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What Are The Side Effects Benadryl On The Liver?
What are the effects of Benadryll on the liver if taken nightly for sleep aid? The only other drugs I take now & have for a decade are bio-identicals. Prior, I weaned myself off 25mg of Elavil taken for fibromyalgia diagnosis, also taken for sleep. I drink 2 glasses of red wine daily (& know I should reduce to one). Weight lifted for 30 yrs, do not smoke, eat much healthier than most, did cardio for decades, maintain an ideal weight, have less than perfect cholesterol (HDL, LDL) which had been a perfect profile for decades, good bones, perfect blood sugar. I took 50 mg for the first time last night & slept better than I have for a long time. Dry mouth was an issue this morning.
posted on
Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 22 Jan 2021
Answered on
Wed, 27 Jan 2021
Last reviewed on
Hi,
Benadryl contains Diphenhydramine which is an antihistaminic which is prescribed for allergic reactions, hay fever, runny nose, water eyes and several other acute histaminic reactions. It is metabolized by the liver up to 50 to 60%. Hence, there is more chance for liver injury. The injury effect is more when there is any other associated toxic drug intake.
Liver status can be assessed by evaluating the enzyme status. Liver specific enzymes are increased following liver injury. Jaundice may be seen in some individuals. Depends on the level of damage, the enzyme levels are raised. The response to antidote and other management can be diagnosed with level of enzymes. 50 mg is within the normal therapeutic range. But, repeated Liver assessment is necessary to rule out acute liver injury.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pradeepraj, General & Family Physician
Benadryl contains Diphenhydramine which is an antihistaminic which is prescribed for allergic reactions, hay fever, runny nose, water eyes and several other acute histaminic reactions. It is metabolized by the liver up to 50 to 60%. Hence, there is more chance for liver injury. The injury effect is more when there is any other associated toxic drug intake.
Liver status can be assessed by evaluating the enzyme status. Liver specific enzymes are increased following liver injury. Jaundice may be seen in some individuals. Depends on the level of damage, the enzyme levels are raised. The response to antidote and other management can be diagnosed with level of enzymes. 50 mg is within the normal therapeutic range. But, repeated Liver assessment is necessary to rule out acute liver injury.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Pradeepraj, General & Family Physician
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