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

  • 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 (Benadryl) is an over-the-counter (OTC) oral medication that's commonly used to treat allergies, common cold symptoms, and itching. Because it makes most people very sleepy, it can also be used as an occasional sleep aid.

  • Indications of Unisom vs. Benadryl

    Indications for
    •Trouble falling asleep (insomnia)
    Indications for
    •Allergies
    •Common cold symptoms
    •Trouble sleeping for 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
    •Can help relieve allergy and cold symptoms within about 30 minutes
    •Can be used in children as young as 6 years old with allergy and cold symptoms
    •Can help with occasional sleep problems (12 years and older)
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Available OTC in several different dosage forms
    Cons
    •Not the best option for long-term use
    •Can cause drowsiness the next day when used for sleep
    •Can cause hyperactivity in some children
    •Might not be safe for people with breathing problems, glaucoma, or problems with urinating
    •Can impair your ability to drive or do tasks that require alertness

  • Common Side Effects of Unisom vs. Benadryl

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Difficulty concentrating
    •Dizziness
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Dry mouth, nose, and throat
    •Headache
    •Constipation
    •Blurry vision

  • Warnings of Unisom vs. Benadryl

    Common Side Effects for
    •Extreme sleepiness
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Accidental overdose
    Common Side Effects for
    •Accidental overdose
    •Excessive sleepiness
    •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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