Benadryl vs. Zyrtec

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine hydrochloride) are antihistamines used to treat allergy symptoms, such as itching, hives, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing from hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and other allergies, such as allergies to molds and dust mites.

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

A main difference between Benadryl and Zyrtec is that Zyrtec tends to cause less drowsiness and sedation than Benadryl.

Both Benadryl and Zyrtec are available in generic form and over-the-counter (OTC).

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.

Common side effects of Zyrtec include:

• drowsiness,
• fatigue,
• tired feeling,
• dizziness,
• dry mouth,
• sore throat,
• cough,
• nausea,
• constipation, or
• headache.

In children, side effects of Zyrtec include:

• stomach pain and
• vomiting.

The side effect of sleepiness may occur when taking Zyrtec, so do not drive a car or operate potentially dangerous machinery.

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

Zyrtec is medication that temporarily relieves these symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies.

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).

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

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.

Adults and children 6 years and over should take one 10 mg capsule once daily; do not take more than one 10 mg capsule in 24 hours. A 5 mg product may be appropriate for less severe symptoms.

Adults 65 years of age or older, children under 6 years of age, and consumers with liver or kidney disease should consult a doctor before using this product.