Apoquel
Oclacitinib maleate
- Class: Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitor
- Manufacturer: Zoetis
- Onset: Within 4 hours
- Duration: 12-24 hours per dose
- Cost: $2-4 per tablet ($60-120/month)
Benadryl
Diphenhydramine
- Class: First-generation Antihistamine
- Manufacturer: Johnson & Johnson (and generics)
- Onset: 30-60 minutes
- Duration: 4-8 hours per dose
- Cost: $5-15 per month (OTC)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Apoquel | Benadryl |
|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness | Highly effective (80%+ success)✓ | Moderately effective (30-40%) |
| Speed of Relief | Within 4 hours | 30-60 minutes✓ |
| Prescription Required | Yes (veterinary prescription) | No (over-the-counter)✓ |
| Side Effects | GI issues, infection risk | Drowsiness, dry mouth |
| Cost | $60-120/month | $5-15/month✓ |
| Mechanism | JAK inhibitor (targeted)✓ | Antihistamine (general) |
How They Work
Apoquel
Blocks JAK1 and JAK3 enzymes that trigger itch signals
Benadryl
Blocks histamine H1 receptors
Side Effects Comparison
Apoquel Side Effects
- •Vomiting
- •Diarrhea
- •Decreased appetite
- •Lethargy
- •Increased susceptibility to infections
Benadryl Side Effects
- •Drowsiness
- •Dry mouth
- •Urinary retention
- •Constipation
When to Choose Each Medication
Choose Apoquel if:
- ✓Your dog has moderate to severe allergies
- ✓Benadryl hasn't provided adequate relief
- ✓Long-term allergy management is needed
- ✓You want the most effective treatment available
- ✓Your dog's quality of life is significantly affected
Choose Benadryl if:
- ✓Your dog has mild, occasional allergies
- ✓You need immediate, temporary relief (insect bite)
- ✓Cost is a significant concern
- ✓You cannot access a veterinarian immediately
- ✓Your dog has anxiety (Benadryl has calming effects)
Our Recommendation
Apoquel is the superior choice for treating allergic dermatitis in dogs, offering significantly better efficacy. However, Benadryl remains a valid option for mild, occasional allergies or as a supplement to other treatments due to its low cost and accessibility.
Always consult with your veterinarian before starting, changing, or stopping any medication for your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give my dog Benadryl instead of Apoquel?
While Benadryl is safe for dogs and can provide some relief, it's not as effective as Apoquel for allergic dermatitis. Benadryl works best for mild allergies and insect bites. Apoquel is specifically designed to target the itch pathway in dogs and is about twice as effective. For chronic or severe allergies, Apoquel is the better choice.
Is Benadryl safer than Apoquel for dogs?
Both medications have different safety profiles. Benadryl causes drowsiness and is safer for short-term use. Apoquel doesn't cause drowsiness but may increase infection susceptibility with long-term use. For occasional mild allergies, Benadryl is a reasonable choice. For chronic allergies requiring long-term treatment, discuss with your vet which is safer for your specific dog.
Can I use Benadryl and Apoquel together?
Yes, Benadryl and Apoquel can generally be used together safely, as they work through different mechanisms. However, you should always consult your veterinarian before combining medications. The antihistamine effect of Benadryl may provide additional relief alongside Apoquel's JAK inhibition.
Why is Apoquel so expensive compared to Benadryl?
Apoquel is a prescription-only, patented medication specifically developed for dogs, which makes it more expensive. Benadryl is a generic over-the-counter human medication that's been available for decades. Apoquel's higher cost reflects its targeted mechanism, higher effectiveness, and the research required to develop a veterinary-specific treatment.
Other Drug Comparisons
Need to Calculate Apoquel Dosage?
Use our free calculator to determine the correct Apoquel dose for your dog.
Apoquel Dosage Calculator →Medical Disclaimer
This calculator is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Apoquel (oclacitinib) is a prescription medication that should only be used under the guidance of a licensed veterinarian. Do not administer Apoquel without a valid prescription. Always consult with your veterinarian before starting, changing, or stopping any medication for your pet. The creators of this calculator assume no responsibility for decisions made based on this information.