A 41-year-old member asked:
Is there a difference between benadryl (diphenhydramine) and pseudoephedrine?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Stephen Kimuraanswered
Allergy and Immunology 37 years experience
Yes: Benadry is the brand name for diphenhydramine, an antihistamine. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. So definitely a different medication.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Jack Mutnickanswered
Allergy and Immunology 19 years experience
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Sudafed: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an antihistamine (blocks the histamine receptor) and sudafed is a decongestant. Basically sudafed grabs a hold of the blood vessels and squeezes them down for a period of time. Hence the reason that rebound congestion and high blood pressure are attributed to this medicine.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 39-year-old member asked:
What's the difference between Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and sudafed?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. David Martinanswered
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery 30 years experience
Medical questions: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an antihistamine, good for allergies and to lessen the drainage during an upper respiratory infection. Sudafed is a decongestant, good for helping you breath through a stuffy nose from a cold, bad allergies or sinus problems. Sudafed can also raise blood pressure, and shouldn't be taken on a regular basis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 28, 2016
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