Should I take 1 or 2 Benadryl for hives
BENADRYL (Diphenhydramine HCl) Dosing Guide for Adults & Children
About Childrens BENADRYL (Diphenhydramine HCl) Dosage
Childrens BENADRYL allergy medicine products provide 4 to 6 hours of relief (per dose) of indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms such as:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Itchy throat
- Itchy nose
When giving your kids Childrens BENADRYL Allergy Liquid, be sure to only use the dosing cup that comes in the package. Other items like kitchen teaspoons, droppers, or measuring devices that come with other medicines may not be accurate.
Pediatric dosing is to be given every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by a doctor. Do not give more than 6 doses in 24 hours.
As with any medicine, overdose, abuse, or misuse can lead to serious side effects with potentially long-lasting or even life-threatening consequences.
Some signs of overdosage of BENADRYL in children are extreme drowsiness, dilated pupils, blurry vision, confusion, racing heart, dry mouth, difficulty urinating, and agitation. If you suspect overdosage of BENADRYL, immediately contact your local poison control center (1-800-222-1222).
About Adult BENADRYL (Diphenhydramine HCl) Dosage
BENADRYL provides 4 to 6 hours of effective relief from of indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms related to hay fever, upper respiratory allergy, or cold symptoms such as:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Itchy throat
- Itchy nose
Always follow the instructions that come with BENADRYL. Take every 4 to 6 hours, or as directed by a doctor. Do not take more than 6 doses in 24 hours.
As with any medicine, overdose, abuse, or misuse can lead to serious side effects with potentially long-lasting or even life-threatening consequences.
Some signs of overdose of BENADRYL in adults are extreme drowsiness, dilated pupils, blurry vision, confusion, racing heart, dry mouth, difficulty urinating, and agitation. If you suspect overdosage of BENADRYL, immediately contact your local poison control center.
If you believe that you or someone you know has taken BENADRYL or other diphenhydramine products in a manner not directed by the label, contact your local poison control center (1-800-222-1222).
The safety of the people who use our products is our top priority. To learn more about steps taken to address misuse and abuse of BENADRYL and other diphenhydramine-containing products, visit our SAFETY page.
For a list of common questions and answers about BENADRYL, please visit our frequently asked questions page.
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.
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.
