Newer antihistamines win for spring allergies.

type=.report. source_topic=antihistamines

Loratadine (Claritin) or cetirizine (Zyrtec) are your best bets. Fexofenadine (Allegra) is also good if the others don’t work for you.

The older stuff (diphenhydramine, aka Benadryl) works but knocks you out because it crosses into your brain. The second-generation antihistamines don’t do that as much, so you can actually function. That’s the main difference.

Between the newer ones, it’s splitting hairs. Cetirizine is slightly stronger for some people but can still make you a little drowsy. Loratadine is almost always truly non-drowsy but might be weaker. Fexofenadine sits in the middle. Try loratadine first. If it’s not cutting it, switch to cetirizine.

Don’t bother with Benadryl unless you want a nap.