Can I drink alcohol with Diphenhydramine?

No, avoid it. Do not drink alcohol. It can make you sleep very deeply and you will not be able to breathe properly.

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Can I eat this with Diphenhydramine?

Alcohol can cause very deep sleep and breathing problems. Caffeine works against the medicine. Some products contain alcohol.

Also sold as Benylin with Codeine, Dreemon, Fedril Paediatric, Galpharm One a Night Sleep Aid, Lloydspharmacy Extra Strength Sleep Aid, Lunox Max Strength Sleep Aid, Lunox Sleep Aid, Nightcalm, Numark Night Time Sleep Aid, Nytol, Nytol One-A-Night, Paxidorm and 1 more. Brand names from the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices.

Type any food below for an instant verdict — we check 40 foods and drinks for Diphenhydramine (27 to avoid, 11 to take care with) — or tap one below.

Quick answers

Should I take Diphenhydramine with food?: You can take diphenhydramine tablets and liquid with or without food.
Can I drink alcohol with Diphenhydramine?: No, avoid it. Do not drink alcohol. It can make you sleep very deeply and you will not be able to breathe properly.
Can I drink coffee with Diphenhydramine?: Yes, with care. If you're taking it to help you sleep, avoid caffeine as it has the opposite effect and can stop it working.
Can I drink tea with Diphenhydramine?: Yes, with care. If you're taking it to help you sleep, avoid caffeine as it has the opposite effect and can stop it working.
Can I drink cola with Diphenhydramine?: Yes, with care. If you're taking it to help you sleep, avoid caffeine as it has the opposite effect and can stop it working.
Can I drink energy drinks with Diphenhydramine?: Yes, with care. If you're taking it to help you sleep, avoid caffeine as it has the opposite effect and can stop it working.

Grounded in the checker below. Not a substitute for your pharmacist.

1 · What do you take?

Diphenhydraminealso Nytol Original, Boots Sleepeaze, Histergan

Alcohol can cause very deep sleep and breathing problems. Caffeine works against the medicine. Some products contain alcohol.

Do not drink alcohol while taking diphenhydramine as it can make you sleep very deeply and you may not breathe properly. If you're taking it to help you sleep, avoid caffeine as it has the opposite effect. You can eat normally and take it with or without food.

Browse our medication food guides →

2 · What do you want to eat or drink?

When to take it: You can take diphenhydramine tablets and liquid with or without food.

Tap a food to see the answer, or type any food or drink in the box above.

Foods to avoid with Diphenhydramine· 27

Take care with Diphenhydramine· 11

Fine with Diphenhydramine· 2

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This checker summarises published guidance (NHS medicine pages, patient information leaflets and drug labels) for general information only. It is not medical advice, it is not exhaustive, and it cannot account for your dose, kidney function, other medicines, or health conditions. Always follow your prescriber, pharmacist, or the patient information leaflet — especially before changing what you eat or drink. See our editorial policy.

Food groups that matter with Diphenhydramine

Every medicine each one affects, on one page.