What is the generic version of benadryl?

The generic name of Benadryl is diphenhydramine.

What are substitutes for Benadryl?

OTC antihistamines include:

  • Brompheniramine (Dimetane)
  • Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
  • Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
  • Clemastine (Tavist)
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
  • Fexofenadine (Allegra)
  • Loratadine (Alavert, Claritin)

What is the off brand Benadryl?

BRAND NAME(S): Benadryl, Genahist, Sominex, Unisom. USES: Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergy, hay fever, and the common cold.

Is Diphenhydramine the same as Benadryl?

Diphenhydramine is marketed under the brand-name Benadryl, store brands, and generics. It is also available in combination with pain relievers, fever reducers, and decongestants.

Is generic Benadryl the same?

The most well-known brand is Benadryl. Diphenhydramine, and generic form of Benadryl, is now often found in OTC sleep aids, cough and cold preparations, and in combination with pain relievers (as in Advil PM or Tylenol PM).

What can I take instead of Benadryl for itching?

A nonprescription oral antihistamine, such as loratadine (Alavert, Claritin, others), cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy, others) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl Allergy, others), may help relieve itching. Consider whether you might prefer a type that doesn’t cause drowsiness.


What is the strongest over-the-counter antihistamine?

Best OTC Allergy Medications

Types of Diet Forbes Health Ratings Category
Claritin 24-Hour Allergy Relief 5.0 Best OTC Allergy Medicine Overall
Zyrtec 24 Hour Allergy Relief 4.0 Best OTC Allergy Medicine Overall Runner-Up
Nasacort Allergy 24 HR 4.0 Best Nasal Spray
Pataday Once Daily Extra Strength 2.0 Best Eye Drop

Is there a cheaper version of Benadryl?

Patent laws mean there is currently no generic equivalent of Benadryl, which makes it one of the most expensive treatments in the long term.

Can I give my dog generic Benadryl?

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine, also known as the generic form of Benedryl. It is used to treat allergies, insect stings/bites, motion sickness and travel anxiety. The medication is safe for all ages and weights of dogs or cats.

Can I give my cat generic Benadryl?

It is an antihistamine and safe for both cats and dogs. Do know that Benadryl is simply the drug’s brand name. Diphenhydramine is the active ingredient. If you want, you can also purchase the medication’s generic brand.

Is Benadryl and Claritin the same?

No. Benadryl and Claritin are not the same. Benadryl works differently and has a different side effects profile compared to Claritin. Claritin is a newer drug than Benadryl.

Is Benadryl different than Claritin?

Benadryl is also used to treat insomnia, motion sickness, and mild cases of Parkinsonism. A main difference between Benadryl and Claritin is that Claritin tends to cause less drowsiness and sedation than Benadryl. Benadryl and Claritin are available in generic form and over-the-counter (OTC).

Is it OK to take Benadryl every night?

In general, experts don’t recommend using these drugs for anything more than an occasional sleepless night. β€œThe antihistamine diphenhydramine [found in Benadryl] is only approved for management of short-term or temporary sleep difficulties, particularly in those people who have problems falling asleep,” Dr.

Are Zyrtec and Benadryl the same?

Are Zyrtec and Benadryl the same? Zyrtec and Benadryl are both antihistamines that help relieve allergy symptoms. Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine and tends to cause more side effects. Zyrtec is a second-generation antihistamine and causes fewer side effects.

Is Benadryl The best antihistamine?

It is found in a variety of allergy, cold, and sleep medications, with Benadryl as the best-known product. First-generation antihistamines are non-specific – they bind to other receptors and they cross the blood brain barrier.

What is the best antihistamine for hives?

Generally, the most effective, first-line treatment for hives is an over-the-counter, non-drowsy antihistamine like Allegra (fexofenadine) or Claritin (loratadine).

What is the strongest anti itch medication?

Hydrocortisone: The 1 percent strength of this steroid cream, which eases itch by reducing inflammation, is in a slew of OTC itch products, such as Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream, Cortizone 10 Maximum Strength Ointment, and generics.

Which is better Benadryl or hydrocortisone?

Anusol Hc (Hydrocortisone) is a good topical steroid to try for treating minor rashes or skin irritation. Treats allergy symptoms and helps you sleep. Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is great for allergies, but curl up on the couch after taking it and get ready for a nap. Relieves itchy and irritated skin.

What stops itching fast?

How to relieve itchy skin

  1. Apply a cold, wet cloth or ice pack to the skin that itches. Do this for about five to 10 minutes or until the itch subsides.
  2. Take an oatmeal bath. …
  3. Moisturize your skin. …
  4. Apply topical anesthetics that contain pramoxine.
  5. Apply cooling agents, such as menthol or calamine.

Is flonase an antihistamine?

Claritin and Flonase belong to different drug classes. Claritin is an antihistamine and Flonase is a corticosteroid. Both Claritin and Flonase are available over-the-counter (OTC) and as a generic. Claritin is taken orally in tablet or liquid form, while Flonase is a nasal spray.

What is the fastest acting antihistamine?

Chlorphenamine and Cetirizine are fast acting antihistamines and take 15-20 minutes to work.

What is the safest antihistamine to take?

Loratadine, cetrizine, and fexofenadine all have excellent safety records. Their cardiovascular safety has been demonstrated in drug-interaction studies, elevated-dose studies, and clinical trials. These three antihistamines have also been shown safe in special populations, including pediatric and elderly patients.

Why can’t over 65s take Benadryl?

Because age-related changes occur in the cholinergic system, there is concern that strong anticholinergic effects may lead to a decline in cognitive function or even precipitate delirium in older adults. Diphenhydramine can have significant cognitive and performance-related adverse effects even in younger patients.

Which antihistamine has the least side effects?

These antihistamines are much less likely to cause drowsiness:

  • Cetirizine (Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy)
  • Desloratadine (Clarinex)
  • Fexofenadine (Allegra, Allegra Allergy)
  • Levocetirizine (Xyzal, Xyzal Allergy)
  • Loratadine (Alavert, Claritin)

Can I give my dog 50 mg of Benadryl?

Official Answer. The general dose of Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is 2 to 4 mg/kg up to three times day. If your dog weighs 25 lbs (11.3 kg) the dose of Benadryl would be 22.6mg to 45.2mg up to three times a day. Benadryl tablets are available in 25mg and 50mg strength.

Can you give a dog Benadryl for anxiety?

It’s true that Benadryl may alleviate symptoms for some dogs, but the sedative effects are mild and not nearly as pronounced in dogs as they are in people. So overall, Benadryl is not commonly helpful for dogs struggling with anxiety or phobias.

Can I give my dog Benadryl for itching?

Benadryl is a great medication for use in dogs with mild-to-moderate allergies. Seasonal allergies, food allergies, environmental allergies, and allergic reactions to snake and insect bites all respond to Benadryl in most cases.

How much Benadryl can I give my 8lb cat?

Benadryl Dosage for Cats

If you go the route of liquid Benadryl, you will want to use the children’s liquid or liquid Benadryl from your vet. The generally accepted dose is 1mg of Benadryl per pound of your cat’s body weight every 8-12 hours.

Is there an allergy pill for cats?

Allergy Meds for Cats

Each can be given orally and is available in capsule or tablet form for dogs, cats, and other small animals. While most work to control symptomatic itching, there are some differences.

Will Benadryl make my cat sleepy?

Benadryl can cause sleepiness, dry mouth, or urinary retention and potentially cause some gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea and/or vomiting. 1 In cats, it may also cause a paradoxical effect meaning that the cat becomes very excited or jittery instead of sleepy.

Which is better loratadine or diphenhydramine?

Claritin (loratadine) is a once-daily medicine for allergies that won’t make you as sleepy as other medicines that work like it. Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is often better than other antihistamines at treating allergy symptoms and hives. It can provide quick relief of allergy symptoms for both kids and adults.

Can you take both Claritin and Benadryl?

Most allergy medicines should not be combined with one another, according to Dr. Susan Besser, a primary care provider at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. β€œYou should not take multiple oral antihistamines together, such as Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra or Xyzal.

Is it OK to take Benadryl everyday for allergies?

Oral Benadryl products shouldn’t be taken more than 6 times each day. For adults and children over 12 years of age, the maximum is 300 mg each day. For children ages 6 to 12 years, the maximum is 150 mg each day.

Can I take Zyrtec and Benadryl?

Yes, you can take both Zyrtec and Benadryl.

Is Allegra the same as Benadryl?

Benadryl is also used to treat insomnia, motion sickness, and mild cases of Parkinsonism. A main difference between Benadryl and Allegra is that Allegra tends to cause less drowsiness and sedation than Benadryl. Benadryl and Allegra are available in generic form and over-the-counter (OTC).

Is Benadryl hard on your liver?

Despite widespread use over many decades, diphenhydramine has not been linked to liver test abnormalities or to clinically apparent liver injury. The reason for its safety may relate its short half-life and limited duration of use.

What is best sleeping pill for elderly?

In the elderly, nonbenzodiazepines such as zolpidem, eszopiclone, zaleplon, and ramelteon are safer and better tolerated than tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, and benzodiazepines. Pharmacotherapy should be recommended only after sleep hygiene is addressed, however.

How many days can you take Benadryl in a row?

Can diphenhydramine (Benadryl) be used long-term? No. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is only meant to be used for short periods of time. If you have been using this medication for 7 days in a row and do not feel any better, contact your provider to discuss alternatives.

Which is better for dogs Benadryl or Zyrtec?

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is the most popular antihistamine for humans and can be effective for dogs as well. … Other safe antihistamines for dogs include Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine). They produce less sedation than Benadryl does but could still make your dog drowsy.

What’s the difference between children’s Benadryl and regular Benadryl?

Benadryl dosage for children

Children’s Benadryl Allergy is more suitable for children between the ages of 6 and 11. Containing half the dose of diphenhydramine (12.5 mg) as Benadryl Allergy, Children’s Benadryl Allergy is sold in child-friendly liquid and chewable tablet formats.

Can Zyrtec D and Benadryl be taken together?

Allergy medications can be taken by mouth or applied to specific areas, such as the eyes or nose. Oral antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec), should never be taken together, as this can lead to dangerous complications.