Please note: a valid prescription is required for all prescription medication.
What Benadryl® XST Is and How It Works
Benadryl XST is the extra strength form of diphenhydramine HCl, an H1 antihistamine that relieves allergy and cold symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and itching due to hives. It also causes drowsiness, which can help with occasional nighttime sleep. Many people buy Benadryl XST online for convenience, including those comparing costs without insurance.
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Diphenhydramine blocks histamine at H1 receptors. This reduces nasal secretions, eye irritation, and skin itching. Benadryl XST is typically taken by mouth. Extra strength caplets commonly contain 50 mg of diphenhydramine. Effects begin within an hour and usually last 4–6 hours. Because it is sedating, it is often used at night or when daytime drowsiness is acceptable.
Dosage and Usage
- Adults and children 12 years and older: 25–50 mg by mouth every 4–6 hours as needed. Do not exceed the maximum daily dose on your package (often 300 mg in 24 hours for diphenhydramine).
- Children 6–11 years: follow package directions carefully; pediatric strengths vary. Many extra strength products are not intended for this age group.
- Children under 6 years: do not use unless directed by a healthcare professional.
- For occasional sleep: 50 mg at bedtime may be used for short-term nighttime relief. Allow at least 8 hours before activities requiring alertness.
- For motion sickness: take the first dose 30 minutes before travel; repeat every 4–6 hours as needed, not exceeding the daily maximum.
- Swallow caplets whole with water. Do not crush or chew unless labeled as chewable.
- Do not use with other products containing diphenhydramine (including topical forms) or with other sedating antihistamines.
- If a dose is missed and needed for symptoms, take it when remembered, but do not double doses.
- Store at 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) in a dry place. Keep the bottle tightly closed.
- Protect from moisture and excessive heat; avoid leaving medicine in a hot car.
- For travel, keep Benadryl XST in original packaging in your carry-on to maintain access and labeling.
- Use a pill organizer only if it keeps tablets dry and labeled.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets; child-resistant caps are not childproof.
Benefits and Savings
Benadryl XST offers fast relief of allergy and cold symptoms with extra strength dosing. The sedating profile can help with nighttime itching and sneezing that disturb sleep. Many find the single-ingredient formula easy to fit into an existing regimen when non-drowsy options are not sufficient.
Ordering from a Canadian online pharmacy can reduce your Benadryl XST price. Typical savings versus US retail range from 60–80%, depending on package size and current promotions. You can compare Benadryl XST cost options, including multi-pack bundles, to lower your per-month expenses even without insurance. Reorder reminders help you stay stocked before peak allergy seasons.
Looking for deals? See current offers and any available Benadryl XST coupon. Bulk purchase promotions may further increase your Benadryl XST savings.
We offer prompt, express Benadryl XST shipping to the US. Customer-service chat is available during posted office hours if you have order or account questions.
Side Effects and Safety
- Drowsiness or sedation
- Dizziness or impaired coordination
- Dry mouth, dry nose, or dry throat
- Blurred vision
- Constipation or upset stomach
- Thickened bronchial secretions
- Difficulty urinating, especially with enlarged prostate
- Headache
Serious reactions are uncommon but require attention, such as severe allergic reactions, confusion, hallucinations, heart rhythm changes, seizures, or breathing problems. Avoid alcohol and other sedatives or tranquilizers due to additive drowsiness. Use caution with glaucoma, peptic ulcer disease with narrowing, urinary retention, severe liver disease, chronic lung disease, or in older adults who are sensitive to anticholinergic effects. Do not use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and separate from other nighttime or cold medicines that contain diphenhydramine.
Onset Time
Symptom relief typically begins within 30–60 minutes. Maximum effect occurs around 2–4 hours after a dose. Relief usually lasts 4–6 hours, depending on individual response and symptom severity. For motion sickness, taking the first dose 30 minutes before travel helps reduce nausea and vertigo throughout the trip when repeated as directed. For sleep, nighttime dosing helps with falling asleep on the same night.
Compare With Alternatives
Loratadine (brand examples include Claritin) is a once-daily, non-drowsy antihistamine that controls sneezing and runny nose with less sedation than diphenhydramine. It may be better for daytime use when alertness is required, though onset can be slightly slower.
Cetirizine (Reactine) and levocetirizine provide strong allergy relief with low to moderate drowsiness in some people. They are useful for persistent allergic rhinitis and hives, with once-daily dosing that simplifies routines.
Fexofenadine (Allegra) is another non-sedating option with once- or twice-daily dosing. It helps when daytime concentration matters and when previous sedating antihistamines caused unwanted sleepiness.
For nighttime symptoms or as a sleep aid, doxylamine succinate is a sedating antihistamine alternative. Chlorpheniramine is an older option that can be less sedating than diphenhydramine but still causes drowsiness. The best choice depends on symptom pattern, daytime needs, and tolerability.
Combination Therapy
- Intranasal corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone or triamcinolone) for moderate to severe nasal congestion and inflammation.
- Saline nasal sprays or rinses to reduce dryness and flush allergens.
- Allergy eye drops (antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer) for itchy, watery eyes.
- Decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine) may be used short term; avoid close to bedtime and use caution with blood pressure or heart conditions.
- Topical anti-itch treatments (calamine, hydrocortisone 1%) for localized skin reactions.
- Avoid combining with other sedating antihistamines or sleep aids to reduce excessive drowsiness.
Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips
Benadryl XST may suit adults and teens with intermittent allergy flares, nighttime symptoms, or short-term itching that disrupts sleep. Those needing daytime alertness may prefer less sedating alternatives. Older adults, people with glaucoma, chronic lung disease, or urinary retention should use sedating antihistamines cautiously and discuss risks with a healthcare professional.
Consider the lowest effective dose for the shortest time. Avoid alcohol and hazardous tasks after dosing. Short-term use is typical for colds or hives; persistent symptoms may require a non-drowsy daily option or a different class of therapy.
To save on Benadryl XST, compare package sizes and look for multipacks or seasonal promotions. Multi-month supplies and bulk purchase deals can lower your per-unit cost. Reorder reminders help you avoid last-minute purchases at higher prices. If paying cash, comparing Benadryl XST cash price across sizes can reduce out-of-pocket costs. These strategies help when buying Benadryl XST no insurance.
Authoritative Sources
Benadryl Canada: Extra Strength Caplets Product Page
Health Canada Drug Product Database: Diphenhydramine Listings
DailyMed: Diphenhydramine Drug Information
Order Benadryl® XST from Youdrugstore.com: add to cart and check out, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your specific situation.
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What is Benadryl XST and what does it treat?
Benadryl XST is extra strength diphenhydramine, a sedating H1 antihistamine. It helps relieve sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and itching from hives. Some people also use it for occasional nighttime sleep or motion sickness. It is typically taken by mouth every 4–6 hours as needed, following package directions.
How long does Benadryl XST take to work and how long does it last?
Relief usually starts within 30 to 60 minutes. Peak effect is around two to four hours after a dose. Benefits commonly last four to six hours. For motion sickness, taking a dose 30 minutes before travel helps. For sleep, bedtime dosing can reduce nighttime symptoms that keep you awake.
Will Benadryl XST make me drowsy? Can I drive or work?
Benadryl XST often causes drowsiness, slowed reaction time, and dizziness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or tasks needing alertness after a dose. Do not combine with alcohol or other sedatives. If daytime alertness is required, ask about non-drowsy antihistamines that may better fit your schedule and symptom pattern.
Can I take Benadryl XST with other medicines or alcohol?
Avoid using it with other sedating antihistamines, sleep aids, or alcohol due to additive drowsiness. Use caution with medicines that cause anticholinergic effects. Do not take diphenhydramine with MAOIs. If you use decongestants or other cold remedies, check labels to prevent duplicate ingredients and interactions.
How much does Benadryl XST cost without insurance?
When you buy Benadryl XST online from a Canadian pharmacy, many orders see 60–80% savings versus typical US retail. Pricing varies by pack size and promotions. Comparing sizes, using multipack offers, and watching for deals can lower your out-of-pocket cost when purchasing without insurance.
Do I need a prescription to buy Benadryl XST online?
Benadryl XST is an over-the-counter antihistamine in Canada, so no prescription is generally required. You can order through an online pharmacy storefront, select your preferred pack size, and check out. If you have ongoing conditions or take multiple medicines, ask a healthcare professional before use.
