Antihistamines and AFib

[JoKelly]

Almost three months post alation and doing fine.  Had an eczema with itching outbreak on forehead area and took a Benadryl antihistamine pill.  Fine for 24 hours, then took another and that night had a three hour AFib episode.  I remember about 20 years ago, I last took an antihistamine and got flutters.

Is there a connection between AFib and antihistamine, ie have others an opinion or experience of this?

[DeltaDawn23]

I was told by an allergist that Benedryl should not speed my heart up.  As a matter of fact, it tends to make you sleepy.  I would not think that caused it.

[MaryLL]

I'm sorry about your afib episode. I'm sure we are all different in what triggers our episodes, but I can't go near antihistamines, caffeine, too much sodium, etc. or my heart is off and running.
I read labels very carefully and don't do anything that might possibly trigger an afib episode because they are so uncomfortable.
Wishing you the best in your afib healing journey!

[Jerry_NJ]

I think there is some connection, and not so much for some of us.  As for antihistamine, I think that should be a low risk for AFib stimulation.  What does it say on the package?  Benadryl D has an decongestant added and specifically warns about its use if one has a heart "condition", I don't believe it mentions AFib specifically.

Given the 24 hours delay, and Benadryl is mostly absorbed in about 4 hours, I think it was not the cause.  As you know, I am not a doctor.