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Is Allergy Relief The Same As Benadryl

Diphenhydramine And The Brain

Benadryl Allergy Diphenhydramine Tablets

Diphenhydramine is an H1 receptor antagonist, which means that when it is consumed, it blocks these receptors in the brain, stopping the effects of histamine in the body. Histamine is a chemical in the body that works to help protect the immune system from allergens. In many instances, the release of histamine when an allergen enters into the body is effective in attacking the allergen so it does not impact ones physical health. However, when people are very allergic to something like peanut butter or pollen, the body releases an excessive amount of histamine, which can lead to contraction of muscle tissues in the lungs, dilation of blood vessels, speeding of ones heart rate, and secretion of gastric acid into the stomach. When this type of reaction is occurring, consuming diphenhydramine products like Benadryl can stop these effects, as it is an anti-histamine medication. As a result, those who take it for its intended purposes can prevent everything from mildly intrusive allergic symptoms to death caused by anaphylactic shock.

When diphenhydramine is abused, however, it produces relaxation, a sense of mild euphoria, and hallucinations all effects that those who abuse this medication are looking to obtain.

Zyrtec Vs Benadryl And Other Benadryl Alternatives: Which Is The Superior Antihistamine

Reviewed by Michael Espelin APRN

Zyrtec and Benadryl are antihistamines that are indicated for the temporary relief of the symptoms and signs of seasonal or upper respiratory allergies such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy watery eyes, and itching of the nose and throat. However, they are each from a different generation of antihistamines, whose side effect profiles differ from each other. This greatly affects the decision of Zyrtec vs Benadryl, which patients often have to make. Furthermore, multiple other antihistamine drugs that can be used as Benadryl alternatives for allergic reactions are also available. Thus making the decision of choosing the right and the most effective antihistamine even more difficult for some. Therefore, It is essential for patients to be aware of the different options, whether complementary or alternative, available to them when deciding on the right allergy drug. Read further to find out more about the similarities and differences between the safety and efficacy of various types of antihistamines; as well as various possible Benadryl alternatives and the possible reasons for choosing them.

Like many medications, patients seek Benadryl alternatives to help reduce side effects that might be experienced from taking the drug.

Comparisons With Other Allergy Medications

Researchers are often studying, comparing, and improving antihistamines. Other popular brands on the market today are Allegra and Benadryl.

  • Allegra contains the active ingredient fexofenadine. Allegra is non-sedating, so it should not make a person feel drowsy. Allegra is also a second-generation antihistamine.
  • Benadryl contains the active ingredient diphenhydramine. This acts faster than the other three and aims to treat minor skin reactions, not seasonal allergies. Benadryl is a first-generation antihistamine, which makes it sedating, so people tend to feel drowsy after taking it.

When a person comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system reacts and produces a chemical called histamine.

Histamine causes many allergy symptoms, including inflammation of the skin or sinuses, pain, redness, and wheezing.

Immune responses also encourage extra mucus to develop, which helps to clear allergens from the nose and throat.

Allergy medications block histamine responses. This dulls the bodys response to minor or harmless allergens, such as pollen, dust, and pet dander.

Claritin and Zyrtec are effective and safe for most people with minor allergies. However, as with all medications, there may be some side effects.

Loratadinepresent in Claritinmay not be safe for people with severe liver conditions. The liver has to break down loratadine. The kidneys break down cetirizinefound in Zyrtecand the body excretes it in the urine, largely unchanged.

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Teens Are Abusing Benadryl To Get High

Monday;evening, all of the Angelina County;Drug-Free All-Stars were recognized for their hard work and their important message to stay drug free and to get others to do the same.

Rachel Ooates, a senior at Diboll High School, said, Its really amazing.; We get to go around and help kids in the community and teach them that they dont need drugs to have fun and be a successful person.

But,;now they have to worry about teenagers who abuse common medicines that treat colds and allergies like Benadryl. Taken in high doses, it can create highs.

And both of the teenagers;the East Texas News;spoke with say they know of classmates who have talked about abusing medicine or who have.

Shelby Portwood, a senior at Lufkin High School, said, I have a friend who, last year, took a an entire box of Sudafed in class, in the middle of the school day.; We had to take care of him, his heart was racing out of control, and he had no idea what was going on around him.; And, its just sad to see a terrible thing happen to a good person.

Her friend ended up being ok, but now the Drug Free Coalition hopes that parents are taking note.

Sheila Adams, of the Drug Free All-Stars, said, Make sure even baby Benadryl is locked up and childrens Tylenol, make sure it is all locked up and they dont know where it is.

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What Should I Avoid

Benadryl Allergy Ultratabs Antihistamine Allergy Relief ...

This medication may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of diphenhydramine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, cough, allergy, or sleep medicine. Antihistamines are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of this type of medicine. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine.

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What Are The Main Differences Between Benadryl And Claritin

The biggest difference between Benadryl and Claritin is that Benadryl is likely to cause more drowsiness than Claritin. Benadryl, also known by its generic name diphenhydramine, is known as a first-generation antihistamine. This group of antihistamines are among the first drugs developed to treat allergy symptoms.

Claritin, also known by its generic name loratadine, is classified as a second-generation antihistamine. In other words, Claritin is part of a group of newer antihistamines. Second-generation antihistamines were developed to treat allergy symptoms without causing as much sleepiness as first-generation antihistamines.

Claritin is taken as a once-daily tablet while Benadryl needs to be taken multiple times throughout the day. This is because Claritin stays in the body longer than Benadryl.

Main differences between Benadryl and Claritin
Benadryl

Differences Between Benadryl And Benadryl Allergy

Categorized under Drugs | Differences Between Benadryl and Benadryl Allergy

Benadryl vs Benadryl Allergy

One of the more common medications that we get to read about, hear about, and probably purchase for immediate remedies for allergies for home use is Benadryl. Then again, like many housewives, employees, students, parents, we also get to hear about another type of Benadryl and most likely, would wonder how is this similar to the medication called Benadryl Allergy? Is there any difference? Are they just the same and when you purchase this over the counter, it will be up to the pharmacist to give you either Benadryl or Benadryl Allergy?

This is what this article aims to tackle. Hopefully, it will be able to properly differentiate these common enough and over-the-counter drugs called Benadryl and Benadryl Allergy.

Lets start off with Benadryl.

It is important that on this part of the article, we would talk about this medication, Benadryl, and be able to properly differentiate it when it is marketed by specific countries, especially those noted below, because what the product contains as they are marketed in different countries, greatly differ.

With that noted, please ensure that the Benadryl that you purchase from the US is the one that would help in treating your allergies.

What is Benadryl Allergy?

It is basically another version of Benadryl. They basically have the same effect and generic component.

SUMMARY:

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How Does Equate Allergy Relief Compare To Benadryl

Equate uses the same active ingredient seen in Benadryl. The use of each didnt show any noticeable difference during the review, making Equate the much cheaper and better choice. The only time you might consider getting Benadryl instead is if Walmart is closed and you need relief immediately. In this case, you might find Benadryl or other allergy medications available at a nearby convenience store

What Are Some Alternatives To Equate Allergy Relief

Benadryl One Fast Allergy Relief

The Equate brand also sells a generic equivalent to Claritin. This is a different formula for allergy relief, with an active ingredient of loratadine for the antihistamine, and pseudoephedrine as a nasal decongestant. Its recommended that you choose this formula if youre looking for something a bit more focused on allergy symptoms that isnt needed for multitasking with a sleep aid.There are also the name brands Zyrtec and Allegra, all commercially available over the counter for allergy relief. They all come with their own set of potential side effects, just like Allergy Relief.

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Drug Interactions Of Benadryl Vs Claritin

Antihistamines like Benadryl and Claritin can interact with other drugs that have similar effects. First- and second-generation antihistamines should be cautioned or avoided with CNS depressant drugs such as hypnotics, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants. Opioids also have CNS depressant effects that may be increased when combined with an antihistamine.

Benadryl or Claritin should not be used if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor or for 2 weeks after stopping an MAOI. Taking these medications together can lead to an increased risk of adverse effects.

Using anticholinergic drugs with antihistamines may increase drying side effects such as dry mouth or dry throat.

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This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Please consult your doctor before taking these medications.

What Are Natural Alternatives To Benadryl

If neither OTC nor prescription-strength alternatives are suitable for a patient, they often turn to natural alternatives to Benadryl on the advice of others who have found relief in them. Though they have not been clinically tested, many patients feel a desirable sense of relief after taking part in one or more of these treatment methods. Some of the natural alternatives can include the neti pot and nettle-leaf tea.

While not a medicinal cure, there have been favorable reviews on the effects of a well-applied neti pot. These specialized devices use sterilized water to flush out nasal cavities. This prevents contact irritation caused by allergens, which often trigger the most common cold-like symptoms from allergies.

Nettle-leaf tea is an age-old method for decreasing the irritating effects of everything from allergic reactions to poison ivy rashes. The compounds contained in nettle leaves such as adenine, nicotinamide, synephrine, and osthole are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects. Thus, when heated and distilled, nettle leaves release these compounds that can help in the treatment of symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis.

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What Are The Side Effects Of Benadryl

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using diphenhydramine and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • severe drowsiness; or
  • painful or difficult urination.

Side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and confusion may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

  • drowsiness;
  • dry mouth, nose, or throat;
  • feeling restless or excited ; or
  • day-time drowsiness or hangover feeling after night-time use.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How Should Allegra Be Taken

Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion Ultratabs, Nasal ...

Allegra is available in several strengths and forms; as tablets in strengths of 30, 60 and 180 mg, as 30 mg fast orally disintegrating tablets and as an oral suspension of 30mg per 5 ml. The dosage is dependent on the age, weight and effectiveness of the drug; special care should be taken when prescribing this drug to infants and children to make sure the recommended dosage is given.

Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Allegra; it is unknown if it will harm a fetus. It is unknown if Allegra passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Note that the Allegra ODT tablets contain 5.3 mg of phenylalanine and should not be used by individuals with phenylketonuria.

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Best For Treating For Nasal And Sinus Congestion Or Pressure

Allergy medications that are decongestants can come in pill, liquid or nasal spray form. The most common form of decongestant are pills, which many people use to combat seasonal allergies especially. Nasal sprays and eye drops can both stop being effective or make symptoms worse if overused, so it is important to use them sporadically to treat symptoms.;;

What Should I Avoid While Taking Equate Allergy Relief

Do not take any more than the recommended dosage printed on the packaging or bottle. The number of tablets for an adult is there for a reason, and the maximum daily dosage for Equate Allergy Relief is 300mg. Any more than this and you will risk overdosing, resulting in serious health problems that could lead to hospitalization.

If you are currently on monoamine oxidase inhibitors, do not take any Equate medication. If you cause the drugs to interact, a severe case of side effects can occur. Discontinue any use of the inhibitors for 14 days before considering the usage of Equate.

Stay away from driving or operating any heavy machinery while using Equate. The drowsiness you experience while taking the medicine will impair your ability to move on your feet, so forget about driving to the store for any last-minute pickups. Once you take allergy relief medication, you need to be sure you are in for the night.

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What Is Equate Allergy Relief Used For

Equate is Walmarts in-house generic equivalent to Benadryl. Its used to combat all of the basic symptoms that have come to be associated with allergies. You can also take it if you are reacting to new allergens or are dealing with the common cold. While a lot of people prefer to use Benadryl because of its ability to help you sleep,;Equate Allergy Relief is also available in a non-drowsy formula.

Treats Inflammation And Swelling

Benadryl Allergy Relief Works

Corticosteroids can reduce inflammation that is associated with allergies. These medications primarily treat and prevent nasal stuffiness, sneezing, and an itchy, runny nose caused by allergic reactions. They work quickly and limit the bodys histamine creation preventing the allergic response that leads to problematic symptoms like a stuffy nose or sore throat. Steroids can work well both for seasonal and year-round allergy symptoms.

Steroids are considered highly effective at relieving allergy symptoms, but they must be taken regularly, even when no symptoms are experienced, to work well. Like many allergy medication types, it can take several weeks before the full relief from the medicine is felt.

Systemic steroids are available as pills or liquids for serious allergies and asthma, but are also common as nasal sprays or inhalers. They can also be used as a topical cream for skin allergies to relieve hives and swelling. Many doctors recommend nasal steroid sprays to help with year-round allergies. Corticosteroid medications can take longer to kick in than antihistamines, but most healthcare providers consider them to be the most effective way to combat nasal allergies. Many, but not all, of these steroid treatments require a prescription.

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Common Side Effects Of Benadryl And Claritin

Antihistamines can often have side effects that affect the central nervous system . Common CNS side effects of antihistamines like Benadryl and Claritin include drowsiness, sedation, dizziness, headache, and lack of coordination. However, as a first-generation antihistamine, Benadryl is known to cause more CNS side effects compared to newer antihistamines.

Other side effects of Benadryl and Claritin include dry mouth, dry or sore throat, and skin rash. These drugs may also cause digestive side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.

Most side effects of antihistamines are mild and tolerable. Side effects depend on how an individual responds to the medication and may not be the same for everyone.

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This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your doctor or healthcare provider to learn more.

When Should I Not Take Equate Allergy Relief

While you can handle all of the side effects that come with Equate Allergy Relief, there are some cases where you absolutely should not take the medication.

First, do not take it with alcohol. This applies to most medications in general, but the combination of alcohol and Equates sedative properties will compound the drowsiness. If you have consumed alcohol and experience allergy symptoms, go with the non-drowsy formula.

There is a potential for serious injury and illness if you;overdose. ;If you begin to experience confusion or extreme sleepiness, get someone to take you to the nearest medical treatment facility. This will also be necessary if you have a seizure or begin to hallucinate.

The possibility exists for you to have an allergic reaction to the medicine contained in Equate. If taking the tablets causes you to have difficulty breathing or some noticeable swelling of your lips or face, discontinue taking the medicine. ;

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What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Benadryl

You should not use diphenhydramine if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

  • an enlarged prostate or urination problems;
  • asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , or other breathing disorder;
  • glaucoma; or
  • a thyroid disorder.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Diphenhydramine may slow breast milk production.

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