Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can help to dry up congestion but there are more effective alternatives available.
Answered By: Dr. Brian Staiger Pharm.D
Dec 07, 2018
Lindsey asked
Does Benadryl help with congestion? I don't like taking Sudafed and was just wondering if it could help.
At a glance
Benadryl is marginally effective for drying up congestion, but there are more effective alternatives including nasal steroids (e.g. Flonase, Nasonex) and oral decongestants (e.g. Sudafed)
Dr. Brian Staiger is a licensed pharmacist in New York State and the founder of the Q+A website PharmacistAnswers.com. He graduated from the University At Buffalo with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2010.
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