| Benadryl | Nasacort | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic | diphenhydramine | triamcinolone acetonide |
| Active ingredient | Diphenhydramine HCl 25 mg | Triamcinolone acetonide 55 mcg per spray |
| Type | Oral antihistamine (pill), older type | Steroid nasal spray |
| Label uses | runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, itching of the nose or throat, common cold symptoms | nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose |
| Nasal congestion on label | No | Yes |
| Drowsiness | Marked drowsiness | No drowsiness warning |
| How often | Every 4 to 6 hours | Once a day |
| Youngest age on label | 6 years | 2 years |
| Maximum | 6 doses in 24 hours | 2 sprays in each nostril once a day |
The main differences
They are different kinds of medicine. Benadryl is an oral antihistamine (pill), older type you swallow; Nasacort is a steroid nasal spray you spray into the nose. Nasacort's label lists nasal congestion among its uses; Benadryl's does not.
On drowsiness: Benadryl: The label warns "marked drowsiness may occur", and that excitability may occur, especially in children. Nasacort: The label has no drowsiness warning.
For children, Nasacort is labeled from age 2, while Benadryl is labeled from age 6.
Dosing: Benadryl is every 4 to 6 hours; Nasacort is once a day.
Which might suit you
- you want a dose you can repeat every 4 to 6 hours and drowsiness is not a problem
- a stuffy nose is your main problem
- you need to stay alert during the day
- it is for a child aged 2 or older
This is based only on what the two labels say. Neither label claims to work better than the other. A pharmacist can help if you have other conditions or take other medicines.
Dose by age
Benadryl
- Adults and children 12 and over: 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours. Not more than 6 doses in 24 hours.
- Children 6 to under 12: 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours. Not more than 6 doses in 24 hours.
- Children under 6: Do not use.
Nasacort
- Adults and children 12 and over: 2 sprays in each nostril once daily. Once symptoms improve, reduce to 1 spray in each nostril daily.
- Children 6 to under 12: 1 spray in each nostril once daily (adult supervision). If no improvement, 2 sprays per nostril, then back to 1 once better.
- Children 2 to under 6: 1 spray in each nostril once daily (adult supervision).
- Children under 2: Do not use.
Key warnings
Benadryl
- Do not use with any other product containing diphenhydramine, even one used on the skin.
- Do not use to make a child sleepy.
- Ask a doctor before use if you have glaucoma, a breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, or trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate.
- Marked drowsiness may occur; excitability may occur, especially in children.
Nasacort
- Do not use in children under 2.
- Ask a doctor before use if you have had recent nose ulcers or surgery, an unhealed nose injury, an eye infection, glaucoma or cataracts, or use another steroid medicine.
- The growth rate of some children may be slower while using it.
- Stop and ask a doctor if exposed to chickenpox, measles or tuberculosis, or with severe or frequent nosebleeds or vision changes.
Compare prices for Benadryl Compare prices for Nasacort
Frequently asked questions
Is Benadryl or Nasacort better?
Neither label claims to work better than the other. Which suits you depends on your symptoms, age, and whether drowsiness matters, as compared above. A pharmacist can help you choose.
Can you take Benadryl and Nasacort together?
The labels don't cover taking these two together. Ask a pharmacist or doctor before combining allergy medicines.
Sources: Benadryl Allergy Drug Facts label (OTCLabels, from DailyMed); Nasacort Allergy 24HR Drug Facts label (Drugs.com, from the manufacturer's label). Checked October 17, 2026. Not medical advice. How we check.