Benadryl and Sudafed Belong to Different Drug Classes. Benadryl Is an Antihistamine and Sudafed Is a Decongestant. Benadryl and Sudafed Are Available in...
Benadryl and Sudafed belong to different drug classes. Benadryl is an antihistamine and Sudafed is a decongestant. Benadryl and Sudafed are available in generic form and over-the-counter (OTC).
What is the difference between a decongestant and an antihistamine?
While antihistamines work to prevent and quell allergy symptoms by blocking the effects of histamine, decongestants work by narrowing your blood vessels, decreasing swelling and inflammation. Decongestants offer relief by helping to break the vicious cycle of continuous congestion and pressure.
Allegra-D (fexofenadine with pseudoephedrine) is an antihistamine combined with the same active ingredient as Sudafed. It is used to treat seasonal allergies and relieve nasal congestion and sinus pressure. It is sold over the counter, and a generic version is also available.