Lemon asked
Is there a drug interaction between Levaquin and Benadryl? I am currently on a 10 day course of Levaquin and wanted to know if it was safe to take Cipro as well.
Answer
Levaquin (levofloxacin) does have a theoretically drug interaction with Benadryl as taking both together can increase the risk to cause an irregular heartbeat, also known as an arrhythmia. However, this adverse effect is uncommon and rarely a major concern at the usual doses of Levaquin and Benadryl.
For the average, healthy person, it is safe to take these medications together. Individuals with serious heart problems, taking other medications that can cause irregular heartbeat, or who know they have a long QTc (a specific heart condition), should talk to their doctor before taking these medications together.
Arrhythmia Risk With Levaquin
Levaquin is a "quinolone" antibiotic, which have been associated with QT prolongation, and torsade de pointes. Other cardiac adverse reactions reported in adult patients, according to the prescribing information include: cardiac arrest, palpitations, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular arrhythmia. In addition, chest pain has been reported in 1% of patients during clinical trials.
Arrhythmia Risk With Benadryl
Adverse cardiac events due to Benadryl are not thought to occur with routine use at recommended doses. However, adverse cardiovascular responses are associated in events of an overdosage. These responses can include sinus tachycardia, extrasystoles, palpitations, and/or cardiac arrhythmias.
Summary
- Levaquin has rarely been associated with adverse cardiac events, such as torsade de pointes and QT prolongation. These are rare in healthy individuals however.
- Benadryl is also associated with adverse cardiac events, but only in cases of overdose.
