Compare Benadryl vs. Flonase
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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
Relieves nasal allergy symptoms.
Flonase (fluticasone) is a good first-choice treatment for allergies of the nose, but long-term use can increase the risk of nosebleeds.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 890 reviewsforFlonase
Upsides
- 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.
- Only need to use Flonase (fluticasone) once a day. Its effects can last for up to 24 hours.
- Available over-the-counter and cheaper than many of its alternatives.
- Highly effective treatment of allergy symptoms in the nose.
- Flonase (fluticasone) gives you very little to no side effects since it's a nasal spray and doesn't expose the rest of your body to the medicine.
Downsides
- 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.
- Flonase (fluticasone) is not an appropriate medicine for people who have an injured nose or had a recent surgery in the nose.
- Can slow down the growth rate in children.
- Can increase the risk of bleeding and fungal infections in the nose.
- Not recommended for those who are also taking other medicines that lower their ability to fight off infections.
Used for
- Nasal allergy relief
- Nasal polyp
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Oral solution
- Cream, gel, or ointment
- Nasal spray
Price
Lowest price
$1.63
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$23.56
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Reviews
294 reviews so far
86%
saidit'sworth it
59%
saiditworked well
8%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)?
Leave a review890 reviews so far
72%
saidit'sworth it
43%
saiditworked well
7%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Flonase (fluticasone)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
7possible side effects
- Headache7%
- Asthma-like symptoms7%
- Sore throat6%
- Nosebleed6%
- Nausea/vomiting5%
- Cough4%
- Nasal burning/nasal irritation2%
Risks and risk factors
- 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
- Decreased growth rate in children
- Children
- Using the medicine for a long period of time
- Effect on wound healing
- People who had recent surgery or injury to the nose
- Lowered ability to fight off infections
- People who come into contact with others who have chickenpox, measles, or tuberculosis
- People who have not received a vaccine for chickenpox, measles, or tuberculosis
- Damage to nose
- Using the medicine for a long period of time
- Sinus infection
- People who recently had the cold or flu
- Increased risk of nosebleeds