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Drug interactions

Azelastine-fluticasone + Diphenhydramine

Severity: Moderate

Azelastine-fluticasone and Diphenhydramine: moderate interaction.

Last updated

For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.

Summary

Diphenhydramine is strongly sedating and anticholinergic, and azelastine adds to sedation. The combination duplicates antihistamine therapy and increases the risk of drowsiness and impaired psychomotor function.

What this interaction means in plain words

Azelastine-fluticasone and Diphenhydramine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Azelastine-fluticasone belongs to Respiratory; Diphenhydramine belongs to Respiratory.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive H1-antihistamine mediated CNS depression and anticholinergic effects.

What to do

Avoid using both together when possible and advise against driving. Take particular care in older adults.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Azelastine-fluticasone with Diphenhydramine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Azelastine-fluticasone and Diphenhydramine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Diphenhydramine is strongly sedating and anticholinergic, and azelastine adds to sedation. The combination duplicates antihistamine therapy and increases the risk of drowsiness and impaired psychomotor function.

How serious is the interaction between Azelastine-fluticasone and Diphenhydramine?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid using both together when possible and advise against driving. Take particular care in older adults.

What other medicines interact with Azelastine-fluticasone?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Azelastine-fluticasone with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Alfentanil. The full list is on the Azelastine-fluticasone page.

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