Benadryl Review (2024) - Side Effects & Ingredients

Advertising Disclosure

In today’s comprehensive review, we delve into the multifaceted world of Benadryl, a widely recognized and trusted antihistamine that has been a staple in medicine cabinets around the globe for decades. Whether you’re battling seasonal allergies, facing an unexpected allergic reaction, or seeking a remedy for common cold symptoms, Benadryl has become synonymous with fast, effective relief. Our in-depth analysis aims to uncover not only the therapeutic benefits and uses of Benadryl but also to explore its composition, potential side effects, and the various forms in which it’s available, catering to a diverse range of needs and preferences. Join us as we navigate through the ins and outs of Benadryl, offering insights and guidance to help you make an informed decision about incorporating this renowned supplement into your health and wellness regimen.

Contents show

Ingredients of Benadryl

Here’s a list of Benadryl ingredients and information about each:

Diphenhydramine HCl (25 mg): The active ingredient in Benadryl, it serves as an antihistamine. Diphenhydramine is effective for temporarily relieving symptoms due to hay fever, other upper respiratory allergies, or the common cold, such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat.
Carnauba Wax: Used as a coating agent in pharmaceuticals, providing a shine and protecting the tablet.
Croscarmellose Sodium: A disintegrant that helps the tablet break down and dissolve after ingestion.
D&C Red No. 27 Aluminum Lake: A coloring agent that gives the tablet its color.
Dibasic Calcium Phosphate: A diluent that provides bulk to the tablet and may also serve as a dietary calcium supplement.
Hypromellose: A binder and coating agent that helps hold the tablet together and can also control the release of active ingredients.
Magnesium Stearate: A lubricant that helps prevent the tablet ingredients from sticking to the manufacturing equipment.
Microcrystalline Cellulose: A bulking agent that helps create the right consistency and hardness in the tablet.
Polyethylene Glycol: Often used as a plasticizer in tablet coatings, making them easier to swallow.
Polysorbate 80: An emulsifier that helps to mix ingredients together that normally do not mix well.
Titanium Dioxide: A pigment used to give the tablet a white color.

For individuals with specific allergies or sensitivities, it’s important to be aware of these inactive ingredients. In some cases, it might be possible to obtain a formulation containing only the active ingredient, diphenhydramine, from a compounding pharmacy, although this might be more expensive.

Potential Side Effects of Benadryl

Benadryl’s potential side effects include:

Sedation, sleepiness, dizziness, disturbed coordination, epigastric distress, thickening of bronchial secretions.
Common effects: somnolence, dizziness, incoordination, dry mouth, fatigue.
Rare effects: extrapyramidal effects, tremor, convulsions, confusion, depression, sleep disturbances, palpitations, hypotension, arrhythmia, blood disorders, hypersensitivity reactions, liver dysfunction.
Other reported effects include rash, urticaria, dyspnea, urinary issues, blurred vision, increased appetite or anorexia, and muscle twitching/weakness.

What people are saying about Benadryl

Benadryl, a common over-the-counter allergy medication, has recently been the subject of various discussions and warnings. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about the dangers of taking higher than recommended doses of Benadryl, specifically citing the risks of serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or even death. This concern was heightened by the “Benadryl Challenge” on TikTok, where teenagers were taking excessive amounts to achieve hallucinations, leading to emergency room visits and fatalities.

Long-term use of Benadryl also raises concerns. While Benadryl is deemed safe for most healthy adults, it is not recommended for daily use to manage allergy symptoms or as a sleep aid. Side effects such as dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, constipation, and urinary retention can become more likely with frequent use. Additionally, there is a risk of developing a tolerance to the medication, making it less effective over time and potentially leading to overdose if doses are increased.

The Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI) has advised against using Benadryl as a first-choice medication for allergies, citing the availability of newer antihistamines that are just as effective but with fewer and less severe side effects. Despite this, Benadryl remains available over the counter, though Health Canada has assessed the need for further risk mitigation measures, especially concerning children. CSACI recommends replacing first-generation antihistamines like Benadryl with newer options in medicine cabinets.

In summary, while Benadryl can be effective for temporary relief of allergy symptoms, caution is advised regarding its dosage and frequency of use. There are concerns about serious side effects and the potential for misuse, particularly among teenagers. Alternatives with a better safety profile are available and recommended for regular use.

About the company behind Benadryl

Benadryl is a brand of antihistamine medications used to alleviate allergy symptoms, with variations in its composition across different countries, including diphenhydramine, acrivastine, and cetirizine. The brand is currently sold by Kenvue. Initially, Benadryl was marketed by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, but before 2007, it was acquired by Johnson & Johnson. In the United States and Canada, Benadryl primarily contains diphenhydramine, while in the United Kingdom, it includes second-generation antihistamines like acrivastine or cetirizine.

A look at Benadryl’s BBB profile

I couldn’t find any information

Where to buy and price of Benadryl

Benadryl can be purchased at various retail stores, including Walgreens. The price for Benadryl products at Walgreens varies depending on the type and quantity of the product. For example, Benadryl Allergy Dye-Free Capsules in a 24-count package are priced at $7.99, which works out to approximately $0.33 per capsule. Benadryl Allergy Ultratabs, also in a 24-count package, are available for the same price of $7.99. For those looking for a larger quantity, Benadryl Ultratabs Antihistamine Allergy Medicine in a 100-count package is priced at $19.99, which is about $0.20 per tablet. There are also other Benadryl products available, such as Benadryl Extra Strength Antihistamine Allergy Relief Tablets in a 24-count package for $11.99 and Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion Ultratabs in a 24-count package for $10.99.

What is the refund policy of Benadryl

I couldn’t find any information

Benadryl contact information

You can contact Benadryl via phone for immediate queries at 1-877-717-2824, available Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm ET. For more information, please visit their contact page on the Benadryl website.

Pros and cons of Benadryl

Benadryl, known generically as diphenhydramine, is a medication commonly used to treat allergic reactions, as a sleep aid, and for other purposes. However, like all medications, it comes with both benefits and potential drawbacks. Here are the pros and cons of using Benadryl:

Pros:

Effective for Allergy Relief: Benadryl works well to relieve symptoms of allergy and cold, such as runny nose, itching, and watery eyes.
Sleep Aid: It can be used to help with occasional sleep problems for individuals aged 12 and older due to its sedative effects.
Accessibility: Available as a lower-cost generic option, making it accessible and affordable.
Versatile: Besides treating allergic reactions, it can relieve motion sickness, some symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, and function as a sleep aid.

Cons:

Side Effects: Common side effects include dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, constipation, urinary retention, and potentially more severe reactions like confusion or hallucinations with overdose.
Tolerance Development: Using Benadryl regularly for sleep can lead to tolerance, meaning it becomes less effective over time. Overdose risks include serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or death.
Not Suitable for Everyone: It’s not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, young children, or the elderly due to increased risk of side effects like sedation and dizziness. People with conditions like asthma, glaucoma, peptic ulcer disease, high blood pressure, or heart disease should avoid it.
Drug Interactions: Benadryl may interact with several other drugs, such as benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and alcohol, potentially leading to increased side effects or decreased effectiveness.

When considering the use of Benadryl, it’s important to weigh these pros and cons and consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it’s appropriate for your specific situation. Alternatives and lifestyle changes might be recommended for managing allergies or sleep issues more safely and effectively in the long term.

Is Benadryl worth a try?

Benadryl, known generically as diphenhydramine, is an over-the-counter medication widely used for treating allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and hives. It’s also employed as a sleep aid due to its sedative properties. Benadryl can be effective for these uses, but it comes with a range of side effects and considerations that are worth noting before deciding to use it.

Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, and constipation. Some users may experience more severe effects such as confusion, blurred vision, or difficulty urinating, which should prompt immediate medical consultation. Due to its sedative effects, Benadryl is often used off-label as a sleep aid, but this use is not without risks, especially for older adults. Long-term use of anticholinergic drugs like Benadryl has been associated with an increased risk of dementia. It’s also important to note that Benadryl can interact with alcohol and other medications, enhancing side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness, and potentially leading to impaired motor skills or decreased alertness.

Benadryl was approved by the FDA for prescription use in 1946 and became available over-the-counter in 1982. Despite its availability and common usage, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine has discouraged the use of over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl as a sleep aid for treating chronic insomnia due to the potential for daytime sleepiness, grogginess, and falls.

Given these considerations, Benadryl can be worth trying for treating allergy symptoms or occasionally as a sleep aid, but it’s essential to use it responsibly and be aware of its potential side effects and interactions. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using Benadryl, especially if planning to use it alongside other medications or for long-term use.

Benadryl FAQ

What symptoms does Topical BENADRYL® Itch Stopping Cream relieve?
It provides temporary relief for pain and itching due to insect bites, minor burns, sunburn, minor skin irritations, cuts, scrapes, and rashes from poison ivy, oak, and sumac.
What’s the difference between Oral and Topical BENADRYL® products?
Oral products are ingested to relieve upper respiratory allergies. Topical products are applied to the skin for itching and pain relief. It’s important not to mix the two types or use two products with diphenhydramine simultaneously.
Can I use multiple BENADRYL® products at the same time or with other antihistamines?
No, avoid using multiple diphenhydramine products together or combining BENADRYL® with other antihistamines to prevent serious complications or overdose.
Can I use BENADRYL® Itch Stopping Cream on my pet?
No, these products are not intended for use on pets. Consult a veterinarian for pet health needs.
Can I use BENADRYL® if it is expired?
No, discard expired BENADRYL® properly and replace it with a new package.
How much and how frequently can I take BENADRYL®?
Follow the instructions on the BENADRYL® product label or consult with a healthcare professional. Typically, it can be taken every 4 to 6 hours, but not more than 6 doses in 24 hours.
Can I take BENADRYL® while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Consult a health professional before use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Does BENADRYL® use fetal cell lines during production?
No, BENADRYL® products are made without the use of human embryonic cells.
Is BENADRYL® safe to use?
Yes, when used as directed on the label. If misused, contact your local poison control center.
What are signs of over-the-counter medication abuse?
Signs include finding empty medicine boxes or packaging, buying large amounts of medicine without being sick, missing medicine from home, changes in behavior or interests, etc.