Can I use this medicine for a cold instead of allergies?

Diphenhydramine can help with runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes that occur with a common cold. It may also make you drowsy at night. It does not treat the virus itself, and daytime use often causes excessive sleepiness. Consider non-drowsy daytime options for work or school, and use this only at night as directed. If symptoms persist or worsen, talk to your clinician.

How long should I take it for sleep related to allergies?

This product is intended for short-term use when nighttime allergy symptoms prevent rest. Many people use it for a few nights while allergens are high. Using it continuously for extended periods can lead to reduced effect and more side effects. If you need it most nights, speak with a healthcare professional about long-term allergy control and safer sleep strategies.

Is it safe to combine with other allergy medicines?

Avoid combining products that also contain diphenhydramine to prevent accidental overuse. For daytime symptom control, a non-drowsy antihistamine may be considered, but check with a pharmacist or clinician first. Decongestants, sleep aids, anxiety medicines, and alcohol can increase drowsiness when used together with this medicine. Always read ingredient lists and follow label directions.

Who should avoid taking this at night?

People with certain eye problems like narrow-angle glaucoma, those with trouble urinating due to prostate enlargement, or those with severe breathing disorders should avoid diphenhydramine unless a prescriber approves. Older adults may be especially sensitive to confusion or dizziness. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your clinician before using any nighttime antihistamine.

Will it make me too drowsy the next day?

Residual drowsiness can occur, especially with higher amounts, late-night dosing, or individual sensitivity. Plan for a full night’s sleep and avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how you respond. Alcohol, cannabis, or other sedatives can intensify next-morning effects. If morning grogginess is a pattern, discuss alternatives that are less sedating.

Can I drink alcohol with this medicine?

It’s best to avoid alcohol. Both alcohol and diphenhydramine depress the central nervous system, and using them together can cause increased sedation, dizziness, and impaired coordination. This raises the risk of falls and accidents. If you consumed alcohol, skip this medicine that night. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure about timing or interactions with your routine.

What if my main issue is daytime allergies, not sleep?

First-generation antihistamines can be very sedating during the day. Consider a non-drowsy option for daytime symptoms, such as a second-generation antihistamine. Pairing environmental controls with a suitable daytime therapy often helps. Review your symptoms and routine with a healthcare professional to choose the right class and timing for your needs.

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Benadryl Extra Strength Nighttime

Benadryl® Extra Strength Nighttime Tablets for Nighttime Allergy Relief

Allergies, Insomnia

Please note: a valid prescription is required for all prescription medication.

Stock up and Save - Get 20% off when you buy 3 or more of any one product. Use code SAVE20 at checkout.

Coupon code cannot be combined with other offers. Sale applies to all products originating from Canada. Maximum allowable quantity equal to a 90 day supply per single order.

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This nighttime antihistamine helps relieve sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, and can assist with occasional sleeplessness tied to allergies. You will find what it does, how to use it safely, and ways to access it here. Available with US shipping from Canada, including one option for Benadryl Extra Strength Nighttime without insurance.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

What Benadryl Is and How It Works

Benadryl® contains diphenhydramine, a first-generation antihistamine. It blocks H1 histamine receptors to reduce classic allergy symptoms. The medicine also crosses the blood–brain barrier, which is why it can cause drowsiness that may help with nighttime settling.

Many people choose diphenhydramine HCl 50 mg nighttime tablets for short-term relief of allergy-related insomnia. The treatment typically starts working within an hour. Avoid alcohol and other sedatives, as combined effects may be stronger.

This page summarizes label-aligned information. When in doubt, follow the package directions or ask a healthcare professional.

Who It’s For

Adults and teens who need help with seasonal or indoor allergy symptoms at night may be candidates. Benadryl Extra Strength Nighttime for allergies is used for sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat that disrupts sleep. It is not meant for small children unless directed by a clinician.

People with certain conditions should avoid it unless a prescriber agrees. These include narrow-angle glaucoma, severe breathing problems, trouble urinating due to prostate enlargement, and a history of severe sensitivity to diphenhydramine or similar medicines. Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects like confusion or dizziness.

Dosage and Usage

Use the product exactly as stated on the label. For allergy symptoms, daytime use can cause drowsiness, so consider a non-drowsy alternative for daytime relief. For nighttime use, take the directed amount shortly before bed. Swallow tablets or caplets whole with water. Do not chew unless the package specifically allows it.

Do not take more than the labeled maximum in 24 hours. Avoid other medicines that also contain diphenhydramine, including some multi-symptom cold products. If you are using another sedating medicine, talk with your clinician or pharmacist before combining. If symptoms last beyond a few days, seek medical advice rather than increasing the dose.

Children, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and those with chronic conditions should check the package warnings and consult a clinician before use. Always follow the official label for your specific pack.

Strengths and Forms

This nighttime product commonly comes as tablets, caplets, or gelcaps designed for oral use. Packages vary by count. Some packs are travel-friendly; others provide larger household supplies. Availability can differ by supplier and country of origin.

Listings may include diphenhydramine HCl 50 mg sleep aid tablets; check your pack for the exact strength and format provided. If you prefer a different form, review the ingredients to confirm the same active component and comparable dosing directions.

Missed Dose and Timing

This medicine is taken as needed, not on a strict schedule. If you planned a bedtime dose and forgot, take it only if you still intend to sleep for a full night. If morning is approaching, skip it to avoid daytime drowsiness. Do not double up later.

For symptom control over consecutive nights, use the lowest effective amount for the shortest possible time. If nighttime congestion or itching continues most nights, ask your healthcare professional about longer-term strategies.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store in a dry place at room temperature, away from direct heat and excessive moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed. Protect from light as directed on the label. Always keep out of reach of children and pets.

When traveling, carry the original packaging so security agents and clinicians can see the active ingredient and directions. Place tablets in your carry-on to avoid heat extremes. If you cross time zones, keep your usual bedtime routine in mind and do not exceed the daily maximum. Dispose of expired product as advised by your local pharmacist.

Benefits

Antihistamine therapy can reduce allergy symptoms that make it hard to fall asleep. Many people find it convenient to have one medicine that tackles itch, sneezing, and nasal symptoms while also promoting drowsiness at bedtime. The treatment is widely available, and formats such as caplets or gelcaps are easy to take with water.

For daytime control without drowsiness, second-generation antihistamines may be better options. You can browse our category for alternatives that suit daytime activities.

Side Effects and Safety

Common: drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, blurred vision, constipation
Other reported: headache, thickened mucus, dry eyes

Serious but less common reactions can include confusion, agitation, severe drowsiness, trouble urinating, or rapid heartbeat. Stop use and seek medical help if these occur, or if you notice facial swelling, rash, or breathing difficulties. Using alcohol, cannabis, sleep medicines, or other sedatives can intensify drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating machinery after a bedtime dose until you know how you respond.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Diphenhydramine can interact with other central nervous system depressants, such as prescription sleep aids, benzodiazepines, opioid pain medicines, and alcohol. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors may also interact; talk with your clinician if you take them. Combining multiple products that include diphenhydramine can lead to accidental overuse, so read ingredient lists closely.

Use caution if you have asthma, chronic bronchitis, glaucoma, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or prostate enlargement. Older adults may be at higher risk of confusion, falls, and anticholinergic effects. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare professional before use.

What to Expect Over Time

You may notice symptom relief and drowsiness within the first hour of a bedtime dose. Antihistamine tolerance can develop with frequent use, and this medicine is not intended for chronic insomnia. If you find you need it most nights, discuss longer-term allergy control or sleep strategies with your clinician. Consistent bedtime routines and maintaining a dark, quiet environment may improve results.

Compare With Alternatives

If you want the same active ingredient without branding, consider a generic option such as Diphenhydramine. For daytime use without drowsiness, a second-generation antihistamine like Claritin Rapid Dissolve may be suitable. Always compare active ingredients and directions before switching.

Pricing and Access

Check today’s Benadryl Extra Strength Nighttime price by selecting your pack size above. You can compare Canadian options with US delivery from Canada and choose the quantity that fits your needs. If you’re looking for coupon-based savings, review current Promotions. Our checkout is encrypted for your protection.

For more background on allergies, explore Allergies or read practical tips in Seasonal Allergies and Allergy FAQs. If sleep is your main concern, see Insomnia or our article on Sleep Disorders. You can also browse broader Allergy Products.

Availability and Substitutions

Stock can vary. If a pack is unavailable, a prescriber or pharmacist may recommend an alternative with the same active ingredient or a non-drowsy option for daytime relief. Benadryl Extra Strength Nighttime from Canada may appear in different pack sizes depending on the supplier.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This medicine may be suitable if your allergy symptoms keep you up at night and you do not need to drive or operate machinery. It may not be appropriate if you have certain eye, urinary, or breathing conditions, or if you take other sedating medicines. Use the smallest effective amount for the fewest nights needed.

To reduce out-of-pocket spending, consider multi-pack options when available and set refill reminders so you do not buy urgently. Compare brand and generic listings side by side. If you use daytime antihistamines as well, pick different classes to avoid duplication. When traveling, plan ahead and keep your supply in original packaging so you can move through security smoothly.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

Nighttime goals: Is this medicine appropriate for my symptoms at night?
Daytime strategy: What non-drowsy options should I use during the day?
Other medicines: Are there interactions with my current prescriptions or supplements?
Safety factors: Am I at higher risk of confusion, falls, or urinary issues?
Duration: How many nights in a row should I use it before re-evaluation?
Alternatives: Which options fit best if I need to avoid sedation?

Authoritative Sources

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View All FAQs

Can I use this medicine for a cold instead of allergies?
Diphenhydramine can help with runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes that occur with a common cold. It may also make you drowsy at night. It does not treat the virus itself, and daytime use often causes excessive sleepiness. Consider non-drowsy daytime options for work or school, and use this only at night as directed. If symptoms persist or worsen, talk to your clinician.
How long should I take it for sleep related to allergies?
This product is intended for short-term use when nighttime allergy symptoms prevent rest. Many people use it for a few nights while allergens are high. Using it continuously for extended periods can lead to reduced effect and more side effects. If you need it most nights, speak with a healthcare professional about long-term allergy control and safer sleep strategies.
Is it safe to combine with other allergy medicines?
Avoid combining products that also contain diphenhydramine to prevent accidental overuse. For daytime symptom control, a non-drowsy antihistamine may be considered, but check with a pharmacist or clinician first. Decongestants, sleep aids, anxiety medicines, and alcohol can increase drowsiness when used together with this medicine. Always read ingredient lists and follow label directions.
Who should avoid taking this at night?
People with certain eye problems like narrow-angle glaucoma, those with trouble urinating due to prostate enlargement, or those with severe breathing disorders should avoid diphenhydramine unless a prescriber approves. Older adults may be especially sensitive to confusion or dizziness. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your clinician before using any nighttime antihistamine.
Will it make me too drowsy the next day?
Residual drowsiness can occur, especially with higher amounts, late-night dosing, or individual sensitivity. Plan for a full night’s sleep and avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how you respond. Alcohol, cannabis, or other sedatives can intensify next-morning effects. If morning grogginess is a pattern, discuss alternatives that are less sedating.
Can I drink alcohol with this medicine?
It’s best to avoid alcohol. Both alcohol and diphenhydramine depress the central nervous system, and using them together can cause increased sedation, dizziness, and impaired coordination. This raises the risk of falls and accidents. If you consumed alcohol, skip this medicine that night. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure about timing or interactions with your routine.
What if my main issue is daytime allergies, not sleep?
First-generation antihistamines can be very sedating during the day. Consider a non-drowsy option for daytime symptoms, such as a second-generation antihistamine. Pairing environmental controls with a suitable daytime therapy often helps. Review your symptoms and routine with a healthcare professional to choose the right class and timing for your needs.