Hydroxyzine and Benadryl, both medications, are commonly used to treat allergic reactions and symptoms such as itching, hives, and sneezing. However, they are not used for treating insomnia. They belong to the class of drugs called antihistamines, which work by blocking the action of histamine in the body. Although they may have some differences between the uses and effects.
Both Hydroxyzine and Benadryl medical drugs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Here, you will learn about Hydroxyzine and Benadryl medicines and their uses, dosages, and side effects.
What are Hydroxyzine Drugs and Benadryl Drug
Hydroxyzine Drug
Hydroxyzine is also known by its brand names Atarax and Vistaril. This medicine is an antihistamine. Hydroxyzine is commonly used to treat allergic skin reactions and also used to relieve anxiety and tension.
It is available in oral tablets, capsules, and liquid forms. This medicine is not suitable for pregnant women.
Benadryl Drug
The active component in Benadryl is Diphenhydramine HCl. This is also an antihistamine. It is commonly used to treat skin rash, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, hives, and other allergic reactions.
Benadryl drug works by blocking the effects of histamine, the substance responsible for allergic reactions. It is available in various forms including oral tablets, capsules, and liquid solutions.
Pregnant women can also use this medicine, but only if allowed by their doctor.
Similarities Between Hydroxyzine and Benadryl Medicines
Hydroxyzine and Benadryl have similar components and both work to block the effects of histamine, a chemical that the body produces during an allergic reaction.
Hydroxyzine and Benadryl are used for treating allergies and managing itchiness on the skin in various conditions.
Now, here we will understand their uses, dosages, and side effects.
Uses
Uses of Hydroxyzine
Hydroxyzine is typically used to treat anxiety and tension, and it is also used to relieve various allergic reactions.
Hydroxyzine can treat nausea, vomiting, and sleep issues. This medicine is useful for short-term treatment only.
Uses of Benadryl
Benadryl is used for treating various conditions, like allergic symptoms, itchiness, insomnia, hay fever, and many more. It is also useful in treating dizziness in people due to motion sickness.
Benadryl can treat symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, and common cold. However, this medicine is not recommended for children who are below 6 years.
Dosages
Dosages of Hydroxyzine
Hydroxyzine comes in the form of oral capsules, tablets, and syrup. You can take this medicine with or without food.
Hydroxyzine is available in 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg dosage strengths. The average dose of Hydroxyzine is 10-50 mg which is taken once a day, and the maximum dose is 400 mg, depending on the patient’s conditions.
Dosages of Benadryl
After taking Benadryl, take at least 7 hours of sleep to allow the medicine to start the action in the body. This medicine is available in two doses: 25 mg and 50 mg.
The average dose of Benadryl is 25-50 mg which is taken every 4 to 6 hours in a day, and the maximum dose is 300 mg. Before taking the maximum dose, ask your health care provider.
Side Effects
Side Effects of Hydroxyzine
Here are various side effects of Hydroxyzine medicine.
- Feeling dryness in the mouth
- Feeling sleepy
- Feeling weak or tired
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Heart rate drops low
- Stomach problem
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Heart diseases
- Pain in the chest
- Swelling around the eyes
- Problem breathing
- Headache
- Feeling very low
- Constipation
Side Effects of Benadryl
Here are several side effects of Benadryl medicine.
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Dizziness
- Decreased levels of red blood cells (RBCs)
- Seizures
- Dementia
- Memory problem
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling confused
- Problem during urination
- A problem in the stomach
- Drowsiness
- Dry throat, nose and mouth
- Swelling in the throat and tongue
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Hypotension
Conclusion
Hydroxyzine and Benadryl both are included in the antihistamine drug class and help reduce the symptoms of allergies.
The above-given information about Hydroxyzine and Benadryl is helpful for individuals to identify the comparison between both medicines and to make the right choice.
Don’t use Hydroxyzine and Benadryl without consulting your health care provider. If you have any side effects after taking these medicines, talk to your doctor about your condition and start your treatment immediately.