I've noticed that prices vary sometimes by whole dollars for the same medications with different labels. At our local Rite Aid, a box of 24 gelcap ZzzQuils is a full dollar more than a 24 count box of Benadryl. Why does that matter? Well, they have the same active ingredient: Diphenhydramine HCI 25mg. Yes, one is being sold as a sleep aid and one as allergy relief, but they are one in the same. I suppose if the purple gelcap means more to you than the pink tablet, you might be willing to spend that extra dollar. I'm not. I don't care what it looks like or how it feels in my mouth, medicine is supposed to be gross. So an entire dollar for a different name brand. Now, store brand Diphenhydramine HCI 25mg (usually near the Benadryl, labeled as an Allergy Aid or something to that effect) can be $3-$4 less than the name brand; and again, same active ingredient. So why would you spend $7.79 on ZzzQuil when you can spend $4.89 on the generic brand? I believe it's because we are uninformed. We've been told that Benadryl will stop that itch. Tylenol will cure that headache. OH OH! Advil Migraine! That's what I need! The generic can't possibly work better than that! It costs more, it must be better, right?! RIGHT?!
So anyway, here's a chart for you. I know you don't want to stand in the pharmacy comparing every box.
As you can see, all of these have the same active ingredient (Tylenol PM also has acetaminophen). Diphenhydramine HCI, 25 mg. The children's medication is just half of the adult medication. So buy some store brand, generic, plain old, Allergy Aid Diphenhydramine HCI 25mg for the whole family. It'll help with those watery itchy eyes, those swollen bee stings, and the occasional trouble with sleeping... and save your leftover money.
*Disclaimer: I am not a physician, doctor, or anything of the sort. Please consult with your doctor before taking any medications. I am in no way affiliated with the makers of Benadryl, Alka-Seltzer, or any of the above mentioned. Maybe there products are better. They sure as hell aren't affordable.
