{"id":4230,"date":"2019-05-24T15:29:15","date_gmt":"2019-05-24T19:29:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=4230"},"modified":"2026-01-06T10:25:07","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T15:25:07","slug":"zyrtec-vs-benadryl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/zyrtec-vs-benadryl\/","title":{"rendered":"Zyrtec vs. Benadryl: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

Zyrtec and Benadryl are two popular brand-name over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medicines that alleviate symptoms like sneezing and watery eyes. Both medicines are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Continue reading to learn more about Zyrtec and Benadryl.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between Zyrtec and Benadryl?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Zyrtec contains the active ingredient cetirizine, while Benadryl contains diphenhydramine. Both products are available in brand and generic and in various formulations to suit multiple ages and patient preferences.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Zyrtec and Benadryl are antihistamines, or H1 receptor blockers. They work by blocking histamine, a substance the body makes during an allergic reaction that causes those pesky symptoms. By blocking histamine, Zyrtec and Benadryl help relieve allergies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Benadryl (<\/span>diphenhydramine<\/span><\/a>) is a first-generation antihistamine. First-generation antihistamines tend to cause more sedation and drowsiness and can impair coordination and driving. <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span><\/a> (cetirizine) is a second-generation antihistamine. Although <\/span>Zyrtec<\/span><\/a> can still cause drowsiness and other side effects, the drug tends to cause less drowsiness and fewer side effects in general and is safer if you need to drive or operate machinery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nZyrtec<\/b><\/td>\nBenadryl<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nSecond-generation antihistamine<\/span><\/td>\nFirst-generation antihistamine<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand and generic\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/b><\/td>\nCetirizine hydrochloride\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nDiphenhydramine hydrochloride<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nTablet, syrup, chewable tablet, dissolving tablet, liquid gels<\/span><\/p>\n

Also as Zyrtec-D (antihistamine + decongestant: cetirizine\/pseudoephedrine)<\/span><\/td>\n

Capsules, chewable tablet, cream, gelcap, liquid, liquid gels, injection, spray, stick<\/span><\/p>\n

Also available in combination products such as Benadryl-D, Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults: 10 mg by mouth once daily as needed<\/span><\/p>\n

Children: varies by age. Follow package instructions or consult a pediatrician<\/span><\/td>\n

Adults: 25 to 50 mg by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed<\/span><\/p>\n

Children: varies by age. Follow package instructions or consult a pediatrician<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nVaries\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nVaries\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nChildren and adults<\/span><\/td>\nChildren and adults\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by Zyrtec and Benadryl<\/span><\/h2>\n

When the <\/span>FDA approved<\/span><\/a> Zyrtec as a prescription product in 1995, it had three indications: to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis, perennial allergic rhinitis, and chronic urticaria. Zyrtec is available over-the-counter (since 2007). While those indications still apply, the packaging information states that Zyrtec is used to temporarily relieve runny nose, sneezing, watery or itchy eyes, and itching of the nose\/throat due to hay fever or other respiratory allergies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Benadryl\u2019s packaging information states that the medication can be used for temporary relief of allergy symptoms (runny nose, <\/span>sneezing<\/span><\/a>, itchy or watery eyes, itching of the nose and throat) caused by hay fever or other allergies. Benadryl also treats runny noses and sneezing from the common cold.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Condition<\/b><\/td>\nZyrtec<\/b><\/td>\nBenadryl<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Seasonal allergies<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Perennial allergies\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chronic urticaria (hives\/itchy skin)<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Temporary relief of symptoms due to hay fever, allergies, or the common cold<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is Zyrtec or Benadryl more effective?<\/span><\/h2>\n

There is very little data comparing the oral forms of Zyrtec and Benadryl. <\/span>One study<\/span><\/a> compared the two medications for food allergies. The study found that Zyrtec was similar to Benadryl in terms of effectiveness and took the same amount of time to start working. Zyrtec also had a longer duration of action (lasted longer).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>literature review<\/span><\/a> of Benadryl compared to nonsedating antihistamines concluded that all antihistamines were similarly effective, but newer antihistamines, like Zyrtec, caused less sedation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Experts often <\/span>recommend second-generation antihistamines<\/span><\/a> like Zyrtec, over first-generation antihistamines like Benadryl, because the second-generation antihistamines have been extensively studied and are well-established in safety and effectiveness, with less side effects than older antihistamines. Experts also frequently recommend nasal steroid sprays, such as Flonase (<\/span>fluticasone<\/span><\/a>). This does not mean that first-generation antihistamines should not be used, though, as first-generation antihistamines may be preferred in certain situations or patients.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because Zyrtec and Benadryl are OTC, the most effective medication for you can be determined by trial and error to see which medication helps your symptoms while causing the fewest side effects. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can guide you with product selection as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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