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Flonase vs Benadryl
Introduction
For patients with allergies or other types of inflammatory responses, certain drugs that provide relief from the corresponding symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes can be extremely beneficial. Flonase and Benadryl are two such drugs often recommended for these conditions. They each work differently but both aim to alleviate allergy symptoms effectively. Flonase is a corticosteroid nasal spray that reduces inflammation in the nasal passages by hindering the release of substances in the body that cause allergic reactions. On the other hand, Benadryl is an antihistamine taken orally which works by blocking histamines—chemicals produced by your immune system during an allergic reaction—that cause itching, swelling, and other allergy symptoms.
What is Flonase?
Fluticasone (the generic name for Flonase) is a type of corticosteroid which marked a significant advancement in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever. It was first approved by the FDA in 1994. Flonase works by reducing inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, providing more sustained relief from allergy symptoms than antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl). It's prescribed for managing seasonal or year-round allergies. Flonase has a localized effect mainly within the nasal passage with minimal systemic absorption, which results in it having fewer side effects such as drowsiness that are usually associated with oral antihistamines like Benadryl.
What conditions is Flonase approved to treat?
Flonase is approved for the treatment of various allergy symptoms:
- Seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever
- Nonallergic (vasomotor) rhinitis
- Nasal congestion associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients 2 years of age and older
- Prophylaxis to prevent nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis
How does Flonase help with these illnesses?
Flonase helps to manage allergies by reducing the inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses. It does this by mimicking the actions of corticosteroids, hormones that our body naturally produces to control inflammatory responses. When sprayed into the nose, Flonase binds to certain receptors within cells, leading to a series of reactions that suppress immune responses and reduce inflammation. Inflammation is responsible for many common allergy symptoms like runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, and redness. Therefore, by decreasing inflammation, Flonase can limit these bothersome allergy symptoms and help patients better manage their condition.
On the other hand, Benadryl works differently as it is an antihistamine. Histamines are chemicals produced during an allergic reaction causing many of the uncomfortable symptoms we associate with allergies. By blocking histamines from attaching to cells in your body Benadryl can provide temporary relief from these allergy symptoms.
What is Benadryl?
Benadryl, a brand name for diphenhydramine, is an antihistamine which can be used to relieve symptoms of allergies, the common cold and for sedative purposes. It works by blocking histamines, chemicals that the body releases in response to certain allergens. Also known as a first-generation antihistamine, Benadryl was approved by the FDA in 1946.
Unlike Flonase (a corticosteroid nasal spray), Benadryl doesn't just target nasal allergy symptoms; it also helps alleviate skin itchiness or hives caused by allergies. As an older class of medication than Flonase, it has some effects on other receptors in the brain causing drowsiness - seen as a side effect but also utilized purposely for its sedating properties. This differentiates it from medications like Flonase and second-generation antihistamines that don’t cause drowsiness. Its wide range of application makes it beneficial especially when multiple allergy related symptoms are experienced concurrently.
What conditions is Benadryl approved to treat?
Benadryl is a go-to medication that has been approved for the treatment of several conditions, such as:
- Allergy symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes
- Common cold symptoms
- Occasional sleeplessness caused by minor pain and discomfort.
This makes Benadryl a versatile choice not just during allergy season but also when dealing with common colds or experiencing trouble sleeping due to mild discomfort.
How does Benadryl help with these illnesses?
Histamine is a compound that your body releases in response to an allergic reaction. It triggers the typical symptoms we associate with allergies, such as itchiness, redness, swelling and sneezing. Benadryl works by blocking the action of histamine at certain sites in the body which produce these allergy symptoms. It's a first-generation antihistamine, meaning it enters the brain and can cause drowsiness - unlike second-generation antihistamines like Flonase. This makes Benadryl not only effective for alleviating allergy symptoms but also useful when a sedating effect may be desired; for instance, aiding sleep or reducing anxiety during stressful situations where allergic responses are exacerbated. However, due to its potential side effects – including drowsiness – it should be used under medical advice especially in cases where focus and attention are required.
How effective are both Flonase and Benadryl?
Both fluticasone propionate (Flonase) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) have been proven effective in treating allergic rhinitis symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes. Both were approved by the FDA within a decade of each other – Benadryl in 1946 and Flonase in 1990 - but they act on different receptors to provide symptom relief.
A study conducted in 1998 showed that both fluticasone propionate nasal spray and oral diphenhydramine effectively reduced total nasal symptom scores with similar efficacy. However, there are key differences between these drugs: Flonase is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation directly at the source while Benadryl is an antihistamine that works by blocking histamines throughout your body.
In terms of side effects safety profile, Flonase has minimal systemic absorption which lessens likelihood of side effects like jitteriness or insomnia compared to oral medications like Benadryl. There were no significant differences reported between patients using fluticasone propionate versus those using diphenhydramine regarding adverse events during this study.
To compare overall popularity among consumers: In 2004 analysis report revealed that fluticasone propionate was one of the best-selling allergy drugs globally due to its non-drowsy nature and ease of use once daily dosing regimen. Its direct application into nostrils allows for targeted treatment reducing systemic exposure thus having fewer side-effects than many oral counterparts.
On the contrary note; A meta-analysis review conducted in 2016 indicated Benadryl's effectiveness against placebo for relieving common cold symptoms though not generally recommended because sedation which can affect work productivity or ability to operate machinery safely. Despite being available over-the-counter since decades before newer intranasal steroids came onto market, it’s typically considered as second-line treatment option after failure from first line defense such as intranasal corticosteroids or leukotriene receptor antagonists because drowsiness effect could be highly inconvenient especially during daytime usage. However due to its unique pharmacology features like fast onset action & broad spectrum coverage against multiple allergenic substances make it optimal choice for individuals who did not respond well initial treatments possibly avoiding troublesome side-effects such as those prone drowsiness caused by most OTC antihistamines products available nowadays.
At what dose is Flonase typically prescribed?
Usual dosages of Flonase (fluticasone propionate) for adults and children over 12 years old are two sprays per nostril once daily, amounting to 200 mcg/day. Studies have shown that this dosage is efficient in treating allergic rhinitis symptoms in most individuals. Children between the ages of 4 and 11 may be started with one spray per nostril once daily, which amounts to a total of 100 mcg/day. If there's no improvement after a few weeks, consult your doctor who might consider increasing the dose. However, exceeding the maximum recommended dosage, which is two sprays per nostril twice daily (400mcg/day), should be avoided under any circumstances.
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At what dose is Benadryl typically prescribed?
Benadryl treatment is typically initiated at a dosage of 25-50 mg every 4-6 hours, however, the dose should not exceed 300 mg per day. If there isn't sufficient relief from symptoms with this initial dosage, it can be increased to up to a maximum of 300 mg/day divided into doses spaced roughly six hours apart. It's important to note that exceeding these recommended dosages may result in severe drowsiness and other side effects. Regardless of how much you increase the dosage, if you don't notice any improvement in your symptoms after several weeks or they worsen, consult with your healthcare provider for further advice or alternate treatments.
What are the most common side effects for Flonase?
Common side effects of Flonase (fluticasone) include:
- Headache
- Nasal irritation or dryness
- Sneezing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Asthenia (general weakness and fatigue)
- Cough, hoarseness, or throat irritation
- Nosebleeds
On the other hand, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) may cause:
- Drowsiness/sleepiness
- Dry mouth, nose, and throat
- Dizziness
-Nausea
-Vomiting
-Hypotension (low blood pressure) -Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
Remember to always consult your healthcare provider if you experience any adverse symptoms while taking these medications.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Flonase?
While using Flonase, in rare cases, you may experience severe side effects which include:
- An allergic reaction characterized by hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.
- Worsening or no improvement of your symptoms
- Severe or ongoing nosebleeds
- Eye problems like pain, redness and vision changes
- Fever with chills and body aches
- Sores or white patches inside or around the nose
In contrast to Benadryl which can cause drowsiness and affect cognitive function. If any of these side effects occur when using Flonase it's important that you seek immediate medical attention. It is also recommended that you inform your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking as Flonase might interact with them causing adverse reactions.
What are the most common side effects for Benadryl?
When using Benadryl, you may encounter the following side effects:
- Drowsiness or sedation
- Dry mouth, throat and nose
- Blurred vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Difficulty urinating
- Increased heart rate
- Confusion or delirium in older adults
- Tremors, feeling nervous or anxious
Sleep disturbances such as insomnia are less common but can occur. It's also worth noting that prolonged use of Benadryl can sometimes lead to weight gain. Headache and muscle or joint pain aren't typically associated with this medication; however, individual reactions can vary.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Benadryl?
While Benadryl is typically safe, in some cases it can cause serious side effects. You should seek medical help immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Signs of an allergic reaction including hives; swelling on your face, lips, tongue or throat; difficulty breathing
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Mood changes such as restlessness or confusion
- Difficulty urinating
- Vision problems like blurred vision or double vision
- A seizure (convulsions) Remember that while drowsiness is a common side effect of Benadryl and may not be alarming, severe dizziness and trouble sleeping are symptoms that need immediate attention.
Contraindications for Flonase and Benadryl?
Both Flonase and Benadryl, like most allergy medications, may cause some adverse effects in certain individuals. If you notice any unexpected or severe reactions such as difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat after using these drugs, please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Flonase nor Benadryl should be used if you are taking certain types of medication such as monoamine oxidize (MAO) inhibitors. Always inform your health practitioner about the medications you are currently on; MAO inhibitors will require a period of around two weeks to clear from your system to prevent dangerous interactions with both Flonase and Benadryl.
How much do Flonase and Benadryl cost?
For the brand-name versions of these drugs:
- The price of a 16 gram bottle of Flonase (fluticasone propionate), enough for about 120 sprays, averages around $22. This works out to approximately $0.18 per spray or roughly $0.36–$0.72/day, depending on your dose.
- The price of Benadryl (diphenhydramine) varies by form and size; for instance, a pack of 24 capsules (25 mg each) is approximately $5, which equates to about $0.21/day if taking one tablet daily.
Thus, if you are in the higher dosage range for Flonase (i.e., two sprays in each nostril per day), then Benadryl can be less expensive on a per-day treatment basis, assuming one capsule daily intake.
For generic versions of these medications:
- A similar-sized bottle of generic fluticasone nasal spray costs between $10 and $15 ($0.08-$0.12/spray). Thus, if you're using two sprays in each nostril daily as recommended maximum dose for adults - it would cost you roughly between $0.32 and $0.48/day.
- Generic diphenhydramine is available at comparable prices to name-brand Benadryl — typically under five dollars for a package with quantities ranging from around 20 to over 100 tablets/capsules – working out even cheaper than branded product on a per-dose basis.
Remember that while costs may factor into your decision-making process when selecting an allergy medication, effectiveness and side effects should be primary considerations based on individual's health condition and tolerance towards medication side-effects.
Popularity of Flonase and Benadryl
Fluticasone propionate, in generic form as well as brand names such as Flonase, was estimated to have been used by about 8 million people in the US in 2020. Fluticasone accounted for just over 14% of corticosteroid nasal spray prescriptions and is particularly popular during the spring allergy season due to its efficacy at relieving symptoms like sneezing, stuffy or runny nose. The prevalence of fluticasone has generally been increasing since its launch.
Diphenhydramine, including brand versions such as Benadryl, was used by an estimated 3 million people in the USA in 2020. In the US, diphenhydramine accounts for nearly a third of antihistamine medication use owing to its broad applications beyond allergies (for instance, it's commonly used as a sleep aid). However, while effective at relieving allergy symptoms like itching and hives, it can cause drowsiness—a side effect not present with fluticasone—making it less ideal for daytime use. The prevalence of diphenhydramine has remained steady over recent years.
Conclusion
Flonase (fluticasone) and Benadryl (diphenhydramine) are both widely used in the treatment of allergic reactions, but they work in different ways and are typically used for slightly different purposes. Flonase is a corticosteroid nasal spray that works by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages, making it particularly effective for treating symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, itching or congestion caused by seasonal or perennial allergies.
Benadryl, on the other hand, is an antihistamine which works by blocking histamines - chemicals produced during an allergic reaction that cause symptoms like itching, runny nose and hives. Because it treats these broader range of allergy symptoms and not just those related to the nasal passages, Benadryl can be considered more versatile than Flonase.
Both medications have generic versions available which offer significant cost savings for patients who must pay out of pocket. The effects of both drugs should be noticeable fairly quickly although some people may require time to adjust to them.
Side effects from both drugs are usually mild; however there’s a key difference: while Flonase is generally non-drowsy, Benadryl often causes drowsiness so individuals taking this drug need to exercise caution with activities requiring alertness such as driving or operating machinery.