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BENADRYL vs OPTIVAR

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 19, 2026·How we rate

Possible drug interaction. BENADRYL and OPTIVAR are different prescription medicines. Combining or switching between them can cause interactions — talk to a pharmacist or prescriber before making changes. This page is not medical advice.

Rating

New
72/100

Pharmacy pays

$0.04 /mL
$0.58 /mL

Type

RX
RX

Active ingredient

DIPHENHYDRAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE
AZELASTINE HYDROCHLORIDE

Manufacturer

Dosage forms

Tablet, Kit
Drops

Drug class

Histamine-1 Receptor Antagonist
Histamine-1 Receptor Antagonist

Boxed warning

None
None

Treats

Anxiety Disorders, Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders, Motion Sickness
Allergic Conjunctivitis, Perennial Allergic Rhinitis, Vasomotor Rhinitis

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Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper, Benadryl or Optivar?

Benadryl costs pharmacies less to acquire — about $0.04 vs $0.58 per ml, per the CMS NADAC survey. That gap is in the pharmacy's cost of goods, not necessarily in what you pay: your price is set afterwards by your insurer and the pharmacy.

What is the difference between Benadryl and Optivar?

Benadryl contains Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, while Optivar contains Azelastine Hydrochloride — they have different active ingredients.

Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data. This comparison is for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional before choosing or switching a medication.