Is Benadryl™ (Diphenhydramine) toxic to the liver?

[G-G]

I've heard this from family, but never read this online anywhere so I have serious doubts. What makes it more comical is that my grandfather was seriously concerned about his liver health after a couple weeks of taking 1 or 2 Benadryl™ every day.

Is Diphenhydramine toxic in any way to the liver?

 

[bronson]

Since it is metabolized by the liver, it could be toxic in the case of extreme consumption, however at these doses there is nothing to worry about. The highest medically accepted amount per day is 400mg, so if the diphenhydramine in question are the standard 25mg pills there's absolutely nothing to worry about unless the person taking them has prior liver issues or is combining them with other medications.

 

[G-G]

Since it is metabolized by the liver, it could be toxic in the case of extreme consumption, however at these doses there is nothing to worry about. The highest medically accepted amount per day is 400mg, so if the diphenhydramine in question are the standard 25mg pills there's absolutely nothing to worry about unless the person taking them has prior liver issues or is combining them with other medications.

Thanks, you answered my question. Could you provide a source for me to show to my grandfather? They are the kind of people who are scared of catching Tentinus or some kind of worm if they eat without watching their hands, so it might be futile. They also think that Marijuana kills your brain cells too.

 

[bronson]

Well, I was using an medical database called Epocrates when I researched this for you, but similar information can be found elsewhere.

http://www.drugs.com/mtm/diphenhydramine.html

That page is reliable and has a lengthy section on proper dose as per what you are taking the diphenhydramine for.

Best of luck.

 

[G-G]

Well, I was using an medical database called Epocrates when I researched this for you, but similar information can be found elsewhere.

http://www.drugs.com/mtm/diphenhydramine.html

That page is reliable and has a lengthy section on proper dose as per what you are taking the diphenhydramine for.

Best of luck.

That link had no information related to the toxicity or metabolism of Diphenhydramine.

 

[bronson]

^ Apologies, I had assumed your grandfather wouldn't be interested in that lengthy of a read. In any case, this link would be more what you're looking for then.

http://www.drugs.com/ppa/diphenhydramine-hydrochloride.html

 

[paranoid android]

Diphenhydramine is not toxic at all to the liver in normal doses. Unless you where taking huge amounts youd have nothing to worry about. Delerium would set in long before liver damage im pretty sure. Cardiotoxicity is also a concern i believe in really high doses aka the doses idiots use to produce anti-cholinergic poisoning which some people seem to think is a high 8)

 

[bronson]

^Right on, used as directed it's a wonderful medication with very few risks. As for someone using it to get high at an absurd dose all at once it's both very dangerous and unpleasant.

 

[paranoid android]

^Right on, used as directed it's a wonderful medication with very few risks. As for someone using it to get high at an absurd dose all at once it's both very dangerous and unpleasant.

Yeah even at maximum doses given through a IV drip in the hospital it's pretty damn safe. My mom had a bad allergic reaction and they pumped her full of diphenhydramine in the hospital and she got abit delerious or just wacked out of it i think. They gave her abit of demerol too i believe so they could have explained why she was talking abit funny.

I was once stupid enough to take dimenhydrinate to get high off it 8) . It was so horrible i had to do it again

In my defense i was only 12 at the time. I swear i couldnt even look ay one of those pinkish little pills for a year after without getting the chills. Anti-cholinergics are just not fucking recreational no matter how desperate or dumb you are. They can potentiate opiates pretty well but on their own they should only be used for their intended purpose.