Combination

Mixing Advil PM and Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

CombinationDeliriant
Verdict

Unsafe · Antihistamine twice

Advil PM and Benadryl both contain a sedating antihistamine (diphenhydramine). Together they add up: heavier drowsiness, confusion, a racing heart and trouble peeing, and at higher amounts hallucinations and seizures. Poison Control's advice is not to take two antihistamines at the same time.

  1. Take one of them, not both. Daytime cold medicines usually leave the antihistamine out, if that is the part you do not need.
  2. Seizures, hallucinations, or someone you cannot wake: call 911. Short of that, Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) can tell you whether what was taken needs a hospital.
What “Unsafe” means
In an emergency, call 911911Never Use AlonePoison Control
What to do
  • Say what was taken and how much.Responders need it, and in most US states Good Samaritan laws protect both of you from drug possession charges when you call for an overdose.
  • Unresponsive: put them on their side, tilt the head back, and stay until help arrives.Never leave someone alone to “sleep it off”.
  • Never Use Alone 1-800-484-3731Stays on the line and sends help if you stop responding.
  • Full steps: what to do if it is already happeningOverdose signs, the recovery position, what to say on the call, and whether you can be charged for making it.
  • Poison Control 1-800-222-1222Free and 24/7, for “is this bad?” before it becomes an emergency.

Can you take Advil PM with Benadryl?

Advil PM contains ibuprofen and diphenhydramine. Advil PM and Benadryl both contain a sedating antihistamine (diphenhydramine). Together they add up: heavier drowsiness, confusion, a racing heart and trouble peeing, and at higher amounts hallucinations and seizures. Poison Control's advice is not to take two antihistamines at the same time. MixSafe rates Advil PM with Benadryl as "Unsafe" — risk of serious physical or psychological harm. Not recommended under any circumstances. Sources: the Drug Facts labels on DailyMed and Poison Control. Educational information, not medical advice.

What is in it

Advil PM
Ibuprofen + Diphenhydramine.

Antihistamine twice

Unsafe

Advil PM + Benadryl

What to do
  1. 01Take one of them, not both.Daytime cold medicines usually leave the antihistamine out, if that is the part you do not need.
  2. 02Seizures, hallucinations, or someone you cannot wake: call 911.Short of that, Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) can tell you whether what was taken needs a hospital.
Signs it is happening
  1. Confusion, or seeing and hearing things that are not there
  2. A racing or pounding heartbeat
  3. Hot, dry, flushed skin, and not being able to pee
Why this happens

Advil PM and Benadryl both contain a sedating antihistamine (diphenhydramine).

Together they add up: heavier drowsiness, confusion, a racing heart and trouble peeing, and at higher amounts hallucinations and seizures. Poison Control's advice is not to take two antihistamines at the same time.

Sources
  • Safe use of antihistamines. Poison Control (National Capital Poison Center). poison.org
  • Benadryl Allergy, Drug Facts label: "Do not use with any other product containing diphenhydramine, even one used on skin." DailyMed. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
  • FDA warns about serious problems with high doses of the allergy medicine diphenhydramine (Benadryl). FDA, September 2020. fda.gov
Sources

Ingredient lists checked 2026-09-27. Formulas change and store brands differ, so the Drug Facts box on your own packet is the final word.

Think this is wrong, or know a better source? Send it.

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