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Compare Unisom vs. Benadryl

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

Key takeaways

Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are both over-the-counter antihistamines, but they have several differences. Doxylamine is mainly used as a sleep aid for adults and children 12 years and older, taken once nightly, while diphenhydramine is used to treat allergies, common cold symptoms, and can also be used occasionally for sleep. Diphenhydramine comes in various forms like tablets, capsules, and liquid, and is taken every 4 to 6 hours for allergies or once at bedtime for sleep. Both medications can cause next-day drowsiness, but diphenhydramine is also known to cause dry mouth, dizziness, and other side effects like hyperactivity in children. Doxylamine and diphenhydramine should be avoided in adults 65 years and older and in people with certain health conditions due to the risk of falls and confusion. Both medications should not be mixed with alcohol or other antihistamines to avoid severe side effects.

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  • Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs)
    Diphenhydramine
  • Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs)
    Diphenhydramine

  • Summary of Unisom vs. Benadryl

    Summary for Antihistamine

    Doxylamine succinate (Unisom SleepTabs) is an over-the-counter antihistamine that can be taken by adults and children ages 12 years and older who are having trouble falling asleep. It's a sleep aid that works by blocking certain chemicals (histamine) in your body. Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) is taken by mouth once a day, about 30 minutes before bedtime. The most common side effect of this medication is next-day sleepiness.

    Summary for Antihistamine

    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 of Unisom vs. Benadryl

    Indications for
    •Trouble falling asleep (insomnia)
    Indications for
    •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 of Unisom vs. Benadryl

    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Works well to help you fall asleep
    •Available over the counter and as a lower-cost generic
    •Starts to work quickly (within 1 hour)
    •Can be used in children as young as 12 years old
    Cons
    •Should only use when you have a full night to sleep
    •Can make you sleepy throughout the next day
    •Not the best choice for people over 65 years old or people with glaucoma, breathing problems, or urinary problems
    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    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 of Unisom vs. Benadryl

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Difficulty concentrating
    •Dizziness
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Constipation
    •Blurry vision
    •Dry mouth

  • Warnings of Unisom vs. Benadryl

    Common Side Effects for
    •Extreme sleepiness
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Accidental overdose
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Accidental overdose
    •Worsening of certain health problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Unisom vs. Benadryl

    Learn more about Doxylamine
    Learn more about Diphenhydramine

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