What is the difference between Zyrtec and Benadryl? - ProProfs Discuss
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What is the difference between Zyrtec and Benadryl?

Asked by G. GRAY, Last updated: Apr 14, 2024

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4 Answers

D. Smith

D. Smith

Learning new things along with my music

D. Smith
D. Smith, Musician, MA, Nottingham

Answered Oct 13, 2020

Benadryl and Zyrtec are antihistamines that have different functions. The generic name for Benadryl is Diphenhydramine hydrochloride while that of Zyrtec is Cetirizine hydrochloride. Benadryl is used to treat allergic reactions, relieve motion, and so on while Zyrtec treats allergic reactions such as skin reaction caused by insect bites or hay fever.

The Zyrtec comes in different forms such as tablets, syrup, dissolving tablets, liquid gel, and chewable tablets while Benadryl also comes in different forms such as capsules, cream, gelcap, liquid, liquid gas, injection, spray stick, and so on.

The drugs can be used by both adults and children. Adult and 6 years old children should take 10 mg capsule of Zyrtec once in a day, while Benadryl dosage is 25-30 mg every 4-6 hours. Zyrtec has a high tendency to cause drowsiness and sedation than Benadryl.

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N. Reyes

N. Reyes

A good writer and orator as well.

N. Reyes
N. Reyes, Writer, B.ed, California

Answered Oct 13, 2020

Zyrtec and Benadryl are both brand names for drugs with generic names Cetirizine and Diphenhydramine, respectively. Both drugs are used to solve cases of allergies in patients. One of the major constituents of the two drugs is an antihistamine. That said, Benadryl is the older of the two drugs, and that is why it is usually regarded as the first- generation antihistamine, while the other drug can be regarded as a second-generation antihistamine.

Benadryl, being the older of the two, was first produced by Dr. George Rieveschl in 1946, while Zyrtec was first produced by Johnson & Johnson. Benadryl can be used to cure health cases like insomnia, allergies, motion sickness, cold, as well as the symptoms of allergies. In contrast, Zyrtec can be used to treat urticaria, angioedema, and hay fever.

The recommended dose of Benadryl for adults is 10mg, and 1/2 teaspoon for children between 6 months to 2 years old. The recommended Zyrtec for adults is 25-50 mg, and 12.4-25mg for children between 6-12 years old.

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Robert Hazlewood

Robert Hazlewood

Here to relax my mind a bit

Robert Hazlewood
Robert Hazlewood, Senior Executive, MBA, Louisville

Answered Oct 12, 2020

Benadryl and Zyrtec are two types of medications. They are both antihistamines. One of the main differences between the two is in regards to sedation. Zyrtec is known to not cause as much sedation in a person as Benadryl does.

Most people take Benadryl to take it at night because it is known to make a person sleepy. Another difference between the two is how long each has been around. Benadryl has been around longer than Zyrtec because it was the first antihistamine ever introduced on the market. Zyrtec is apart of the the second generation of antihistamines released to the market.

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O.Olivia

O.Olivia

O.Olivia
O.Olivia

Answered Feb 17, 2020

Benadryl and Zyrtec are both popular antihistamines. One significant difference between the two of them is that Zyrtec tends to cause less sedation. The generic designation of Benadryl is Diphenhydramine, and the generic name of Zyrtec is Cetirizine. Benadryl was the first antihistamine to hit the market. It is a first-generation antihistamine, while Zyrtec is a second-generation antihistamine.

The most common uses of Benadryl are for allergies and common non-specific symptoms, such as itchiness, and it can be used for motion sickness, insomnia, and colds. Zyrtec is used for urticaria, hay fever and comes in quick-dissolving tablets and liquid. Benadryl comes in liquid, capsules, and quick-dissolving tablets.

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