Compare Allegra vs. Benadryl

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

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Allegra (fexofenadine)

Over-the-counter

Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)

Prescription or OTC
Treats allergy symptoms.

Allegra (fexofenadine) relieves allergy symptoms without making you feel drowsy.

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3.9/ 5 average rating with 24 reviewsforAllegra
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 (fexofenadine) is effective at reducing symptoms for seasonal allergies and chronic hives without significant drowsiness, unlike Benadryl.
  • Approved for kids aged 6 months or older.
  • Allegra (fexofenadine) comes in many forms, like tablet, liquid, and quick-dissolving tablet.
  • 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
  • Allegra (fexofenadine)'s effectiveness can wear off over time.
  • The dose needs to be adjusted for people with kidney problems.
  • 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
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Liquid
  • Pill
  • Oral solution
  • Cream, gel, or ointment
No pricing information available
No pricing information available
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Reviews
24 reviews so far
79%
saidit'sworth it
63%
saiditworked well
0%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Allegra (fexofenadine)?

Leave a review
294 reviews so far
86%
saidit'sworth it
59%
saiditworked well
8%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)?

Leave a review
Side effects
4possible side effects
  • Dizziness
    2%
  • Back Pain
    2%
  • Stomach discomfort
    2%
  • Pain in hands/feet
    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
  • Brain damage from too much phenylalanine
    • History of phenylketonuria (PKU)
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 (fexofenadine)
Learn more about Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)