Compare Claritin-D vs. Benadryl
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Extended-release pill
- Pill
- Oral solution
- Cream, gel, or ointment
Price
Lowest price
$12.07
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$1.63
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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 review294 reviews so far
86%
saidit'sworth it
59%
saiditworked well
8%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
12possible side effects
- Headache19%
- Insomnia16%
- Dry mouth14%
- Drowin7%
- Nervousness or anxiety5%
- Dizziness4%
- Indigestion3%
- Nausea3%
- Sore throat3%
- Fatigue3%
- Increased thirst2%
- Loss of appetite2%
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
- 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