Benadryl vs. Zyrtec: 6 Differences Between These 2 Allergy Medications
Key takeaways:
Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Benadryl (diphenhydramine) are over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines used to treat the symptoms of seasonal allergies. There are several differences between them.
Zyrtec is typically taken once a day and lasts longer than Benadryl, which is taken every 4 to 6 hours. Zyrtec also tends to cause fewer side effects than Benadryl.
Because Benadryl causes drowsiness for most people, it can also be taken for occasional sleeping difficulties. But this side effect also makes it less preferred for adults ages 65 and older.
Benadryl and Zyrtec are available OTC as brand-name medications. But you can also find them as lower-cost generics. GoodRx can help make your medication more affordable.
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Table of contents
Seasonal allergies can be a real drag. The runny nose, watery eyes, and nasal congestion can leave you feeling pretty miserable. When treating your symptoms, you may be deciding between two common allergy medications: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine). But how do you pick?
At first glance, these two over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications may seem similar. Although they’re both antihistamines, they aren’t the same medication. Here, we discuss six notable differences that can help make choosing between Benadryl and Zyrtec easier.
1. Zyrtec lasts longer than Benadryl
One of the most obvious differences between Benadryl and Zyrtec is how long they last in the body. For allergy symptoms, you may need to take Benadryl up to every 4 to 6 hours. This means you may need to take multiple doses per day for continued allergy relief.
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Zyrtec lasts much longer than Benadryl. One dose of Zyrtec will keep working for about 24 hours. That means you only have to take it once a day. This can make Zyrtec a more convenient option.
2. Zyrtec is less likely to cause drowsiness
While Benadryl and Zyrtec are both antihistamines, they work slightly differently in the body. This difference in how they work contributes to how likely each is to make you drowsy. Zyrtec is less likely to cause drowsiness than Benadryl.
Benadryl is a first-generation (older) antihistamine. First-generation antihistamines cross the blood-brain barrier. The blood-brain barrier is a group of cells that controls what substances pass from your bloodstream into your brain. When a medication passes this barrier, it has a higher risk of brain or nervous system side effects, such as drowsiness.
Zyrtec is a second-generation (newer) antihistamine. Second-generation antihistamines don’t pass into the brain as easily. So Zyrtec is less likely to cause drowsiness than Benadryl. It’s important to recognize that Zyrtec can still make you feel sleepy. But Benadryl has a higher risk of this side effect.
3. Benadryl can also be used for occasional sleep troubles
As mentioned above, Benadryl can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause drowsiness. This side effect is very common. In fact, it’s so common that many people take Benadryl for sleep. While Zyrtec may cause drowsiness for some people, it’s less likely to do so. So it probably wouldn’t be helpful as a sleep aid.
There are things to keep in mind if you’re considering Benadryl for sleep. Benadryl or other sleep aids containing diphenhydramine are only intended for occasional sleeping troubles. Experts don’t recommend taking Benadryl for chronic sleep problems. There’s a lack of evidence supporting its long-term use. It’s best to limit it to no more than 14 days (2 weeks) in a row.
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You should also avoid giving Benadryl to children under 12 for sleep. While Benadryl typically causes drowsiness, it can have the opposite effect in children. Children can become agitated or hyperactive after taking Benadryl. If your child is having sleeping problems, it’s best to speak with their healthcare provider before giving them sleep aids.
4. Zyrtec has dosage information for kids as young as 2 years old
Both Benadryl and Zyrtec are available in kid-friendly dosage forms. But Zyrtec has dosage information for kids as young as 2 years old. Benadryl is still safe to give to children. But the OTC packaging only provides dosage information for children ages 6 years and older.
Talk to a healthcare provider if your child is younger than the ages listed on the labels. They may still recommend one of these medications for your child, depending on their age, weight, and symptoms. If they give the OK, be sure to ask for a safe dosage for your child.
5. Benadryl isn’t recommended for adults age 65 and older
Benadryl isn’t recommended if you’re 65 years or older due to a risk of side effects. Zyrtec is a safer option if you need to take an antihistamine.
As we get older, the way our bodies break down and get rid of some medications changes. This can alter how a medication works and raise the risk of certain side effects. The American Geriatrics Society provides a list of medications to be avoided if you're 65 years or older. Benadryl and other first-generation antihistamines are included on this list.
Older adults tend to be more sensitive to Benadryl’s side effects. These include confusion, dizziness, and drowsiness. It can also raise your risk of falls.
If you’re 65 years or older and are considering taking Benadryl, talk with your healthcare provider first. They can let you know if Benadryl is the best option for you. If not, they can recommend alternative medications for your symptoms.
6. Benadryl also comes available as a cream and gel
Benadryl is also available in topical forms (those applied to the skin). Topical Benadryl contains diphenhydramine (oral Benadryl’s active ingredient) and zinc acetate (soothes the skin). Zyrtec isn’t available as creams or gels.
Topical Benadryl can be an option for mild skin reactions that also helps limit side effects. But it won’t treat common seasonal allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, watery eyes, or runny nose.
Topical Benadryl can treat mild allergic skin reactions and itching. It can temporarily relieve itching caused by:
Rashes from poison ivy or sumac
Bug bites
Sunburn
Minor burns, cuts, or scrapes
How to save on Benadryl and Zyrtec
There are many ways to save on Benadryl and Zyrtec, which are available as both brand-name and generic medications. By having your healthcare provider write a prescription for OTC Benadryl or Zyrtec, GoodRx can help you save over 60% off the average retail price.
Generic Benadryl's price at certain pharmacies is as low as $3.01 with a free GoodRx discount. Generic Zyrtec’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $3.16 with a free GoodRx coupon.
The bottom line
Both Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine) are OTC antihistamines that can help treat allergy symptoms. Zyrtec is typically taken once a day, while Benadryl may be needed every 4 to 6 hours. Both come in a variety of dosage forms. But Benadryl comes as topical versions for mild skin reactions, and Zyrtec does not.
Zyrtec is less likely to cause drowsiness than Benadryl. But Benadryl can be taken as an occasional sleep aid. However, experts recommend that adults 65 and older avoid Benadryl due to its side effects. Zyrtec is a safer option for this age group. Discuss Benadryl and Zyrtec with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to see which one would be better for you.
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References
2023 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria® Update Expert Panel. (2023). American Geriatrics Society 2023 updated AGS Beers Criteria® for potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Church, D. S., et al. (2011). Pharmacology of antihistamines. World Allergy Organization Journal.
Culpepper, L., et al. (2015). Over-the-counter agents for the treatment of occasional disturbed sleep or transient insomnia: A systematic review of efficacy and safety. The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders.
Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (2023). Benadryl original strength itch stopping- diphenhydramine hydrochloride and zinc acetate cream [package insert]. DailyMed.
Naqvi, A., et al. (2023). Cetirizine. StatPearls.
Sateia, M. J., et al. (2017). Clinical practice guideline for the pharmacologic treatment of chronic insomnia in adults: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
Simons, F. E., et al. (2008). H1 antihistamines: Current status and future directions. The World Allergy Organization Journal.
