Compare Claritin-D vs. Benadryl

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

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Treats allergies and clears up nasal congestion.

Claritin-D (loratadine / pseudoephedrine) relieves allergies and congestion without causing daytime sleepiness but it can keep you up at night.

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3.6/ 5 average rating with 1527 reviewsforClaritin-D
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
  • This once-daily, single-pill combination conveniently treats congestion and other allergy symptoms.
  • It doesn't cause any daytime drowsiness unlike other antihistamines.
  • It doesn't require a prescription from your doctor.
  • 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
  • The decongestant (pseudoephedrine) can make you anxious or your heart race. You may not sleep as well at night.
  • Although you don't need a prescription, you do need to show a photo ID to buy this from behind the pharmacy counter.
  • It may interfere with how your other medicines work. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before combining with other medicines.
  • 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
  • Extended-release pill
  • Pill
  • Oral solution
  • Cream, gel, or ointment
No pricing information available
No pricing information available
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Reviews
1527 reviews so far
69%
saidit'sworth it
39%
saiditworked well
8%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Claritin-D (loratadine / pseudoephedrine)?

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
12possible side effects
  • Headache
    19%
  • Insomnia
    16%
  • Dry mouth
    14%
  • Drowin
    7%
  • Nervousness or anxiety
    5%
  • Dizziness
    4%
  • Indigestion
    3%
  • Nausea
    3%
  • Sore throat
    3%
  • Fatigue
    3%
  • Increased thirst
    2%
  • Loss of appetite
    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
  • High blood pressure
    • History of high blood pressure
    • Glaucoma
  • Restlesness
    • History of heart problems
    • Overactive thyroid
    • Diabetes
    • Over age 65
  • Difficulty concentrating
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
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 Claritin-D (loratadine / pseudoephedrine)
Learn more about Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)