Does Benadryl help alcohol flush?

If you’re struggling with alcohol flush, you may have heard of using various drugs and antihistamines to counteract your symptoms. So does Benadryl help alcohol flush? Yes and no. First, let’s see why this isn’t a good choice for alcohol flushing.

Does Benadryl help alcohol flush? No

The main cause of alcohol flushing is an ineffective liver enzyme. When the individual drinks alcohol, it’s broken down in the body into a toxic chemical called acetaldehyde. Those who deal with alcohol flushing cannot properly break down this harmful chemical which causes all the negative symptoms.

In short: alcohol enters the body, it’s broken down into toxic acetaldehyde, and continues to build up in the body while more and more alcohol is consumed. Acetaldehyde causes negative symptoms including turning red in the face, also known as alcohol flush reaction.

In a regular body, the liver is able to break down acetaldehyde fairly effectively, so the individual won’t experience alcohol flushing symptoms.

So why do some people use Benadryl?

As an antihistamine, Benadryl can help reduce alcohol induced flushing in the skin. However, it’s simply masking the underlying issue. Acetaldehyde will still accumulate in the body, but it’s partially hidden.

Exposure to acetaldehyde over time has been shown to increase the risk of stomach cancers, esophageal cancer and other health risks. There’s also been shown links between acetaldehyde and DNA damage. In short, acetaldehyde is a chemical that shouldn’t be ignored and comes with some real consequences.

The main issue with using Benadryl to minimise alcohol flush (also known as Asian Flush or Asian Glow) is that the antihistamine will not remove acetaldehyde from the body. So while it seems that Benadryl has reduced the Asian Flush symptoms (primarily getting a red face) it has done nothing for acetaldehyde.

Benadryl can also allow people with Asian Glow to drink high levels of alcohol because their symptoms seem to be reduced. Of course, we know now that even more toxic acetaldehyde is building in their system, even if their face isn’t as red as it normally would be.

It’s important to remember that currently there is no Asian Glow medicine prescribed by doctors. Antihistamines and other drugs like Pepcid AC are not designed for alcohol flushing, either. However, there are a few supplements and patches on the market that could help reduce your symptoms by breaking down acetaldehyde faster.

Does Asian Flush go away?

Yes, Asian Flush symptoms will go away, typically a few hours after you have stopped drinking alcohol. Unfortunately, the condition itself will not go away. If you have Asian Flush, you will have it for the rest of your life.

What can I do to reduce alcohol flush?

If you’re suffering from Asian Glow, there are a few things you can try.

If you want some DIY tips for reducing alcohol flush symptoms, make sure to read: DIY Asian Flush Cure

Unfortunately, the only way to stop alcohol flush entirely is to stop drinking. However, we know that isn’t always the easiest option.

Here at Asian Flush Cure, we’ve been testing and review various product that are specifically designed to reduce alcohol flush. Unlike Benadryl, these products are made for Asian Flush and work to eliminate acetaldehyde from the body quickly. If you’re interesting to trying one yourself, make sure to read our reviews first! We have tried both Asian Flush pills (our preferred method) and Asian Flush patches (which we believe are less effective, but still an option).

What is Benadryl?

Benadryl is a popular medicine used for a variety of symptoms caused by histamine in the body. Diphenhydramine (sold as Benadryl) is an antihistamine that can reduce symptoms like sneezing, itching, watery eyes, hives, itching and runny nose.

Many people with alcohol flush experience some of these symptoms, so it’s obvious why some people turn to Benadryl for their symptoms. However, like we mentioned above, Benadryl doesn’t solve the issue, just covers it up.