which is better for allergies benadryl or claritin?

Answer 1

In my professional opinion diphenhydramine (Benadryl) should have been removed from the marked years ago. It is not more effective than other antihistamines although it does have the highest incidence of side effects. Loratadine (Claritin) is better. The dose is suggested to be 10 mg daily but many and perhaps most adults will require 20 mg daily. The 10 mg dose came about when the company initailly present loratadine to the Food and Drug Administration for approval as a prescription drug. The FDA said the dose was 20 mg while the company said it was 10 mg. The company did not object to the 20 mg dose so much as at that dose they would not be allowed to advertise that it was 'nonsedating'. After 77 months of arguing which is an FDA record for length of time to approval the FDA gave in and said that 10 mg was OK. Ironically sedation is not uncommon even at that dose.

Answer 2

I would say neither. I would go with a nasal steroid. It relieves almost all the symptoms of allergies with fewer side effects. Benadry can knock you out and dry you out. I find a lot of treatment failure with Claritin.

I use, and recommend Flonase-a nasal inhaler. Two sprays in each nostril once daily does the trick. It may take a few days to completely suppress symptoms. So, you could take some Chlortrimeton if you needed something to hold you over. It's an antihistamine that works about as well as Benadryl but, it's usually not as sedating. If you are older, or really susceptible to drowsiness from antihistamine, then take the Claritin instead. The Flonase should start to kick in the first day-but like I said, it may take a few days to get the full effect.

I start taking the Flonase in early Spring. I stop taking it in late Fall. Thus, I only take it when stuff is growing. I use to take antihistamines all the time. And, I also use to walk around in a daze, disconnected world. I haven't taken an antihistamine since starting the nasal steroid. I still walk around dazed and disconnected, but that's a different issue ;)

Don't worry about the side effects of steroids. By inhaling such a small amount, you really don't absorb enough to cause problems-except stay away from nasal steroids containing dexamethasone. And, it doesn't have to be Flonase-that just what I've used for years.

Answer 3

While both are antihistamines, they don't work in the body the same way. Claritin is better as a preventative (seasonal allergies) and benadryl is better for after-the-fact (food allergies & accidental exposures). You can actually take both if you need to, though it is not recommended to do this on a daily basis. If you're looking for something to take with you, then find the capsules. For something to keep at home, buy the liquid as it will absorb faster. The liquid is also easier to take should your throat start swelling and swallowing pills becomes difficult. You may also want to ask your doctor for an epipen. Food allergies at any time can switch from mild to severe, and having that extra assurance (even if you never need it) is always welcome. Benadryl cremes and hydrocortizone creams/oint. may also help with hive relief. Though do use the hydrocortizone sparingly, as it is a steroid and can cause problems with overuse. I would recommend that you avoid the problematic food/ingredient in all ways possible. Prevention is the best method. Good Luck.

Answer 4

Ohhh, that all depends on how fast you want relief. I use over the counter Claritin daily and that helps supress allergy attacks, but if it is an attack and really bad, take the benedryl. I like the capsules with the red/white coat and the powder medication inside as opposed to the hard capsules. They seem to work better and faster. Anyway, good luck w/ that!

Answer 5

I would say Claritin. Benadryl can really dry you out and also make you very drowsy. I take the 24 hour (non-drowsy) Claritin and it works very well.

Answer 6

benadryl puts you to sleep without helping the situation. Claritin as you can see is not that helpful either. One way you can tell is they sell it over the counter now.

Answer 7

Depends on the kind of allergies...I use claritin for sinus problems, and I've used Benedryl in the past for skin or medince allergies. Benedryl makes you really sleepy though.

Answer 8

Neither. Claritin gave me 5 hour nosebleeds every month. Search Ningxia Red and find where you can buy it on the web. It's alittle expensive and bitter but it's worth it.

Answer 9

my nephew uses allerga for allergies but i like benadryl.claritin does'nt work for me.it depends on your body.but i would say benadryl
kathy

Answer 10

I prefer Allegra. It's precription and it actually works for me.