Compare Allegra-D vs. Benadryl

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Treats allergy symptoms and congestion.

Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine) is a combination allergy medicine that's useful if you have congestion and runny nose.

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.

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4.1/ 5 average rating with 294 reviewsforBenadryl
Upsides
  • Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine) contains two medicines that work in different ways to help relieve multiple symptoms including nasal congestion and allergies.
  • Available without a prescription in the drugstore.
  • 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.
  • It makes you sleepy, so it'll help if your allergies are bothering you at night.
  • The effects wear off in 4 to 6 hours, so side effects don't last that long.
  • It comes as a tablet, capsule, liquid, and quick dissolving tablet.
Downsides
  • You must show a photo ID to purchase this medicine from behind the pharmacy counter. There's a maximum limit on how much Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine) you can buy at a time.
  • Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine) can have more side effects (such as increased blood pressure and difficulty sleeping) than Allegra since it has pseudoephedrine in it.
  • If you have severe high blood pressure or heart disease you can't take this medicine. If you have kidney damage, you may not be able to take Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine).
  • Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) makes you more tired than Claritin, Allegra, or Zyrtec.
  • You shouldn't drive after taking Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) until you know how it affects you.
  • Talk to a pediatrician before giving Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) to a child.
  • It can increase the risk of falls, so elderly people shouldn't use Benadryl (Diphenhydramine).
  • Don't use Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) if you are breastfeeding.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
  • Oral solution
  • Cream, gel, or ointment
Price
Lowest price
$40.00
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Lowest price
$2.20
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Reviews
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294 reviews so far
86%
saidit'sworth it
59%
saiditworked well
8%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
10possible side effects
  • Headache
    13%
  • Trouble sleeping
    13%
  • Nausea
    7%
  • Dry Mouth
    3%
  • Indigestion
    3%
  • Throat irritation
    2%
  • Dizziness
    2%
  • Agitation
    2%
  • Back pain
    2%
  • Palpitations
    2%
See more detailed side effects
The Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Driving impairment
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
  • High blood pressure
    • History of high blood pressure
  • Heart problems
    • History of heart problems
    • Age 65 or older
  • Seizure
    • History of seizure
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Overdose
    • Using other drugs with the same ingredients
  • Increased side effects
    • Age 65 years or older
  • Driving impairment
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
  • Hyperactivity
    • Children age 6 years and younger
  • Trouble urinating
    • Enlarged prostate
    • History of bladder problems
  • Vision changes
    • Glaucoma
  • Breastfeeding
    • Nursing mothers
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Allegra-D (fexofenadine / pseudoephedrine)
Learn more about Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)