From the Guidelines
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is not recommended for treating arthritis inflammation. While Benadryl is effective as an antihistamine for allergies and as a sleep aid, it does not have significant anti-inflammatory properties that would help with arthritis pain or inflammation. The current guidelines for managing arthritis, as outlined in the 2016 update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of early arthritis 1, emphasize the importance of early referral to a rheumatologist, prompt initiation of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate, and the use of NSAIDs for symptomatic relief. Key points to consider in the management of arthritis include:
- Early referral to a rheumatologist within 6 weeks of symptom onset
- Use of DMARDs, such as methotrexate, as the anchor drug for patients at risk of persistent disease
- Symptomatic relief with NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, at the minimum effective dose for the shortest time possible
- Consideration of systemic glucocorticoids as a temporary adjunctive treatment for reducing pain, swelling, and structural progression
- Regular monitoring of disease activity, adverse events, and comorbidities to guide treatment decisions. For arthritis treatment, better options include over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) at 200-400mg every 6-8 hours or naproxen (Aleve) at 220-440mg every 12 hours, as recommended in the guidelines 1. Prescription NSAIDs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), or corticosteroids may be needed for more severe arthritis, depending on the specific type of arthritis. These medications work by directly targeting inflammatory pathways in the joints, while Benadryl primarily blocks histamine receptors, which aren't significantly involved in arthritis inflammation. If you're experiencing arthritis symptoms, consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations tailored to your specific condition and medical history.
From the Research
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) on Arthritis
- There are no research papers provided that directly discuss the anti-inflammatory effect of Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) on arthritis.
- The studies provided focus on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and their effects on various types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies discuss the benefits and risks of NSAIDs, as well as other treatments for arthritis, but do not mention Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) as a treatment option.
- As a result, there is no evidence available to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) on arthritis based on the provided studies.