Compare Phenylephrine vs. Benadryl
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Clears your sinuses.
Sudafed Pe (Phenylephrine) is a good medication for relieving stuffy nose. It doesn't work as well as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), but it has fewer side effects.
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3.1/ 5 average rating with 164 reviewsforPhenylephrine
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
- Works to clear nasal congestion and helps you breathe better.
- Helpful in relieving congestion-related headaches.
- Has fewer side effects than other decongestants like pseudoephedrine.
- It doesn't raise your blood pressure and heart rate as much, or cause as much trouble falling asleep.
- Doesn't give you rebound congestion (worse symptoms when you stop taking it) like nasal spray decongestants do.
- 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
- Phenylephrine doesn't last as long as other decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).
- You shouldn't use it if you have high blood pressure.
- Can make your heart race or make you feel anxious and restless.
- Shouldn't use it before you want to sleep.
- Not as effective after using it for 4 days in a row.
- 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
- Nasal congestion
- Pupil dilation
- Glaucoma
- Uveitis
- Hemorrhoids
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Nasal spray
- Eye drops
- Suppository
- Pill
- Oral solution
- Cream, gel, or ointment
Price
No pricing information available
Lowest price
$3.18
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Reviews
164 reviews so far
44%
saidit'sworth it
24%
saiditworked well
10%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Sudafed Pe (Phenylephrine)?
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
The Sudafed Pe (Phenylephrine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
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
- Taking MAO inhibitors
- Heart problems
- History of heart problems
- Age 65 years or older
- Harm to fetus
- Women of childbearing age
- 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