Educational guide
Which Benadryl Product Is Right for Your Allergy Symptoms
What do Benadryl products treat? The main active ingredient in all Benadryl products is diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine works to block a substance in your body called histamine. Benadryl products that are taken by mouth are used to treat allergy symptoms such
This guide cannot diagnose a condition or recommend a personal treatment plan. Discuss medical questions with a qualified professional.
What do Benadryl products treat?
The main active ingredient in all Benadryl products is diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine works to block a substance in your body called histamine. Benadryl products that are taken by mouth are used to treat allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, runny nose, and itchy nose and throat. Some Benadryl products may also contain a decongestant called phenylephrine. Phenylephrine works to shrink the blood vessels in your nose. This helps to relieve sinus congestion, sinus pressure, and a stuffy nose. Benadryl products can also be applied to the skin to treat pain and itching associated with the following.
- Insect bites
- Minor burns
- Sunburn
- Minor cuts
- Scrapes
- Minor skin irritations
- Rashes due to poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac
Most Benadryl products that can be applied to the skin also contain an ingredient called zinc acetate. Zinc acetate is known as a skin protectant, which helps lock in moisture and protects the skin from irritants. Zinc acetate can also help with leaking fluid caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.
There are Benadryl products for adults and children as young as 2 years old.
What are the most common side effects of Benadryl products?
Any medicine may cause an allergic reaction, which can be serious or life-threatening. Stop taking the medicine and get medical attention right away if you have any of the following signs of an allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Side effects may vary depending on the ingredients in the specific product you are using. Some possible side effects include.
- Drowsiness
- Excitability
- Nervousness
- Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
As Benadryl products contain different active ingredients (listed below), review the ingredients in your specific product to understand which side effects you might experience.
- Diphenhydramine
- Phenylephrine
- Zinc acetate
What should I know before using Benadryl products?
Use Benadryl as directed and do not use more than the recommended dose. Do not use more than one Benadryl product at a time or use another medicine with diphenhydramine while using Benadryl. Do not drink alcohol while taking by-mouth Benadryl or take other medicines that can make you sleepy (such as a sedative or tranquilizer). Be careful when you drive or operate machinery when taking by-mouth Benadryl and do not use it to make a child sleepy. If you are taking a Benadryl product that contains phenylephrine, it should not be used if you are taking a medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or for two weeks after stopping the MAOI. An MAOI is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease. If you do not know if your prescription medicine contains an MAOI, ask your health care provider or pharmacist before taking a Benadryl product. Check with a health care provider if you have any of the following conditions before taking any by-mouth Benadryl product.
- Heart disease
- Thyroid disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Trouble peeing, if you have problems with your prostate
- A breathing problem, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis
- Glaucoma
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
If you are applying Benadryl to the skin, do not use it on large areas of your body and avoid getting the medicine in your eyes. Check with your health care provider if you are planning on using Benadryl on skin affected by chickenpox or measles. Stop using Benadryl on your skin if your symptoms get worse, last for seven days or more, or clear up and come back again in a few days.
There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific Benadryl product you are using. Always check the label before taking any Benadryl product. Talk to a pharmacist or health care provider about your health conditions and other medicines to help determine which Benadryl products are safe for you.
Which Benadryl product is right for my symptoms?
Use the tables below to help you find the best product to treat your symptoms
Runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, sneezing, and an itchy nose or throat
Active ingredient:
- Antihistamine: diphenhydramine
Sinus congestion, sinus pressure, stuffy nose, runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, sneezing, and an itchy nose or throat
Active ingredients:
- Antihistamine: diphenhydramine
- Decongestant: phenylephrine
Itchy skin, bug bites, minor burns and cuts, sunburn, scrapes, and rash from poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac
Active ingredient:
- Antihistamine: diphenhydramine