gluten-free Pain Killers And Allergy Medications

[hobbitqueen18]

Does anyone know which over the counter pain killers such as tylenol, tylenol pm, etc. are Gluten Free? Also which over the counter allergy medications are safe? Someone told me Claratin was not safe to take because it had gluten in it. Specifically i was wondering about benadryl or the generic form of it. Also does anyone know if Generic Vicodin or Generic Tylenol #3 (Tylenol with Codeine) is Gluten free? It seems like no one can give me straight answer about any of these medications and it's just been getting frustrating.

[sa1937]

You can check Open Original Shared Link, which I find to be a very handy reference.

[justlisa]

The only reliable way (that I've found) is to check with the manufacturer of the specific medicine...

[Gemini]

Does anyone know which over the counter pain killers such as tylenol, tylenol pm, etc. are Gluten Free? Also which over the counter allergy medications are safe? Someone told me Claratin was not safe to take because it had gluten in it. Specifically i was wondering about benadryl or the generic form of it. Also does anyone know if Generic Vicodin or Generic Tylenol #3 (Tylenol with Codeine) is Gluten free? It seems like no one can give me straight answer about any of these medications and it's just been getting frustrating.

CVS sells their own brand of Advil which is clearly marked gluten free on the front. I can't help you with Tylenol as I never take it.

As for allergy meds, I have questions on that myself and I would like to hear what others have to say about what I learned, especially you, Peter! I called Claritin a short while ago and inquired as to the gluten-free status of all meds. They told me that all Claritin is gluten-free, with the exception of the RediTabs. Of course, because that was the one I wanted to use. I read the label and could not see where there could be any gluten in the ingredients. So I went further with my questions and asked her for the gluten source in the product. She went off to ask the guru and they said it was the mannitol. That surprised me because mannitol is a sugar and highly refined, which she then went on to say herself. Her information source concurred that it was highly refined, which may not present a problem for Celiacs as many other highly refined products are considered safe. My point here is that mannitol is produced from fructose and would be naturally gluten-free. So...I am confused. Can anyone shed any light on this because I am beginning to think that Claritin are just erring on the side of caution because of ignorance on how mannitol is produced. Or is it my ignorance?

If you check the Benadryl website, this is their CYA statement. Open Original Shared Link

I use the children's liquid Benadryl and have never had a problem. I am a very sensitive, diagnosed Celiac who doesn't take any unnecessary risks. It works well. No one will certify gluten-free status due to liability...get used to that. It does not mean there is gluten in the meds.

I always ask for non-generic Vicodin when I need to take it.....I have a lot of dental work done. I know that brand name Vicodin is gluten-free but not so sure about the generic. It probably is but it was easier to find out about the name brand product so I just go with what is easier. You need to find out what company makes it, from the drugstore, and call them. Pain in the tush so I go with name brand.

Can't help you with the Codeine because Codeine doesn't like me and the feelings mutual!

I hope this helps....

[TiaMichi2]

Hi,

I take Tylenol Extra Strenght, with no problems, I am allergic to Codine so I do not know about that one, also Wallgreen Wal-Dryl Allergy Capsules are gluten-free it is noted on their packagin "does not contain gluten", and I have used it, the only reaction I had was it put me to sleep.

Claritin original tablets,the last I heard are gluten-free, but the best way to make sure is always to check with the mfg. For the prescription drugs you can get the name from your Pharmacist.

-Miriam

[justlisa]

I will add this: While researching I came across this info from my pharmacist: "generics", especially OTC meds, will be the most likely to either change ingredients or suppliers of ingredients or processing practices. His explanation was, "because of the never-ending need for their products to remain cheap". Though he was not trying to steer me away from generics...his sister is celiac so he's looked into it a bit...

Just something to think about...

[FernW]

I used to take hydrocodone and Norco and have never ever had a problem with gluten. I am now take Percs (generic) and doing fine. I also take claritan when I need to, no problems there either. Benedryl is okay as well. I just bought a box. Though they make me a bit sleepy it works better then Claritan for me. I am also allergic to Codiene so I don't know if they are gluten free. Check the web address above, its very helpful.