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Benadryl vs. ZzzQuil

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Diphenhydramine

 

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ZzzQuil

(diphenhydramine)

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Summary for Benadryl

Over-the-counter

Diphenhydramine, also known by the brand name Benadryl, is an over-the-counter antihistamine used to relieve allergy or common cold symptoms in adults and children. It comes as pills and a liquid and is typically taken by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Because it can make you drowsy, some people also use it as a sleep aid at bedtime. Common side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, and dry mouth.

Indications for Benadryl

  • Short-term relief of allergy or common cold symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose or throat, and itchy or watery eyes) - people 6 years and older
  • Occasional trouble sleeping - people 12 years and older

Pros and Cons for Benadryl

Pros

  • Relieves allergy and cold symptoms in about 15 to 30 minutes
  • Safe for children as young as 6 years old
  • Available over the counter
  • Comes as pills and liquid

Cons

  • Can make you feel sleepy or dizzy
  • Might need to take multiple times a day for symptom relief
  • Not the best choice for older adults
  • Can worsen certain conditions like glaucoma and stomach ulcers

Common Side Effects for Benadryl

  • Sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Constipation
  • Blurry vision
  • Dry mouth

Warnings for Benadryl

  • Sleepiness
  • Accidental overdose
  • Worsening of certain health problems

Summary for ZzzQuil

Over-the-counter

ZzzQuil (diphenhydramine) is an over-the-counter (OTC) nighttime sleep aid that people ages 12 years and older can use for occasional trouble sleeping. It comes as a pill or liquid and is taken at bedtime as needed. The medication works by causing drowsiness to help you fall asleep. Common side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, and dry mouth.

Indications for ZzzQuil

Pros and Cons for ZzzQuil

Pros

  • Available over the counter
  • Comes as pills and liquid that you take by mouth
  • Starts to work within 30 minutes

Cons

  • Not typically recommended because it hasn’t been shown to help much
  • Can make you feel sleepy during the day
  • Can worsen certain conditions like glaucoma and stomach ulcers

Common Side Effects for ZzzQuil

  • Sleepiness during the day
  • Dizziness
  • Constipation
  • Blurry vision
  • Dry mouth

Warnings for ZzzQuil

  • Sleepiness
  • Accidental overdose
  • Worsening of certain health problems

Prices with our coupons for Benadryl vs. ZzzQuil

Price Card Drug Icon
Diphenhydramine30 capsules / 25mg
$10.11-
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Price Card Drug Icon
Diphenhydramine30 capsules / 25mg
$10.11-
Get free coupons
More Information

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