Question:
Can we take Benadryl post op?

I had a mild case of hives last night (not really sure what caused them). I went out and got Benadryl and took 2 and by morning the hives were gone. Now I was thinking what if I could not take Benadryl post op. Can we? I am 16 months post op. I have already had 2 bleeding ulcers due to take motrin. Thanks - Tracy    — tracyr (posted on March 16, 2003)

March 16, 2003
Benadryl is not a pouch burner. But, of course, you'd ask your doc about it for YOU. Another source of info we overlook is the pharmacist. They know more about meds (side affects, etc) than anyone. They can often answer a question like: ii this known to cause gastric distress? Not, "is this ok for ME?" See?
   — vitalady

March 16, 2003
I started taking one benadryl before I went to bed when I was about 3 weeks post-op. This was my surgeon's suggestion because I had a lot of post-nasal drip and it kept the stuff dried up so it didn't interfere with digestion. I'm 7 mos. out now and I still do it and it works like a charm for me.
   — Cathy S.

March 16, 2003
While in the hospital for my surgery last week, I experienced an itching reaction to the pain medication drip. My doctor ordered a Benadryl pouch with each pain medication pouch change. Obviously, each person and doctor are different, so check with him.
   — Pat B.

March 16, 2003
I am 20 days postop open RNY. When I was in the hospital, I had an itching reaction to the morphine, they gave liquid benedryl. It didn't hurt me at all the itching stopped but I slept really good for a while. Good Luck..
   — Cindy D.

March 16, 2003
I have been taking 1 Benedryl caplet at bedtime since my pre-op days. It is great if you suffer from allergies and the post-nasal drip bothers you at night, plus its a great, cheap sleeping pill. Diphenhydramine (the generic name for Benedryl) is the active ingredient in over the counter drugs like Tylenol P.M. which helps you sleep. My surgeon has no problem with his post-ops taking Benedryl. Good luck to you!
   — thumpiez

March 17, 2003
My surgeon suggested I take antahistamines. Mucus can collect in your pouch and make you sick.
   — Wanda R.