Learn about Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) may treat, uses, dosage, side effects, drug interactions, warnings, patient labeling, reviews, and related medications. Benadryl DR Syrup is used to relieve the cough caused by common cold. This medicine is not recommended for use in children less than 4 years of age. Consumption of alcohol is not advised while receiving this medicine due to an increase in the risk of drowsiness. It is not used to relieve a cough which is caused by smoking and asthma. Below we’ll answer “can you mix alcohol and Benadryl,” and provide more information on the possible side effects of an alcohol and Benadryl combination. Alcohol can potentiate the effects of Benadryl, and vice versa. The tolerability of the sedative effects depends on the person. Some may be able to tolerate drinking a glass or two of alcohol while on Benadryl while others may develop side effects (such as drowsiness or dizziness) immediately after drinking. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of diphenhydramine. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, cough, allergy, or sleep medicine. Antihistamines are contained in many combination medicines. Comprehensive alcohol & food interactions for Benadryl (diphenhydramine). Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an antihistamine used to treat allergies, hives, insomnia, motion sickness, and mild cases of Parkinsonism. Benadryl is available in generic form and over-the-counter. Common side effects of Benadryl include: Learn about Benadryl. What does it do and the uses for Benadryl. What are the recommended dosage and how often can you take it and side effects. Benadryl in pregancy and benadryl and alcohol. Benadryl is a strong drug. Using it safely means not drinking alcohol while you take it. Combining the drug with alcohol can cause dangerous effects, such as extreme drowsiness and impaired motor. The side effects of diphenhydramine and alcohol can be severe, mostly because both affect the central nervous system and depress its functionality.