Vistaril vs. Benadryl

• Are Benadryl and Vistaril the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Vistaril?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Benadryl?
• What is Vistaril?
• What is Benadryl?
• What Drugs Interact with Vistaril?
• What Drugs Interact with Benadryl?
• How Should Vistaril Be Taken?
• How Should Benadryl Be Taken?

Vistaril (hydroxyzine pamoate) and Benadryl (diphenhydramine) are antihistamines with anticholinergic (drying) and sedative properties used to control nausea and vomiting, or to treat allergic skin reactions such as hives or contact dermatitis.

Vistaril is also used as a sedative to treat anxiety and tension, and it is also used together with other medications given for anesthesia.

Benadryl is also used to treat insomnia and mild cases of Parkinsonism.

Vistaril may cause serious side effects, including:

• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• blurred vision,
• dry mouth,
• stomach upset,
• or headache.

Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Vistaril including:

• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck,
• tremors (uncontrolled shaking),
• confusion,
• or seizures (convulsions).

Common side effects of Benadryl include:

• drowsiness,
• fatigue,
• tiredness,
• sleepiness,
• dizziness,
• disturbed coordination,
• constipation,
• dry mouth/nose/throat,
• difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate,
• upset stomach,
• blurred vision,
• double vision,
• tremor,
• loss of appetite,
• headache, or
• nausea.

Vistaril (hydroxyzine pamoate) is an antihistamine with anticholinergic (drying) and sedative properties used as a sedative to treat anxiety and tension. Vistaril is also used together with other medications given for anesthesia. Vistaril may also be used to control nausea and vomiting, or to treat allergic skin reactions such as hives or contact dermatitis. Vistaril is available in generic form.

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an antihistamine used to treat allergies, hives, insomnia, motion sickness, and mild cases of Parkinsonism.

 

Vistaril may interact with probenecid.

Vistaril may interact with other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety).

Benadryl may interact with other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety).

Benadryl may also interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

 

The recommended dose of Vistaril for treating itch (pruritus) is 25 mg, 3 or 4 times daily. For sedation, the recommended dose is 50 to 100 mg. The dose to treat anxiety and tension is 50 to 100 mg 4 times daily. Vistaril may interact with other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use. Vistaril is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It could harm the fetus. Discuss birth control with your doctor. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

A typical dose of Benadryl is 25-50 mg every 4-6 hours. Benadryl may interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or insomnia medications, anxiety or sleep medicines, antidepressants, or any other medications that make you feel drowsy, sleepy, or relaxed. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Benadryl has not been adequately evaluated in pregnant women. Benadryl is secreted in breast milk. Because of the risk of stimulation and seizures in infants, especially newborns and premature infants, antihistamines should not be used by nursing mothers.