The answer to this question depends on your symptoms and the side effects that you want to avoid.
Cetirizine, loratadine and fexofenadine have similar efficacy and side effects. The effectiveness of cetirizine and fexofenadine, however, can wear off over time in some people. Cetirizine and fexofenadine both cause less sedation compared to diphenhydramine, but loratadine generally causes the least amount of daytime drowsiness.
Diphenhydramine, on the other hand, is considered to be overall stronger and better than other antihistamines at treating hives and other allergic symptoms. The downside to this option is that diphenhydramine causes drowsiness (more in some people than others). It is powerful when it comes to addressing symptoms, but we don’t recommend taking it during the day if you have stuff you need to get done. Also, while most allergy medicatations are taken once or twice a day, diphenhydramine is generally taken every four to six hours.
Diphenhydramine
Relieves allergy symptoms such as hives, sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose or throat, and watery eyes.
Compares to: Benadryl
Best for: Individuals seeking strong allergy relief who won’t be participating in any activity that requires attention due to symptoms of drowsiness.
Please refer to Allergy Relief (Diphenhydramine) FAQs for more detailed information.
Nasal Decongestant (Phenylephrine)
A nasal decongestant (not an antihitamine or allergy pill) that provides maximum strength, non-drowsy relief for nasal congestion.
Compares to: Sudafed PE
Best for: Individuals suffering from a lot of congestion along with their allergies. Nasal decongestants, like phenylephrine, can often be taken with an allergy pill for additive effects.
Please refer to Nasal Decongestant FAQs for more detailed information.
Fexofenadine [Coming Soon]
Provides non-drowsy relief for the symptoms of seasonal allergies or hay fever, such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose or throat, hives, itchy eyes.
Compares to: Allegra 24 hour
Best for: Individuals with allergy symptoms who require a non-drowsy option.
Cetirizine [Coming Soon]
Provides quick relief of allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose or throat, itchy or watery eyes within one hour.
Compares to: Zyrtec
Best for: Individuals who need fast relief for allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose or throat, and watery eyes. Cetirizine has been proven in some studies to be more effective than fexofenadine in relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Loratadine [Coming Soon]
Provides non-drowsy relief for the symptoms of allergy, such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose or throat, hives, itchy eyes. This is the option least likely to cause drowsiness.
Compares to: Claritin
Best for: Individuals with allergy symptoms who require a non-drowsy option.