Emmyl asked
Is it ok to use Flonase Benadryl and alupent puffer together?
Answer
Please note: Alupent (Metaproterenol) inhaler is no longer available in the United States. The information presented here is based upon the discontinued inhaler.
Flonase (Fluticasone) is a nasal steroid spray used in the treatment of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal membranes). Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is an oral first generation anti-histamine used for the treatment of allergies, insomnia and motion sickness. Alupent (Metaproterenol) is used in the treatment of asthma as a bronchodilator.
It is safe to take Flonase (Fluticasone), Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) and Alupent (Metaproterenol) together. It should be noted that a possible side effect of Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is wheezing and thickening of the bronchial secretions. These possible side effects could pose a problem in patients with asthma, though it is unlikely. Further information on all three drugs can be found below.
Flonase (Fluticasone)
Flonase (Fluticasone) is a nasal steroid used in the treatment of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. During peak allergy times, it maybe combined with antihistamines such as Benadryl (Diphenhydramine). It is also prescribed at times during cold and flu season to help with the inflammation of the nasal passages.
It is generally a very well tolerated drug. The most common side effects are:
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Location irritation of the nasal passages
- Nose bleeds
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is a first generation antihistamine used in the treatment of allergies, insomnia and motion sickness. As a first generation antihistamine, Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) can cause a significant amount of drowsiness. Patients should be careful when driving and operating machinery or when combining with other medications that can cause drowsiness. Some other possible side effects include:
- Drowsiness or sedation
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Thickening of mucus in the nose or throat
Alupent (Metaproterenol)
Alupent (Metaproterenol) is an inhaled bronchodilator that helps open up the lungs to make breathing easier. The most common side effects are:
- Dizziness
- Nervousness
- Tremor
- Heart palpitations
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
Conclusion
It is safe to take Flonase (Fluticasone), Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) and Alupent (Metaproterenol) together. Asthma patients should be aware that taking Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) can sometimes cause a worsening of their asthma symptoms. Since Alupent (Metaproterenol) is a discontinued product in the United States, please check with your local pharmacist or other health care provider if the active ingredient listed on your inhaler is NOT Metaproterenol.
