How long does Benadryl take to reduce hives in dogs
Does Benadryl Help With Hives?
Jul 05, 2018
shley asked
Does Benadryl help with hives? I have red and itchy bumps on my arm and I think they are due to allergies.
Answer
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is a first generation antihistamine used in the treatment of allergies, urticaria (hives), insomnia and motion sickness. Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) can be used to help manage hives. Hives are swollen, red patches of skin that can occur as a reaction to allergens or for unknown reasons.
Benadryl For Hives
Most times, hives can be itchy. Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) can help reduce the swelling of hives and alleviate the itching. While Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) will help with the symptoms of hives, the best treatment is to determine the cause of the hives and remove that allergen.
Some common causes according toAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunologyare:
- Foods like peanuts, nuts, eggs and shellfish
- Drugs like antibiotics (penicillins and sulfa drugs), aspirin and NSAIDs (Ibuprofen and Naproxen)
- Insect bites and stings
- Pets
- Outside allergens such as pollen, trees and grasses
- Bacterial and viral infections
- Latex exposure
If hives continue to occur and a cause cannot be determined, an allergist should be consulted. In the meantime, Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is a good choice of treatment to get some relief from the hives. More information on Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) can be found below.
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) Information
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is a first generation antihistamine. First generation antihistamine are sedating antihistamines that can cause a significant amount of drowsiness. As such, caution should be taken when driving or operating machinery until the full effects of the medication are known. Some additional side effects of Diphenhydramine include:
- Drowsiness or sedation
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Coordination problems
- Thickening of mucus in the nose or throat
SinceBenadryl (Diphenhydramine) can cause drowsiness or sedation, care should be used when used in elderly patients due to an increased risk of falls. Care should also be taken when patients are on other medications that can cause drowsiness. If there are any questions about taking medications together, patients should talk to their pharmacist or other health care providers.
Conclusion
When patients get hives, the first thing on most patients mind is getting relief from the symptoms. Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is a good choice to help with the swelling and itchiness that can occur with hives. For hives that continue with unknown causes, a trip to the allergist is needed to determine the cause of the hives and further treatment.
Dog Hives
What Are Dog Hives?
Hives (also referred to as urticaria) are areas of the skin that appear reddened and raised. Just as with humans, hives can be very itchy for your dog. Theyre a sign that an allergy is causing the immune system to overreact.
Hives can appear very quicklyand disappear just as quickly. The raised red area of the skin is referred to as a wheal, and it can appear anywhere from a few minutes to hours after exposure to an allergen. Wheals can appear anywhere on your dogs body, but theyre usually found on the head, neck, back, stomach, and legs.
In mild cases, the hives will generally disappear within 12-48 hours after contact with the allergen. However, because of the risk that the reaction can worsen to dangerous swelling of your dogs airways or a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, you should seek out treatment any time you see hives on your dog. This is especially true for hives that occur on the face or around the throat, which can lead to dangerous swelling and possible blockage of the airways.
Symptoms of Dog Hives
Red raised areas of skin called wheals, which can occur anywhere (including mucous membranes) but are most commonly seen on the head, neck, back, abdomen, and legs
Intense itching
Excessive drooling if the mouth is swollen
Swelling (angioedema), which is particularly concerning when it involves the face and respiratory system and can have severe and life-threatening consequences
Causes of Dog Hives
The allergen that causes the hives may be environmental, chemical, or dietary. Any allergen your dog is sensitive can also lead to hives. Common causes include:
Insects bites, chemical contact, and medications are the most common.
How Vets Diagnose Hives
Your vet will closely examine your dog to locate the distinctive wheals associated with hives. Wheals typically have hair on them, and may appear in clusters. Beyond the physical examination, other parts of the diagnosis include:
Any history you are able to provide; be as thorough as you can in describing allergens your dog might have come into contact with and when and where you first saw the hives
Your dogs response to treatment
Treatment for Dog Hives
Dogs with hives usually respond quickly to treatment, which may include:
At-home treatments may include:
Cold compresses over the hives or swollen areas to give relief from itching
Antihistamines, but only under the supervision of your vet
Management of Dog Hives
Work with your vet to determine the cause of the hives, using both your dogs health history and history of exposure to allergens. Depending on the cause and the frequency, your vet may recommend:
Allergy testing to confirm environmental allergens
Immunotherapy treatment to desensitize your dog to specific allergens
A food trial to find ingredients that cause a reaction and develop specific dietary recommendations
Dog Hives FAQs
Are dog hives an emergency?
Yes. Hives indicate an allergic reaction within the body. Although the hives themselves are mostly just uncomfortable, they could lead to very dangerous complications, including anaphylaxis and death. Its best to treat even mild cases of hives.
What can I give my dog for hives?
It is important to speak to your veterinarian before giving your dog any medication. The vet may recommend certain medications to give your dog now or to have ready for future episodes.
How long do hives last?
Hives can disappear within a few hours or last up to 48 hours.
Can anxiety cause hives in dogs?
Theres a small chance that psychological stress can cause dog hives, but generally, anxiety merely worsens hives that are already present.
Should I take my dog to the vet for hives?
Yes, hives indicate a larger issuean allergic reactionand require treatment to make your dog comfortable and keep the reaction from progressing.
What do hives look like on a dog?
Hives are red, often swollen areas of skin that may be very itchy. They can be anywhere on the body, but youll often spot them on your dogs head, neck, back, stomach, or legs.
What foods cause hives in dogs?
There is no one food that generally causes hives in dogs. However, if your dog is allergic to a particular food or ingredient, that can cause hives for your individual dog.
Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
You may wonder how Benadryl compares to other medications approved for similar uses. Below are comparisons between Benadryl and several medications.
Benadryl vs. Claritin
Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine. Claritin (loratadine) is a newer, second-generation antihistamine. Second-generation antihistamines are often called nonsedating antihistamines because theyre less likely to cause sleepiness than first-generation antihistamines.
Both Benadryl and Claritin are over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
Uses
Oral Benadryl products are approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies, and symptoms of the common cold, such as sneezing and runny nose. Topical Benadryl products are approved for decreasing pain and itchy skin resulting from hives, insect bites, and other causes.
Claritin is approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies.
Drug forms
Benadryl comes in many different forms, including:
- oral tablets
- oral liquid-filled capsules (liqui-gels)
- oral chewable tablets
- oral liquid solution
- topical cream
- topical gel
- topical spray
- topical stick
Oral Benadryl products are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours. Topical products are typically used up to four times daily.
Claritin is also available in many different forms, including:
- oral tablets
- orally disintegrating tablets
- oral liquid-filled capsules (liqui-gels)
- oral liquid syrup
Claritin tablets, liquid-filled capsules, and syrup are taken once daily. The orally disintegrating tablets are used either once daily or twice daily.
Side effects and risks
Benadryl and Claritin have some similar side effects, and some that differ. Below are examples of these side effects.
* Both Benadryl and Claritin can cause sleepiness, but its much more common in people who take Benadryl.
Effectiveness
Benadryl and Claritin are both effective for reducing symptoms of hay fever and other allergies, and for treating hives or itchy skin. However, Benadryl isnt usually a first-choice treatment for these conditions due to its risk of side effects such as sleepiness.
Claritin and other second-generation antihistamines are usually preferred.
Costs
Benadryl and Claritin are both brand-name OTC products. Claritin usually costs more than Benadryl.
Both of these products have store-brand versions. Store brands are usually cheaper than the brand-name versions.
Benadryl vs. Zyrtec
Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine. Zyrtec (cetirizine) is a newer, second-generation antihistamine. Second-generation antihistamines are often called nonsedating antihistamines because theyre less likely to cause sleepiness than first-generation antihistamines.
Both Benadryl and Zyrtec are OTC medications.
Uses
Oral Benadryl products are approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies, and symptoms of the common cold, such as sneezing and runny nose. Topical Benadryl products are approved for decreasing pain and itchy skin due to hives, insect bites, and other causes.
Zyrtec is approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies.
Drug forms
Benadryl is available in many different forms, including:
- oral tablets
- oral liquid-filled capsules (liqui-gels)
- oral chewable tablets
- oral liquid solution
- topical cream
- topical gel
- topical spray
- topical stick
Oral Benadryl products are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours. Topical Benadryl products are typically used up to four times daily.
Zyrtec is also available in many different forms, including:
- oral tablets
- orally disintegrating tablets (dissolve tabs)
- oral liquid gels
- oral liquid syrup
Zyrtec products are usually taken once daily.
Side effects and risks
Benadryl and Zyrtec have some similar side effects, and some that differ. Below are examples of these side effects.
* Both Benadryl and Zyrtec can cause sleepiness, but its more common in people who take Benadryl.
Effectiveness
Benadryl and Zyrtec are both effective for reducing symptoms of hay fever and other allergies, and for treating hives or itchy skin. However, Benadryl isnt usually a first choice for these conditions because of its risk of side effects such as sleepiness. Zyrtec and other second-generation antihistamines are usually preferred.
Costs
Benadryl and Zyrtec are both brand-name OTC products. Zyrtec usually costs more than Benadryl.
Both of these products have store-brand versions. Store brands are usually cheaper than the brand-name versions.
Benadryl vs. Allegra
Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine. Allegra (fexofenadine) is a newer, second-generation antihistamine. Second-generation antihistamines are often called nonsedating antihistamines because theyre less likely to cause sleepiness than first-generation antihistamines.
Both Benadryl and Allegra are OTC medications.
Uses
Oral Benadryl products are approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies, and symptoms of the common cold, such as sneezing and runny nose. Topical Benadryl products are approved for decreasing pain and itchy skin due to hives, insect bites, and other causes.
Allegra is approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies, and itchy skin caused by hives, insect bites, and other causes.
Drug forms
Benadryl is available in many different forms, including:
- oral tablets
- oral liquid-filled capsules (liqui-gels)
- oral chewable tablets
- oral liquid solution
- topical cream
- topical gel
- topical spray
- topical stick
Oral Benadryl products are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours. Topical Benadryl products are typically used up to four times daily.
Allegra is also available in many different forms, including:
- oral tablets
- orally disintegrating tablets (meltable tablets)
- oral gel-coated tablets (gelcaps)
- oral liquid suspension
Allegra products are taken once or twice daily.
Side effects and risks
Benadryl and Allegra have some similar side effects, and some that differ. Below are examples of these side effects.
Effectiveness
Benadryl and Allegra are both effective for reducing symptoms of hay fever and other allergies and for treating hives or itchy skin. However, Benadryl isnt usually a first choice for these conditions because of the risk of side effects such as sleepiness. Allegra and other second-generation antihistamines are usually preferred.
Costs
Benadryl and Allegra are both brand-name OTC products. Allegra usually costs more than Benadryl.
Both of these products have store-brand versions. Store brands are usually cheaper than the brand-name versions.
Benadryl vs. Unisom
Benadryl contains the ingredient diphenhydramine, a first-generation antihistamine.
There are different forms of Unisom. Most of these also contain the ingredient diphenhydramine. However, one Unisom product contains a similar drug, doxylamine.
Uses
Oral Benadryl products are approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies, and symptoms of the common cold, such as sneezing and runny nose. Topical Benadryl products are approved for decreasing pain and itchy skin due to hives, insect bites, and other causes.
Although its not approved for this purpose, some people take Benadryl to help improve their sleep. Unisom is approved for helping relieve occasional sleeplessness. Its not intended to be used to treat ongoing or long-term insomnia.
Drug forms
Benadryl is available in many different forms, including:
- oral tablets
- oral liquid-filled capsules (liqui-gels)
- oral chewable tablets
- oral liquid solution
- topical cream
- topical gel
- topical spray
- topical stick
Oral Benadryl products are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours. Topical Benadryl products are typically used up to four times daily. Oral Benadryl products are not approved for sleeplessness, but some people take oral Benadryl once before bedtime for that purpose.
There are also several forms of Unisom products. These include:
- diphenhydramine-containing products:
- oral softgels (SleepGels)
- oral mini capsules (SleepMinis)
- oral liquid
- orally disintegrating tablets (SleepMelts)
- doxylamine-contain product:
These products are usually taken once daily, just before bedtime or at bedtime.
Side effects and risks
Benadryl and most Unisom products contain the same ingredient, diphenhydramine. One form of Unisom contains a different ingredient, doxylamine. Doxylamine is very similar to diphenhydramine and causes very similar common and serious side effects.
The most common side effects of Benadryl and Unisom include:
Some serious side effects can include:
Effectiveness
Benadryl and most forms of Unisom contain the same active ingredient, diphenhydramine. Both products can help people with occasional sleeplessness to fall asleep. This effect may decrease or wear off with continued use.
According to a
Costs
Benadryl and Unisom are both brand-name OTC products. These products usually cost about the same.
Both of these products have store-brand versions. Store brands are usually cheaper than the brand-name versions.
Benadryl vs. melatonin
Benadryl contains the ingredient diphenhydramine, a first-generation antihistamine.
Melatonin is a hormone that naturally occurs in the body. Its involved in regulating the wake-sleep cycle of the body. Its available as a dietary supplement.
Uses
Oral Benadryl products are approved for decreasing symptoms of hay fever and other respiratory allergies, and symptoms of the common cold, such as sneezing and runny nose. Topical Benadryl products are approved for decreasing pain and itchy skin due to hives, insect bites, and other causes.
Although its not approved, some people take oral Benadryl to help improve their sleep.
Melatonin is most commonly used to help relieve sleeplessness.
Drug forms
Benadryl is available in many different forms, including:
- oral tablets
- oral liquid-filled capsules (liqui-gels)
- oral chewable tablets
- oral liquid solution
- topical cream
- topical gel
- topical spray
- topical stick
Oral Benadryl products are usually taken every 4 to 6 hours. Topical Benadryl products are typically used up to four times daily. Oral Benadryl products arent approved for sleeplessness, but some people take oral Benadryl once before bedtime for that purpose.
Melatonin is also available in different forms, including:
- oral tablets
- oral gummies
- orally dissolving tablets (fast-dissolving tablets)
- oral capsules
- oral chewable tablets
- oral liquid
Melatonin is usually taken once daily at bedtime.
Side effects and risks
Benadryl and melatonin have some similar side effects, and some that differ. Below are examples of these side effects.
Effectiveness
Benadryl can help people with occasional sleeplessness to fall asleep. However, this effect may decrease or wear off with continued use of the product.
A
According to the
Costs
Melatonin usually costs more than Benadryl.
Both of these products have store-brand versions. Store brands are usually cheaper than the brand-name versions.
