Alcohol and Diphenhydramine interaction
Alcohol and Diphenhydramine: the Diphenhydramine prescribing label flag this combination with the strongest language, such as a contraindication, a boxed warning, or an instruction to avoid it.
Do not combine without a prescriber's guidance. The label language below is the strongest FDA uses.
What the FDA labels say
Curated guidance for Alcohol
Combining alcohol with sedating medicines (opioids, benzodiazepines, sleep medicines, muscle relaxants) can cause dangerous drowsiness, slowed breathing, and overdose.
From the Diphenhydramine label · effective 2026-03-05
Drug Interactions Diphenhydramine hydrochloride has additive effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants (hypnotics, sedatives, tranquilizers, etc).
Taking more than these two? Interactions stack. Check your whole list at once; it stays in your browser.
Open in the checkerNot medical advice. Interaction Checker quotes FDA label text and NIH fact sheets. Whether an interaction matters for you depends on doses, timing, kidney and liver function, and other conditions. Confirm with a pharmacist or prescriber.