Tremaine asked
I use Maalox as an antacid and I know sometimes antacids cannot be used with other medications. Is it safe to use it with Benadryl though?
Answer
Maalox and Benadryl do not have any known drug interaction. These medications can be taken together without the risk of increasing the severity side effects. As such, they can safely be taken together.
Benadryl
Benadryl is an antihistamine that works by blocking the body’s release of histamine, the molecule responsible for the bodies response to substances it is allergic to. It produces the typical symptoms related to an allergic response, like runny nose, itching and rash.
Benadryl does have a number of side effects associated with its use, most notably of which is sedation. The sedative effects of Benadryl is why it is often used as a sleep aid for individuals who have a hard time falling asleep. It is also why this medication is not recommended for use in elderly patients because the over-sedation can often lead an increased risk of falls.
Maalox
Maalox is a combination product of:
- Aluminum hydroxide
- Magnesium hydroxide
It is used to treat heartburn or acid reflux, and it works by neutralizing the acid in the stomach.
Maalox works best when it is given after a meal, or when heartburn symptoms develop. It does not stay in the system for very long, so it cannot be given hours before a suspected attack. That being said, it does work very quickly and patients will begin to feel relief of their symptoms in as little as five minutes.
Maalox is generally well tolerated, but it can cause stomach cramping and constipation. It is important that the patient does not take more than the recommended amount to avoid these side effects.
