improve your symptoms today. Be sure to check with a licensed healthcare provider before starting any medications.