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Can I Take Benadryl And Chlorpheniramine For Bee Sting?
Brief Answer:
Benadryl has a longer duration (6-8 hrs) than chlorpheniramine
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Sorry you were stung!
Chlorpheniramine is a perfectly good antihistamine.
Both chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are considered first generation antihistamines - meaning they were the first ones created - and are also often the most effective of the antihistamines, but are not prescribed as frequently as they used to be because of sedating side effects that newer antihistamines don't cause as much of. However, for a local reaction to a bee sting, either chlorpheneramine or Benadryl are recommended.
The advantage of Benadryl is that it lasts longer than chlorpheneramine. You have to redose the chlorpheneramine every 4 - 6 hours whereas Benadryl usually lasts 6-8 hours. So Benadryl does have that advantage. But otherwise either can be used effectively.
You are doing the right thing by applying ice.
If the area is not large (i.e. your entire arm is not swollen), you can also get an over-the-counter topical corticosteroid cream to help lessen the reaction and itching. Apply this just to the inflamed area.
Just for safety's sake I will add: If you have a history of allergic reactions to bees, or if the swelling is worsening or you are getting hives, light headedness, heart racing, difficulty breathing - then go to the ER immediately.
Can I help with any further information?
Benadryl has a longer duration (6-8 hrs) than chlorpheniramine
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Sorry you were stung!
Chlorpheniramine is a perfectly good antihistamine.
Both chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are considered first generation antihistamines - meaning they were the first ones created - and are also often the most effective of the antihistamines, but are not prescribed as frequently as they used to be because of sedating side effects that newer antihistamines don't cause as much of. However, for a local reaction to a bee sting, either chlorpheneramine or Benadryl are recommended.
The advantage of Benadryl is that it lasts longer than chlorpheneramine. You have to redose the chlorpheneramine every 4 - 6 hours whereas Benadryl usually lasts 6-8 hours. So Benadryl does have that advantage. But otherwise either can be used effectively.
You are doing the right thing by applying ice.
If the area is not large (i.e. your entire arm is not swollen), you can also get an over-the-counter topical corticosteroid cream to help lessen the reaction and itching. Apply this just to the inflamed area.
Just for safety's sake I will add: If you have a history of allergic reactions to bees, or if the swelling is worsening or you are getting hives, light headedness, heart racing, difficulty breathing - then go to the ER immediately.
Can I help with any further information?
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thanks! I've seldom been stung so have no experience with this. I expect it to go away in a day or so but it's annoying. I have found Benadryl to have more sedative impact than chlorxxxxx but maybe it's just the longer period happening sooner, or something like that. But thanks for clarifying they are the same type. I do take modern types if antihistines. Anyway, no other effects than swelling and itching. Going to bed. Sorry for long reply. This (webMD) was good experience. Thanks again.
Brief Answer:
Your welcome!
Detailed Answer:
Some antihistamines within a given class can be more sedating for one person than another, so if you tolerate chlorpheneramine with less sedation than Benadryl, I'd stick with what you are using.
Regarding how long to expect the local reaction to last:
In general, with a mild reaction of a red welt where you were stung, and slight swelling around the sting area, the pain and swelling go away in around a day.
Some people have a somewhat stronger local reaction where there is extreme redness and swelling around the site, which increases over the next couple of days. This kind of reaction takes a little longer - around 5-10 days to resolve.
I hope you are feeling better soon.
If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wishing you good health!
Your welcome!
Detailed Answer:
Some antihistamines within a given class can be more sedating for one person than another, so if you tolerate chlorpheneramine with less sedation than Benadryl, I'd stick with what you are using.
Regarding how long to expect the local reaction to last:
In general, with a mild reaction of a red welt where you were stung, and slight swelling around the sting area, the pain and swelling go away in around a day.
Some people have a somewhat stronger local reaction where there is extreme redness and swelling around the site, which increases over the next couple of days. This kind of reaction takes a little longer - around 5-10 days to resolve.
I hope you are feeling better soon.
If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wishing you good health!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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