Benadryl (diphenhydramine)

Benadryl dosage

Your Benadryl dosage will depend on several factors. These include:

• the type of condition you’re using Benadryl to treat
• your age
• the form of Benadryl (see the “Benadryl Forms” section below for details)

Typically, you should use the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes the most commonly used or recommended dosages. If you’re unsure what dosage to take, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Dosage for hay fever or allergies

• Typical dosage for adults: 25 to 50 milligrams (mg), every 4 to 6 hours.

Dosage for symptoms of the common cold (such as a runny nose or sneezing)

• Typical dosage for adults: 25 to 50 mg, every 4 to 6 hours.

Dosage for pain and itchy skin from hives, insect bites, and other causes

• Typical dosage for adults: An application of Benadryl cream, gel, or spray to the affected area up to three to four times daily.

Children’s dosage

• For hay fever or allergies:
  • Children ages 12 years and older: 25 to 50 mg, every 4 to 6 hours.
  • Children 6 to 11 years: 12.5 to 25 mg, every 4 to 6 hours.
  • Children under 6 years: Use only under the direction of a doctor.
• For symptoms of the common cold (such as a runny nose or sneezing):
  • Children ages 12 years and older: 25 to 50 mg, every 4 to 6 hours.
  • Children 6 to 11 years: 12.5 to 25 mg, every 4 to 6 hours.
  • Children under 6 years: Use only under the direction of a doctor.
• For pain and itchy skin from hives, insect bites, and other causes:
  • Children ages 2 years and older: Apply Benadryl cream, gel, or spray to the affected area up to three to four times daily.
  • Children under 2 years: Use only under the direction of a doctor.

Dosage for babies

Over-the-counter oral Benadryl products are not approved for use in children under 6 years. Topical Benadryl products are not approved for use in children under 2 years.

Before giving Benadryl to a baby, talk with your doctor. They may want to evaluate the baby’s symptoms. Your doctor can also recommend the most appropriate dosage of Benadryl to treat a baby if necessary. (See warning below in the “Benadryl side effects” section.)

Maximum dosage

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

Adults or children should not apply Benadryl products, such as the cream, gel, and spray, to their skin more than four times per day.

Tolerance

Your body can develop a tolerance to some of the effects of Benadryl. This means your body’s response to the drug may decrease over time.

For instance, one study found that Benadryl caused sleepiness on the first day people took it. However, after they took Benadryl for 4 days, this side effect no longer occurred. This was due to tolerance.

Although tolerance to sleepiness caused by Benadryl can happen, tolerance doesn’t seem to develop for other effects of Benadryl. When used over time, Benadryl continues to work to relieve symptoms of hay fever or allergies, a runny nose, hives, and other conditions.

However, if you’re taking Benadryl frequently (on more than about 4 days per week), talk with your doctor. They may suggest other treatment options that may be more effective for you.

Benadryl side effects

Benadryl can cause mild or serious side effects. The following list contains some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Benadryl. This list doesn’t include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Benadryl, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

More common side effects

The more common side effects of Benadryl include:

• sleepiness
• dry mouth
• body weakness
• dizziness
• headache

Some of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

• decreased memory
• impaired thinking
• dementia
• confusion
• fast heart rate
• seizures

Long-term side effects

Over-the-counter (OTC) Benadryl is approved for temporary or short-term use and is not intended for long-term use. There is very little scientific research about the long-term effects of Benadryl.

Some side effects that may occur with long-term use include:

• constipation
• blurred vision
• memory problems and dementia (especially in older adults)
• anxiety
• dependence, which means your body needs the drug to function as usual

Talk with your doctor about how often you have allergy symptoms. If you have symptoms frequently (more often than about 4 days per week), there may be a safer, more effective medication for you than Benadryl.

Dementia

Benadryl and some other antihistamine drugs can sometimes cause decreased memory, confusion, and impaired thinking. These side effects are more common in older adults.

In addition, taking Benadryl long term might increase the risk of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, especially in older adults. In one studyTrusted Source, people over the age of 65 years who took medications such as Benadryl daily for 3 years or longer had an increased risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

To prevent this possible side effect, it is important to use the lowest effective dose of Benadryl for the shortest time possible. If you need to take an antihistamine long term, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Hallucinations

Hallucinations aren’t a typical side effect of Benadryl. However, they can occur in people who take very high doses of Benadryl. If you experience hallucinations while taking Benadryl, don’t take any more of the medication. If you think you need medical treatment, call your doctor or 911 (or your local emergency number).

Restless legs syndrome

Some antihistamines, including Benadryl, can worsen symptoms of restless legs syndrome. If you have restless legs syndrome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about other medication options.

Depression

Depression isn’t a side effect that typically happens in people who take Benadryl.

If you have symptoms of depression while taking Benadryl, talk with your doctor. Your doctor may want to evaluate your symptoms. They may also recommend different medication options.

Weight gain

Weight gain can happen in some people who take diphenhydramine, the drug that Benadryl contains. If you have unwanted weight gain while taking Benadryl, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about other medication options.

Constipation

Benadryl can cause constipation, especially if you use it regularly. If you have constipation, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about other medication options instead of Benadryl.

Driving warning

Benadryl can impair your ability to drive because it may cause excessive sleepiness. If you feel sleepy after taking it, don’t drive or use dangerous equipment.

Side effects in children

Side effects of Benadryl in children are generally similar to those in adults, described above. However, in children, oral forms of Benadryl can sometimes cause unexpected side effects such as:

• restlessness
• irritability or agitation
• difficulty sleeping
• muscle spasms
• seizures

In newborns, oral Benadryl can cause:

• seizures
• trouble breathing
• sudden infant death syndrome

Because of the risk of dangerous side effects in children, oral OTC Benadryl products are only approved for use in children 6 years of age and older.

Benadryl uses

Benadryl is an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine that’s used to help relieve symptoms of hay fever, other allergies, and the common cold, as well as itchy skin caused by insect bites, hives, and other causes.

Some of Benadryl’s common uses are described below. Not all of these uses are recommended by the FDA or by medical experts.

Benadryl for allergies

Benadryl is an approved OTC treatment for symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies such as:

• sneezing
• a runny nose
• itchy eyes, nose, or throat

Benadryl effectively reduces symptoms of allergies. However, it’s not usually a first-choice treatment for treating hay fever or other respiratory allergies. This is because of the risk of side effects such as sleepiness.

Newer, “second-generation” antihistamines are usually preferred over Benadryl for treating these conditions. These medications include:

• cetirizine (Zyrtec)
• desloratadine (Clarinex)
• fexofenadine (Allegra)
• levocetirizine (Xyzal)
• loratadine (Claritin)

To learn more about allergies, you can refer to our asthma and allergies hub.

Benadryl for sleep

OTC Benadryl products aren’t approved for helping to improve sleep. However, diphenhydramine, the main ingredient contained in most Benadryl products, is contained in other products that help improve sleep. These products include:

• Unisom
• Sominex
• ZzzQuil

These products are approved for occasional use to help relieve sleeplessness. According to the American Academy of Sleep MedicineTrusted Source, these products aren’t recommended to treat ongoing or long-term insomnia.

Benadryl for hives, itching, and rash

Some topical OTC Benadryl products are approved for treating hives, itchy skin, and rash. These products include:

• Benadryl Itch Stopping Cream
• Benadryl Itch Cooling Spray
• Benadryl Itch Stopping Gel
• Benadryl Itch Relief Stick

Oral OTC Benadryl products aren’t approved to treat hives, itchy skin, and rash. However, people sometimes use these products for these purposes. They’re effective for this use, but they’re not usually a first-choice treatment because of side effects such as sleepiness.

Newer, “second-generation” antihistamines are usually preferred over oral Benadryl for treating these symptoms. These newer medications include:

• cetirizine (Zyrtec)
• desloratadine (Clarinex)
• fexofenadine (Allegra)
• levocetirizine (Xyzal)
• loratadine (Claritin)

Benadryl for anxiety

Benadryl is not meant to be used for anxiety. It can make you feel sleepy, which might temporarily make you feel less anxious. However, this effect often wears off after a few days of taking Benadryl.

If you have symptoms of anxiety, talk with your doctor about medications that are a better choice for treating your symptoms.

Benadryl for poison ivy

Some topical OTC Benadryl products are approved for treating pain and itchy skin caused by poison ivy. These products include:

• Benadryl Itch Stopping Cream
• Benadryl Itch Cooling Spray
• Benadryl Itch Stopping Gel
• Benadryl Itch Relief Stick

Benadryl for nausea or motion sickness

OTC Benadryl products aren’t approved to treat symptoms of motion sickness. However, people often use Benadryl to treat these symptoms.

Benadryl can be effective in reducing symptoms of motion sickness, but it can cause sleepiness. Other medications are considered a first-choice treatment for people who need to relieve motion sickness but want to stay awake while traveling.

If you get symptoms of motion sickness, talk with your doctor about treatment options before you travel.

Benadryl for bee stings and bug bites

Some topical OTC Benadryl products are approved for treating pain and itchy skin caused by insect bites and stings. These products include:

• Benadryl Itch Stopping Cream
• Benadryl Itch Cooling Spray
• Benadryl Itch Stopping Gel
• Benadryl Itch Relief Stick

Benadryl for cough

Benadryl may helpTrusted Source reduce a cough caused by allergies, such as hay fever. But it may not be effective for a cough due to a virus, such as the common cold.

Oral OTC Benadryl products are approved to treat some symptoms of the common cold. These symptoms include sneezing and a runny nose, but they don’t include cough.

A 2014 analysis of clinical studies shows conflicting results about Benadryl’s effectiveness for cough.

Benadryl for migraine

OTC Benadryl isn’t approved to treat migraine symptoms. Diphenhydramine, the drug that Benadryl contains, is sometimes used with other medications for treating migraine. However, it may not help reduce symptoms.

The American Headache SocietyTrusted Source advises against taking diphenhydramine to treat migraine.

Benadryl for colds

Oral OTC Benadryl products are approved to treat some symptoms of the common cold, including sneezing and a runny nose.

An analysis of clinical research found that antihistamines such as Benadryl can slightly decrease these symptoms in adults. However, there isn’t enough research to know if Benadryl reduces these symptoms in children.

Benadryl for eczema

OTC Benadryl products aren’t approved to treat symptoms of eczema.

The American Academy of Dermatology advises against using Benadryl products to treat eczema. This includes oral and topical products.

Benadryl for heat rash

OTC Benadryl products aren’t approved for and do not work to treat heat rash. Heat rash usually goes away on its own without treatment. If you have symptoms that don’t go away, call your doctor. They may recommend treatments such as calamine lotion.

Benadryl for sinus pain

OTC Benadryl products aren’t approved to treat sinus pain. However, some oral Benadryl products contain diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, and a decongestant called phenylephrine. These products can help reduce nasal congestion and stuffiness and may also help reduce sinus pressure or pain.

These products include:

• Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion
• Children’s Allergy Plus Congestion

Benadryl for swelling

Swelling that often occurs along with hives is called angioedema. It usually occurs on the hands or feet or around the lips and face.

Diphenhydramine (the drug that Benadryl contains) may be suitable for more severe cases of swelling. As an example, painful swelling could be considered severe.

Because Benadryl can cause sleepiness, it’s not typically recommended for less severe swelling. For this symptom, newer “second-generation” antihistamines are usually preferable to oral Benadryl. These medications include:

• cetirizine (Zyrtec)
• desloratadine (Clarinex)
• fexofenadine (Allegra)
• levocetirizine (Xyzal)
• loratadine (Claritin)

Note: In rare cases, swelling from hives may cause a swollen tongue or throat and may make it difficult to breathe. If you have these symptoms, call 911 or go to an emergency room for treatment.

Benadryl for sunburn

Some topical OTC Benadryl products are approved for treating pain and itchy skin caused by sunburn. These products include:

• Benadryl Itch Stopping Cream
• Benadryl Itch Cooling Spray
• Benadryl Itch Stopping Gel
• Benadryl Itch Relief Stick

Benadryl generic

Benadryl is available in generic forms, which are often store-brand products. The generic name of Benadryl is diphenhydramine.

Benadryl active ingredient

There are many different Benadryl-branded products. Some of these products contain just one ingredient, while others contain two ingredients.

Examples of different Benadryl products and their ingredients include:

• Benadryl Allergy: This product contains one active ingredient, diphenhydramine, which is an antihistamine.
• Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion: This product contains two active ingredients:
  • diphenhydramine, an antihistamine
  • phenylephrine, a decongestant
• Benadryl Itch Stopping Cream: This product contains two active ingredients:
  • diphenhydramine, an antihistamine
  • zinc, a skin protectant
• Benadryl Itch Cooling Gel: This product doesn’t contain the usual antihistamine, diphenhydramine. It only contains camphor, which is a type of pain reliever that’s applied to the skin.

When people say “Benadryl,” they usually mean the products containing diphenhydramine. Because ingredients vary from one Benadryl product to another, be sure to read the label closely before buying or using a Benadryl product. That way, you’ll know what ingredients it contains.

If you’re not sure which product is right for you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Warning about Benadryl use in children and babies

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source warns people not to give cough and cold products to children under 2 years of age due to the risk of dangerous side effects, including sudden infant death. These products often contain diphenhydramine (an ingredient in Benadryl) or other antihistamines combined with other ingredients.

Before giving oral Benadryl to children under 6 years, or cough and cold products to children under 2 years, talk with your doctor. They may want to evaluate your child’s symptoms. They can also recommend the most appropriate medication and dosage if treatment is needed.

Benadryl for babies

Benadryl products aren’t approved for use in babies (see warning above).

Over-the-counter oral Benadryl products are only approved for use in children ages 6 years and older. Benadryl products that you apply to the skin (such as the cream, gel, or spray) are only approved for use in children 2 years of age and older.

Babies can experience serious side effects from Benadryl. These side effects include:

• restlessness
• irritability or agitation
• difficulty sleeping
• muscle spasms
• difficulty breathing
• seizures
• sudden infant death syndrome

Before giving Benadryl to your baby, talk with your doctor. Your doctor may want to evaluate your baby’s symptoms. If they decide that the baby requires treatment with Benadryl, your doctor can also recommend the most appropriate dosage.

Benadryl overdose

Taking too much Benadryl can increase your risk of side effects. Do not take more Benadryl than your recommended dosage. (For information about Benadryl’s recommended dosages, see the “Benadryl dosage” section above.)

Overdose symptoms

Symptoms of an overdose in adults and children can include:

• involuntary movements
• blurred vision
• decreased sweating
• restlessness
• nervousness and anxiety
• confusion
• hallucinations
• heart arrhythmias
• difficulty breathing
• seizures
• coma
• death

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or seek guidance from America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or through its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Benadryl forms

Over-the-counter Benadryl is available in many different forms. Some are oral, and others are topical. Forms include:

• oral tablets
• oral chewable tablets
• oral liquid-filled capsules (liqui-gels)
• oral liquid solution
• topical cream
• topical gel
• topical spray
• topical stick

Store brands that contain diphenhydramine, the same ingredient in Benadryl, are available in other forms. These forms include:

• oral capsules
• oral tablets
• orally disintegrating tablets (rapid melt tablets)
• oral dissolving strips
• oral suspension

Prescription diphenhydramine, the ingredient in Benadryl, is also available as a solution for injection.

No Benadryl or diphenhydramine product is available as a topical lotion, syrup, or eye drop.

Benadryl vs. other drugs

You may wonder how Benadryl compares with other medications approved for similar uses. Below are comparisons between Benadryl and several medications.

Benadryl vs. Claritin

Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine. Claritin (loratadine) is a newer, second-generation antihistamine. Second-generation antihistamines are often called nonsedating antihistamines because they’re less likely to cause sleepiness than first-generation antihistamines.

Both Benadryl and Claritin are over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

Uses

Oral Benadryl products are approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies, and symptoms of the common cold, such as sneezing and a runny nose. Topical Benadryl products are approved for decreasing pain and itchy skin resulting from hives, insect bites, and other causes.

Claritin is approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies.

Drug forms

Benadryl comes in many different forms, including:

• oral tablets
• oral liquid-filled capsules (liqui-gels)
• oral chewable tablets
• oral liquid solution
• topical cream
• topical gel
• topical spray
• topical stick

Oral Benadryl products are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours. Topical products are typically used up to four times daily.

Claritin is also available in many different forms, including:

• oral tablets
• orally disintegrating tablets
• oral liquid-filled capsules (liqui-gels)
• oral liquid syrup

Claritin tablets, liquid-filled capsules, and syrup are taken once daily. The orally disintegrating tablets are used either once daily or twice daily.

Side effects and risks

Benadryl and Claritin have some similar side effects, and some that differ. Below are examples of these side effects.

* Both Benadryl and Claritin can cause sleepiness, but it’s much more common in people who take Benadryl.

Effectiveness

Benadryl and Claritin are both effective for reducing symptoms of hay fever and other allergies, and for treating hives or itchy skin. However, Benadryl isn’t usually a first-choice treatment for these conditions due to its risk of side effects such as sleepiness.

Claritin and other second-generation antihistamines are usually preferred.

Costs

Benadryl and Claritin are both brand-name OTC products. Claritin usually costs more than Benadryl.

Both of these products have store-brand versions. Store brands are usually cheaper than the brand-name versions.

Benadryl vs. Zyrtec

Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine. Zyrtec (cetirizine) is a newer, second-generation antihistamine. Second-generation antihistamines are often called nonsedating antihistamines because they’re less likely to cause sleepiness than first-generation antihistamines.

Both Benadryl and Zyrtec are OTC medications.

Uses

Oral Benadryl products are approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies, and symptoms of the common cold, such as sneezing and a runny nose. Topical Benadryl products are approved for decreasing pain and itchy skin due to hives, insect bites, and other causes.

Zyrtec is approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies.

Drug forms

Benadryl is available in many different forms, including:

• oral tablets
• oral liquid-filled capsules (liqui-gels)
• oral chewable tablets
• oral liquid solution
• topical cream
• topical gel
• topical spray
• topical stick

Oral Benadryl products are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours. Topical Benadryl products are typically used up to four times daily.

Zyrtec is also available in many different forms, including:

• oral tablets
• orally disintegrating tablets (dissolvable tabs)
• oral liquid gels
• oral liquid syrup

Zyrtec products are usually taken once daily.

Side effects and risks

Benadryl and Zyrtec have some similar side effects, and some that differ. Below are examples of these side effects.

* Both Benadryl and Zyrtec can cause sleepiness, but it’s more common in people who take Benadryl.

Effectiveness

Benadryl and Zyrtec are both effective for reducing symptoms of hay fever and other allergies, and for treating hives or itchy skin. However, Benadryl isn’t usually a first choice for these conditions because of its risk of side effects such as sleepiness. Zyrtec and other second-generation antihistamines are usually preferred.

Costs

Benadryl and Zyrtec are both brand-name OTC products. Zyrtec usually costs more than Benadryl.

Both of these products have store-brand versions. Store brands are usually cheaper than the brand-name versions.

Benadryl vs. Allegra

Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine. Allegra (fexofenadine) is a newer, second-generation antihistamine. Second-generation antihistamines are often called nonsedating antihistamines because they’re less likely to cause sleepiness than first-generation antihistamines.

Both Benadryl and Allegra are OTC medications.

Uses

Oral Benadryl products are approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies, and symptoms of the common cold, such as sneezing and a runny nose. Topical Benadryl products are approved for decreasing pain and itchy skin due to hives, insect bites, and other causes.

Allegra is approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies, and itchy skin caused by hives, insect bites, and other causes.

Drug forms

Benadryl is available in many different forms, including:

• oral tablets
• oral liquid-filled capsules (liqui-gels)
• oral chewable tablets
• oral liquid solution
• topical cream
• topical gel
• topical spray
• topical stick

Oral Benadryl products are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours. Topical Benadryl products are typically used up to four times daily.

Allegra is also available in many different forms, including:

• oral tablets
• orally disintegrating tablets (meltable tablets)
• oral gel-coated tablets (gelcaps)
• oral liquid suspension

Allegra products are taken once or twice daily.

Side effects and risks

Benadryl and Allegra have some similar side effects, and some that differ. Below are examples of these side effects.

Effectiveness

Benadryl and Allegra are both effective for reducing symptoms of hay fever and other allergies and for treating hives or itchy skin. However, Benadryl isn’t usually a first choice for these conditions because of the risk of side effects such as sleepiness. Allegra and other second-generation antihistamines are usually preferred.

Costs

Benadryl and Allegra are both brand-name OTC products. Allegra usually costs more than Benadryl.

Both of these products have store-brand versions. Store brands are usually cheaper than the brand-name versions.

Benadryl vs. Unisom

Benadryl contains the ingredient diphenhydramine, a first-generation antihistamine.

There are different forms of Unisom. Most of these also contain the ingredient diphenhydramine. However, one Unisom product contains a similar drug, doxylamine.

Uses

Oral Benadryl products are approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies, and symptoms of the common cold, such as sneezing and a runny nose. Topical Benadryl products are approved for decreasing pain and itchy skin due to hives, insect bites, and other causes.

Although it’s not approved for this purpose, some people take Benadryl to help improve their sleep. Unisom is approved for helping relieve occasional sleeplessness. It’s not intended to be used to treat ongoing or long-term insomnia.

Drug forms

Benadryl is available in many different forms, including:

• oral tablets
• oral liquid-filled capsules (liqui-gels)
• oral chewable tablets
• oral liquid solution
• topical cream
• topical gel
• topical spray
• topical stick

Oral Benadryl products are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours. Topical Benadryl products are typically used up to four times daily. Oral Benadryl products are not approved for sleeplessness, but some people take oral Benadryl once before bedtime for that purpose.

There are also several forms of Unisom products. These include:

• diphenhydramine-containing products:
  • oral softgels (SleepGels)
  • oral mini capsules (SleepMinis)
  • oral liquid
  • orally disintegrating tablets (SleepMelts)
• doxylamine-containing product:
  • oral tablets (SleepTabs)

These products are usually taken once daily, just before bedtime or at bedtime.

Side effects and risks

Benadryl and most Unisom products contain the same ingredient, diphenhydramine. One form of Unisom contains a different ingredient, doxylamine. Doxylamine is very similar to diphenhydramine and causes very similar common and serious side effects.

The most common side effects of Benadryl and Unisom include:

• headache
• dizziness
• body weakness
• dry mouth
• sleepiness

Some serious side effects can include:

• decreased memory
• impaired thinking
• confusion
• impaired driving
• seizures
• fast heartbeat
• dementia

Effectiveness

Benadryl and most forms of Unisom contain the same active ingredient, diphenhydramine. Both products can help people with occasional sleeplessness to fall asleep. This effect may decrease or wear off with continued use.

According to clinical guidelines from 2017, diphenhydramine is not recommended to treat ongoing or long-term insomnia.

Costs

Benadryl and Unisom are both brand-name OTC products. These products usually cost about the same.

Both of these products have store-brand versions. Store brands are usually cheaper than the brand-name versions.

Benadryl vs. melatonin

Benadryl contains the ingredient diphenhydramine, a first-generation antihistamine.

Melatonin is a hormone that naturally occurs in the body. It’s involved in regulating the wake-sleep cycle of the body. It’s available as a dietary supplement.

Uses

Oral Benadryl products are approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies, and symptoms of the common cold, such as sneezing and a runny nose. Topical Benadryl products are approved for decreasing pain and itchy skin due to hives, insect bites, and other causes.

Although it’s not approved, some people take oral Benadryl to help improve their sleep.

Melatonin is most commonly taken to help with sleep.

Drug forms

Benadryl is available in many different forms, including:

• oral tablets
• oral liquid-filled capsules (liqui-gels)
• oral chewable tablets
• oral liquid solution
• topical cream
• topical gel
• topical spray
• topical stick

Oral Benadryl products are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours. Topical Benadryl products are typically used up to four times daily. Oral Benadryl products aren’t approved for sleeplessness, but some people take oral Benadryl once before bedtime for that purpose.

Melatonin is also available in different forms, including:

• oral tablets
• oral gummies
• orally dissolving tablets (fast-dissolving tablets)
• oral capsules
• oral chewable tablets
• oral liquid

Melatonin is usually taken once daily at bedtime.

Side effects and risks

Benadryl and melatonin have some similar side effects, and some that differ. Below are examples of these side effects.

Effectiveness

Benadryl can help people with occasional sleeplessness to fall asleep. However, this effect may decrease or wear off with continued use of the product.

A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies found that melatonin decreases the time it takes to fall asleep and increases total sleep time among the following groups:

• children and adolescents with a variety of neurodevelopmental conditions
• adults with delayed sleep phase disorder

According to the American Academy of Sleep MedicineTrusted Source, neither Benadryl nor melatonin is recommended to treat ongoing or long-term insomnia.

Costs

Melatonin might cost more than Benadryl.

Both of these products have store-brand versions. Store brands are usually cheaper than the brand-name versions.

Benadryl price

As with all medications, the costs of Benadryl products can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Drug coupons: You can visit Optum Perks for price estimates of Benadryl. These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons. Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Generic version: Benadryl is available in a generic form, which are often store-brand products. The generic version of Benadryl is called diphenhydramine. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication and considered as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs. To find out how the cost of Benadryl compares with the cost of diphenhydramine, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

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Benadryl and pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you can become pregnant or are breastfeeding, it’s important to consider whether Benadryl is a safe choice for you.

You can refer to this article for more information. If you have additional questions, talk with your doctor.

Alternatives to Benadryl

Benadryl is an antihistamine. There are several other antihistamines that you can use as alternatives.

Antihistamines are typically classified as either first generation or second generation.

First-generation antihistamines usually cause more sleepiness and other side effects than newer, second-generation antihistamines. Benadryl contains diphenhydramine, a first-generation antihistamine. Examples of the other medications in this group include:

• brompheniramine
• chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
• dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
• hydroxyzine (Vistaril)

Second-generation antihistamines include:

• cetirizine (Zyrtec)
• desloratadine (Clarinex)
• fexofenadine (Allegra)
• levocetirizine (Xyzal)
• loratadine (Claritin)

Benadryl and alcohol

If you drink alcohol, you should not consume it while taking Benadryl. Drinking alcohol with Benadryl can increase the effects of alcohol and cause excess sleepiness that can impair your abilities. For instance, you may have impaired driving.

Benadryl interactions

Benadryl can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements. In addition to the information below, you can also refer to this article for details about Benadryl’s interactions.

Before taking Benadryl, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Benadryl and other medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Benadryl. This list doesn’t contain all drugs that may interact with Benadryl.

Different drug interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects.

Anticholinergic drugs

Anticholinergic drugs block the action of acetylcholine, a chemical that relays messages between cells in your body. Benadryl also blocks acetylcholine. Because anticholinergic drugs and Benadryl work in the same way, taking them together can increase the risk of side effects. Examples of these drugs include:

• fesoterodine (Toviaz)
• oxybutynin (Gelnique, Ditropan XL, Oxytrol)
• scopolamine (Transderm Scop)
• tolterodine (Detrol)

Medications that cause sleepiness

Many medications can cause sleepiness. Taking these drugs with Benadryl can increase the risk of excessive sleepiness. Examples of these medications include:

Antihistamines, such as:

• brompheniramine
• chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
• doxylamine (Unisom)
• dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
• hydroxyzine (Vistaril)

Antidepressant drugs, such as:

• citalopram (Celexa)
• escitalopram (Lexapro)
• fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem)
• paroxetine (Paxil)
• sertraline (Zoloft)
• amitriptyline
• desipramine (Norpramin)
• doxepin
• imipramine (Tofranil)
• nortriptyline (Pamelor)

Antipsychotic drugs, such as:

• haloperidol (Haldol)
• olanzapine (Zyprexa)
• quetiapine (Seroquel)
• risperidone (Risperdal)

Benzodiazepines, such as:

• alprazolam (Xanax)
• clonazepam (Klonopin)
• diazepam (Valium)
• lorazepam (Ativan)

Opioids, such as:

• codeine
• hydrocodone (Hysingla ER, Zohydro ER)
• oxycodone (OxyContin, Roxicodone)
• tramadol (ConZip, Ultram)

Sedative-hypnotic drugs, such as:

• ramelteon (Rozerem)
• zaleplon (Sonata)
• zolpidem (Ambien)

Benadryl and Xanax

Xanax (alprazolam) is a type of drug called a benzodiazepine, which can cause sleepiness. Taking Xanax with Benadryl can increase your risk of excessive sleepiness. This can make you too sleepy to drive or prevent you from doing other potentially dangerous activities safely.

If you take Xanax, talk with your doctor before taking Benadryl. They may recommend other treatment options.

Benadryl and Zoloft

Zoloft (sertraline) is an antidepressant that can cause sleepiness in some people. Taking Zoloft with Benadryl may increase the risk of excessive sleepiness. This can make you too sleepy to drive or prevent you from doing other potentially dangerous activities safely.

If you take Zoloft, talk with your doctor before taking Benadryl. They may recommend other treatment options.

Benadryl and Zyrtec

Zyrtec (cetirizine) is an antihistamine. Benadryl is also an antihistamine. Taking Benadryl with Zyrtec may increase the risk of certain side effects such as sleepiness, dry mouth, fatigue, and headache.

If you take Zyrtec, talk with your doctor before taking Benadryl. They may recommend other treatment options.

Benadryl and Motrin

There are no known interactions between Benadryl and Motrin (ibuprofen).

Benadryl and acetaminophen

There are no known interactions between Benadryl and acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Benadryl and herbs and supplements

Some herbs and supplements can cause sleepiness. Taking these with Benadryl can increase the risk of excessive sleepiness. Examples of these supplements include:

• chamomile
• kava
• melatonin
• valerian

How to take Benadryl

Take or apply Benadryl according to the instructions on the package or according to the directions you’ve received from your doctor.

Timing

For hay fever or other respiratory allergies, you typically take oral Benadryl every 4 to 6 hours. If you use topical Benadryl to treat itchy skin, you will apply it up to four times daily. You should separate each application by 4 to 6 hours.

Taking Benadryl with food

You can take Benadryl with or without food.

Can Benadryl be crushed?

You can crush Benadryl tablets. If you have difficulty swallowing whole tablets, Benadryl liquid solution and chewable tablets are available.

How Benadryl works

Benadryl is an antihistamine. If you have allergies or have a cold, your body releases a chemical messenger called histamine. Histamine causes symptoms such as inflammation, edema (swelling), itchiness, and a runny nose.

Benadryl blocks some of the effects of histamine and decreases some of the symptoms it causes.

How long does it take to work?

When you take Benadryl by mouth, it begins to work within 15 to 30 minutes. When you apply it to your skin, it works right away.

Common questions about Benadryl

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Benadryl.

Does Benadryl make you sleepy? Are there nondrowsy forms of Benadryl?

Benadryl causes most people who take it to feel sleepy. This side effect may go away after 3 to 4 days of daily use.

Currently, there aren’t any nondrowsy forms of Benadryl available. Drowsiness can be a side effect of all forms of Benadryl.

However, other antihistamine drugs, such as fexofenadine (Allegra) and levocetirizine (Xyzal), may come in nondrowsy forms. Keep in mind that nondrowsy drugs are less likely to cause sleepiness, but this can still be a side effect.

You can ask your pharmacist or doctor to recommend nondrowsy alternatives to Benadryl.

Can Benadryl help with anxiety?

Benadryl isn’t an effective treatment for anxiety. Since Benadryl can cause sleepiness, some people may feel that it causes them to relax. However, this effect often goes away after taking the product for a few days.

Is Benadryl an NSAID?

No, Benadryl isn’t an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). Benadryl is an antihistamine.

Can Benadryl be used as an expectorant?

No, Benadryl doesn’t work as an expectorant. An expectorant is a product that loosens mucus in your respiratory tract so you can cough it up.

Is Benadryl used for dogs?

Benadryl is not approved for use in dogs. In some cases, a veterinarian might recommend giving Benadryl to your dog to treat allergies. However, it’s important to talk with a veterinarian before giving any medication to your dog. They can recommend whether Benadryl is safe for your dog and what dosage to use.

Benadryl precautions

Before taking Benadryl, discuss your health history with your doctor. Benadryl drug may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

• asthma
• bladder problems, such as urinary retention
• prostate problems
• dementia
• glaucoma
• heart problems
• high blood pressure
• liver disease
• use of contact lenses (Benadryl can cause dry eyes)
• being ages 65 years or older (you may have an increased risk of side effects)
• previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug
• pregnancy
• breastfeeding