Benadryl vs Benadryl Allergy: Difference and Comparison

Benadryl is one of the more frequent drugs that we read about, hear about, and possibly buy for at-home allergy relief. It is the first drug purchased when a person suffers from allergies.

Allergic reactions do not have a single remedy. Benadryl is one of several medications available.

While Benadryl is a well-known brand name, there is also Benadryl Allergy, which is not the same as the former. People frequently confuse these two names because they are unfamiliar with the distinctions between them.

Key Takeaways

  1. Benadryl contains the active ingredient diphenhydramine, an antihistamine used for allergy relief, while Benadryl Allergy contains the same ingredient but is marketed specifically for allergy symptoms.
  2. Benadryl is also used for other conditions, such as motion sickness and insomnia, while Benadryl Allergy is only used for allergy symptoms.
  3. Benadryl may cause drowsiness as a side effect, while Benadryl Allergy is formulated to reduce this side effect.

Benadryl vs Benadryl Allergy

The difference between Benadryl and Benadryl allergy is that of their parent company. While Benadryl belongs to Johnson and Johnson, Benadryl allergy belongs to McNeil Consumer Healthcare.

Benadryl vs Benadryl Allergy

Benadryl is a prescribed drug. It is an antihistamine sold over the counter underneath the branded product Benadryl.

It’s being used to cure seasonal allergies, other allergens, nasal congestion, and skin irritation caused by insect bites, rashes, and other factors. It is routinely used as a first-line treatment for hives. 

Benadryl Allergy is a Benadryl medication available in the United States and Canada. It is an antihistamine medication used to treat allergies. Diphenhydramine, a first-generation antihistamine, is its active component.

Diphenhydramine, a histamine blocker, is included in Benadryl Allergy. This medication cures the following symptoms: nasal congestion, coughing, itchy eye irritation, and itchy throat. 

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonBenadrylBenadryl Allergy
Parent CompanyJohnson and JohnsonMcNeil Consumer Healthcare
Common side effectsSleepiness, constipation, fatigueDrowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth/nose/throat
Inactive ingredientsCarnauba wax, croscarmellose sodium, dibasic calcium phosphateCarnauba wax, polysorbate 80, polyethylene glycol
Congestion reliefIt relieves all normal symptoms.It also relieves congestion along with the symptoms.
UsesUsed to treat hay fever, allergic reactions, improve sleep, hives, rashes, and itching.Used to relieve allergy-related symptoms.

What is Benadryl?

Benadryl is a prescription medication that is used to treat allergic reactions, sleeplessness, and dizziness. Benadryl can be used alone or in combination with other drugs. Benadryl is useful for relieving itchy skin caused by hives.

Also Read:  Pericarditis vs Stemi: Difference and Comparison

Manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, Benadryl is a medication that is used to treat seasonal allergies such as sneezes, stinging sensations, runny noses, rashes, and hives.

Some Benadryl products are to be taken orally, while others are to be rubbed on the skin. Tiredness, dizziness, dry tongue and throat, disorientation, and blurred vision are common adverse effects of the medication.

Angioedema is inflammation that occurs alongside rashes. It is mostly found on the hands and feet, as well as around the face and lips. For more severe episodes of oedema, diphenhydramine may be administered.

Because Benadryl might make you sleepy, it’s not indicated for minor oedema. For this disease, newer “second-generation” antihistamines are preferred before oral Benadryl.

Benadryl is available in a number of dose forms. Some are taken directly (by mouth), while others are topical applications (applied to the skin). Some examples are oral pills, oral fluid capsules (liquid gels), chewable tablets, oral liquid mixtures, and topical treatments.

benadryl syrup

What is Benadryl Allergy?

Benadryl Allergy is a Benadryl medication available in the United States and Canada. It is an antihistamine medication used to treat allergies.

The earliest kind of antihistamine is a first-generation antihistamine, which contains diphenhydramine, which is present in Benadryl. It is a sedative; therefore, sleepiness is a typical adverse effect.

It is an oral medication that is used by mouth to treat allergies, seasonal allergies, and general cold symptoms. It can also be used to treat allergy symptoms such as stinging, runny nose, sneezing, rashes, and hives.

There is also Benadryl Allergy for Children. It is available in liquid form and may be used to give quick and efficient treatment for allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, eye irritation, and rashes.

Adults commonly take Benadryl Allergy as a sleep aid. While it is not promoted as an over-the-counter sleeping comfort, most Benadryl products are formulated with diphenhydramine, a sedative.

Also Read:  Vaporizer vs Humidifier: Difference and Comparison

Caregivers are also using diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to enhance their infant’s sleep patterns, however, it has been questioned if this is acceptable.

When it comes to consuming Benadryl allergy, the pill, capsule, or liquid form should be taken by mouth with or without food. Use a specific measuring spoon to measure liquid versions of this drug.

It is advised not to use a regular spoon since the right dose may not be obtained. They do not need to quantify the dose if they have a single-dose version of this drug.

benadryl allergy

Main Differences Between Benadryl And Benadryl Allergy

  1. In terms of the parent company, Benadryl belongs to Johnson and Johnson, while Benadryl allergy belongs to McNeil Consumer Healthcare.
  2. Common side effects of Benadryl are sleepiness, constipation, and fatigue; meanwhile, for Benadryl allergy, one may suffer from drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth/nose/throat.
  3. Carnauba wax, croscarmellose sodium, and dibasic calcium phosphate are some of the inactive ingredients present in Benadryl, meanwhile, in Benadryl allergy, some of the inactive ingredients would be carnauba wax, polysorbate 80, polyethene glycol
  4. Benadryl promises to relieve all normal symptoms, whereas Benadryl allergy also relieves congestion along with the symptoms.
  5. Benadryl is used to treat hay fever, allergic reactions, improve sleep, hives, rashes, and itching. Meanwhile, Benadryl allergy is primarily used to relieve allergy-related symptoms
References
  1. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/291579
  2. https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00003495-199957010-00004?dom=prime&src=syn&error=cookies_not_supported&error=cookies_not_supported&code=36714940-2423-4597-9e84-a244c1199033&code=06cbb5f3-ce83-4bfe-a3ed-5e3f15a930f0

Last Updated : 13 July, 2023

dot 1
One request?

I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️

8 thoughts on “Benadryl vs Benadryl Allergy: Difference and Comparison”

  1. This article effectively highlights the differences between Benadryl and Benadryl Allergy. The information is very important to make an informed decision when choosing the right product.

    Reply
  2. Benadryl Allergy’s potential side effects must be taken into consideration, especially for individuals who may be required to operate machinery or drive vehicles after taking the medication.

    Reply
  3. The article provides comprehensive insights into Benadryl and Benadryl Allergy, allowing readers to better understand the differences between the two and make informed decisions based on their unique allergy symptoms.

    Reply
  4. The information regarding the main differences between Benadryl and Benadryl Allergy is very informative. It is essential for individuals to understand these distinctions to choose the most suitable treatment for their specific allergic reactions.

    Reply
  5. The detailed explanation of the uses and side effects of Benadryl and Benadryl Allergy provides valuable knowledge to individuals who suffer from allergies. It enables informed decision-making about treatment options.

    Reply
  6. The comparison table provides a clear understanding of the characteristics and uses of Benadryl and Benadryl Allergy. This is particularly useful for individuals dealing with allergies.

    Reply
  7. Understanding the differences between Benadryl and Benadryl Allergy is crucial for choosing the most effective allergy relief. This article presents valuable information for individuals seeking relief from allergy symptoms.

    Reply
  8. Benadryl seems to be an effective allergy relief option for patients. However, many of the drugs’ characteristics must be considered before taking it.

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Want to save this article for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own articles box!