Question for Annie
 

Annie, I have read several post about Benadryl, and how it isn't good for MG patients. However, I have used over the counter Benadryl for years. I have had MG for about 5 or 6 years. Is it really that bad for me. I live in San Antonio, Tx, and during allergy months it is a life saver. 1 or 2 at the most capsules a day, and I am so much better. I would like your advice on that. Anyone else --comments would be nice.
Thanks FREDH:)

Hi - I'm not Annie, but I may be able to help with your question. Like many things about mg, the use of Benadryl is fine for some people and not so much for others. I have been using Benadryl for pre-treatment for IVIG for about 8 years without any side affects. I also use it if my allergies kick into high gear at certain times of the year, again with no negative side affects.

Some people with mg have problems with Benadryl, but not everyone. It appears that it is not having any negative side affects for you and you will probably be fine using it.

Hope this helps.

Juanita

Fred, Do you have a good allergist? There are other remedies than Benadryl (i.e., Claritin). Singulair is used by some people (I couldn't take it).

Have you tried Children's liquid Benadryl? That way, you can titrate the dosing, not having to take the strength of a full tablet or capsule.

I do fine with Benadryl. However, the crap generic IV stuff they have in hospitals caused a localized hive reaction!! Could've been an additive in it that's not in the brand one.

Having a good allergist is really useful. You might have some food allergies that you don't know about. Many people with respiratory allergies have "cross-reactivity" to some foods.

Whatever you do, at least be followed by one doctor or another! Even those OTCs can cause problems or have interactions with other drugs you're on (or foods).

Does that help?

Annie

Benadryl
 

:) Thanks so much Annie. I have used them for several years here in San Antonio, Tx. We are the allergy capital of the U.S. My Doc knows I use them, but you well know they don't always check for reactions. Anyway, I thank you. Sounds like if you can take them, Maybe not too bad.
Thanks FREDH

Juanita,
Thanks so much. Always good to get several opinions, so your is very nice to hear. Sounds like you are ok on Benadryl too. Thanks for that. FREDH:)

Well, you can't judge how you would do by my experience with Benadryl! ;)

I don't take a lot of it at a time, which is why I use the liquid. I've had quite a few allergic reactions in the past, and don't recommend taking a bunch of it! Usually you need either more or a different drug if you have bad allergies.

If it's the allergy capital, then there must be a good allergist there! Find one and discuss all of the options!

Annie

Benadryl is a first generation antihistamine. And as such, has some anticholinergic side effects. It is these that would interfere with MG I think.

Injectables often have preservatives in them. Sulfites, for example.

The brand name is listed with this preservative called a germacidal agent:
benzethonium chloride

Mylan's version has the same ingredient.
Hospira brand shows no preservatives... I looked over their PDF and could not find a preservative listed either.

Here is the whole list from the FDA:
Notice the last one lists preservative free.
This is from FDA Orange book, which lists all drugs, brand and generic.

Allegra and Claritin are typically not anticholinergic. But they are not very strong either. Both are OTC