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Does Benadryl Break A Fast?
Benadryl (generic name diphenhydramine) will not break your fast if taken in oral tablet or capsule form. However, if taken in suspension or syrup, it will break the fast as such preparations are flavored and sweetened.
Read on below to see the best way to use Benadryl while fasting.
Are There Calories In Benadryl?
Benadryl in branded preparations or generic diphenhydramine that exist as tablets and capsules to swallow are free of calories. However, the flavored syrup contains a significant amount of calories, coming in at 20 per 10 ml dose.
Of this total, it contains 0 fats and proteins, which means that 1.5-2.5g of sugar is present in every teaspoon.
This may not sound like a lot, but considering the fact that an adult dose equates to about 15ml, you introduce about 6-8g of sugar with each dose. When consumed 3-4 times daily you can see how this quickly adds up.
See Also: Does Ibuprofen Break a Fast? | Does Metamucil Break a Fast?
Will Benadryl Raise Blood Glucose And Insulin Levels?
This depends on how you consume the medicine. In pills to swallow, there will be no net effect on blood sugar or insulin levels. However, the sweetened and flavored liquid forms will cause both a blood sugar and insulin spike.
Insulin is secreted in response to glucose being detected in blood as a physiological adaptation of that hormone.
Will Benadryl Affect Autophagy?
In pill form, Benadryl or generic preparations will not affect autophagy. However, in liquid form, it will cause a slow down in this process. This is because the sugar present will yield calories that will be used before the body turns to break down its own cells.
Can I Take Benadryl On Fasting Days?
You can absolutely take Benadryl on fasting days. If your doctor has ordered the medication, you must follow the directions exactly as prescribed. We would recommend that you opt for pills whenever appropriate, however, so that you can take the medication during the actual fast.
If you are unable to do so and need to drink the liquid form, you might either need to modify the duration of your fast or cease the fast altogether for the duration of treatment.
Final Words
Benadryl is a medication with many potential uses. It can be used to combat allergies, cold symptoms, and even insomnia.
While it will not break your fast if taken in pill form, the liquid preparations can cause a rise in blood sugar and insulin levels. Autophagy will also be affected by its sugary liquid form.
Try to stick to the pill form and you can successfully avoid breaking your fast while using Benadryl.
