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Suggest Treatment For Atrial Fibrillation

Posted on Tue, 7 Oct 2014

Question: I have afib. Been having bad seasonal allergies. so took benadryl lately, incl last nite after dinner -- today, a day later, I was in a stressful situation, teaching in front of large group of students in v warm airless classroom -- am out of practice w teaching. Also, had a strong cafe americano and a v light lunch and breakfast -- got palpitations, seemed like irreg heartbeat and occasional rapid heartbeat. After teaching excused myself, went home. on trip home on public transit, noticed irreg heartbeat stopped, fast HR had slowed, and back at home completely normal re rate and rhythm. Will see specialist this week. Benadryl and Stress (?) as cause for this? Plan to avoid benadryl entirely. What do you think?

Answered by Dr. Praveen (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Prefer Allegra tablet over benadryl

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Welcome and thanks for giving me an opportunity to address your query.

Benadryl contains(diphenhydramine) and is available overthecounter as anti allergic medication.

Yes, stress and benadryl precipitate afib.

Benadryl interacts with metoprolol and interfere with its plasma/blood levels and thus can precipitate afib.

Normallly caffeine (americano coffee) would not interact with metorprolol.Nothing to panic.This is a in-fact a boon for coffee lovers(when you drink in moderation).

I were to prefer Allegra(fexofenadine 60mg tablet) which is safe with metoprolol and should be taken once daily.

Hope this answers your query.Please feel free to reach for further clarifications.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Praveen (15 minutes later)

Thank you, Doctor.

Threw all the benadryl in the garbage.

Took a relaxing shower and ate a nice dinner, which helped.

Will follow up w cardiologist this week

Answered by Dr. Praveen (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Good luck.All the best.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome and thanks for writing me back.

Please feel free check any medicine you intend to use with your doctor(or doctors on our forum) if they may have any interaction with the pills you may use for afib in the future.

All the best.Wish you good health.

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D