In the North American market, Benadryl is the fifth-largest over-the-counter drug brand, and its products are a household name in the North American market, with a market share of 7.9% in 2018 for over-the-counter anti-itch products, second only to Cortizone 10.
Benadryl原为药企巨头辉瑞所有，后被世界第一大药企强生（Johnson & Johnson）收购，并成为首个上市的抗组胺药物品牌，其全线产品在United States销量都很靠前。
Benadryl mainly produces antihistamines such as diphenhydramine hydrochloride, compared to other brands, Benadryl's products are too simple, although they have good anti-itching ability, but the product has fewer additional functions, the humectants in the ingredients are only glycerin or cetyl alcohol, and are not suitable for itching caused by dryness or eczema.
As mentioned earlier, antihistamines mainly work by taking them internally, by preventing the histamine produced by the human body in the process of allergic reactions to relieve discomfort and achieve the purpose of relieving itching and reducing swelling.
Benadryl has both internal and external drugs, all of which are based on diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Diphenhydramine hydrochloride) as the active ingredient, among which the internal drug performs well in eliminating histamine and antisensitization, but because diphenhydramine belongs to the first generation of antihistamine drugs, the side effects are greater, and it will be drowsy after taking it. Topical diphenhydramine is sometimes recommended to relieve itching associated with mosquito bites or hives, as well as itching pain from mild sunburns, abrasions, burns, cuts, and minor skin allergies, but it is highly allergenic and less effective and less safe than hydrocortisone.
Benadryl's main products are Original Strength and Extra Strength, the difference between the two is mainly in the active ingredient content, Original contains 1% diphenhydramine, Extra rises to 2%, although the itching efficiency is higher, but the chance of causing allergies is also greater.
Extra Strength ranked first on the authoritative review website Bestreviews, the dosage form is gel ointment, and the evaluation believes that its gel design is fast-working, can be quickly absorbed into the skin, and will not flow out, can immediately relieve itching caused by mosquito bites, can become a standing medicine or first aid kit emergency products at home, the price of 28.3g is about 65 yuan, which is more friendly.
If you don't want to use gel-type products, Extra Strength also has spray and anti-itch stick dosage forms for ease of use, the spray specification is 59ml, and the price is 88 yuan, while the anti-itch stick is 14ml, and the application mouth is a sponge design, although the specifications are small but the price is comparable to Original, which is about 50 yuan. However, both contain alcohol, and the alcohol content in the spray is as high as 73.5%, so if there are wounds on the body that have not healed, you should avoid it when applying.
