Benadryl vs. Vistaril

Benadryl(diphenhydramine) andVistaril(hydroxyzinepamoate) areantihistaminesused to treat allergicskinreactions such ashivesorcontact dermatitis.

Benadryl is also used to treatinsomnia,motion sickness, and mild cases ofParkinsonism.

Vistaril is also used as asedativeto treatanxietyandtension, or tocontrolnauseaand vomiting. Vistaril is also used together with other medications given foranesthesia.

Benadryl is availableingenericform andover-the-counter(OTC) while Vistaril is available byprescription.

Side effectsof Benadryl include:

• drowsiness,
• fatigue,
• tiredness,
• sleepiness,
• dizziness,
• disturbed coordination,
• constipation,
• dry mouth/nose/throat,
• difficulty urinating or an enlargedprostate,
• upsetstomach,
• blurred vision,
• double vision,
• tremor,
• loss of appetite,
• headache, or
• nausea.

Common side effects of Vistaril include:

• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• blurred vision,
• drymouth,
• stomach upset,
• or headache.

Tell yourdoctorif you experience serious side effects of Vistaril including:

• restlessmusclemovements in your eyes,tongue,jaw, orneck,
• tremors (uncontrolled shaking),
• confusion,
• or seizures (convulsions).

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an antihistamine used to treat allergies, hives, insomnia, motion sickness, and mild cases of Parkinsonism.

What is Vistaril?

Vistaril (hydroxyzine pamoate) is an antihistamine withanticholinergic(drying) and sedative properties used as a sedative to treat anxiety and tension. Vistaril is also used together with other medications given for anesthesia. Vistaril may also be used to control nausea and vomiting, or to treat allergic skin reactions such as hives or contactdermatitis.

Benadryl may interact with other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold orallergymedicine, sedatives,narcoticpainmedicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures,depression, or anxiety).

Benadryl may also interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Vistaril may interact with other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety).

A typical dose of Benadryl is 25-50mgevery 4-6 hours. Benadryl may interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), other over-the-countercough, cold, allergy, or insomnia medications, anxiety orsleepmedicines,antidepressants, or any other medications that make you feel drowsy, sleepy, or relaxed. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Benadryl has not been adequately evaluated inpregnantwomen. Benadryl is secreted inbreast milk. Because of the risk of stimulation and seizures in infants, especially newborns and premature infants, antihistamines should not be used bynursingmothers.

The recommended dose of Vistaril for treating itch (pruritus) is 25 mg, 3 or 4 times daily. For sedation, the recommended dose is 50 to 100 mg. The dose to treat anxiety and tension is 50 to 100 mg 4 times daily.