Key takeaways
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and loratadine (Claritin) are both over-the-counter antihistamines used to treat allergy symptoms, but they have some key differences. Diphenhydramine is a first-generation antihistamine that can cause significant drowsiness, making it useful as a sleep aid for people 12 years and older. In contrast, loratadine is a second-generation antihistamine that is less likely to cause drowsiness, making it a better option for daytime use. Diphenhydramine can be used for allergies, common cold symptoms, and occasional sleep problems, while loratadine is primarily used for short-term relief of allergy symptoms like runny nose and itchy eyes. Loratadine is typically taken once daily, whereas diphenhydramine can be taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Additionally, loratadine can be used in children as young as 2 years old, while diphenhydramine is generally not recommended for children under 6 years old for allergies and cold symptoms, and under 12 years old for sleep issues. Both medications are available in various forms, but diphenhydramine is more likely to cause side effects like dizziness and dry mouth. For this reason, it's generally best to avoid diphenhydramine in adults 65 years and older.
