Parents and caregivers may want to consult a health care professional before giving an antihistamine to a child, especially if the child is 12 years old or younger.
Zyrtec and Claritin are two popular antihistamines that can reduce allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and rashes.
Zyrtec contains cetirizine…. Taking medications can mean other substances, such as alcohol, are more dangerous. Mixing benadryl and alcohol has several distinct dangers to be…. Allergic reactions are numerous and varied, and the best treatments depend on the specific symptoms, such as rashes or sinus problems, and their….
In this article, learn about what eye drops are available for itchy eyes, when eye drops should be used, and when people should see a doctor. An allergy develops when the immune system becomes hypersensitive to a food or other substance. Learn how to identify and manage allergies here. What are antihistamines? Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. Overview Symptom relief Types Side effects and risks Summary We include products we think are useful for our readers. What are they, and how do they work?
Share on Pinterest A person may take antihistamines to treat allergic rhinitis. What symptoms do they treat? Side effects and risks. In this article, we provide detail about the differences between Zyrtec and Claritin. We also compare them to two other popular brands of antihistamines: Benadryl and Allegra.
Zyrtec and Claritin are brand-name medications that people can buy over the counter. They are available in various forms, including pills, chewable tablets, and syrups. Zyrtec contains cetirizine hydrochloride, also called cetirizine HCL, while Claritin contains loratadine.
Zyrtec and Claritin are second-generation antihistamines. They are less likely to make a person feel drowsy or otherwise affect alertness than older, first-generation antihistamines. The labeling of Zyrtec says that a person should not take it when driving a vehicle or using machinery. People should avoid taking Zyrtec with alcohol or other medicines that could cause drowsiness.
Zyrtec and Claritin are effective for about 24 hours. A person should only take one dose per day. The body absorbs both antihistamines quickly, but Zyrtec seems to work faster for some people. A study found that both drugs were absorbed into the bloodstream within 1—2 hours of taking the medication. Researchers are often studying, comparing, and improving antihistamines. Other popular brands on the market today are Allegra and Benadryl. When a person comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system reacts and produces a chemical called histamine.
Histamine causes many allergy symptoms, including inflammation of the skin or sinuses, pain, redness, and wheezing. Immune responses also encourage extra mucus to develop, which helps to clear allergens from the nose and throat. Allergy medications block histamine responses.
Claritin and Zyrtec are effective and safe for most people with minor allergies. However, as with all medications, there may be some side effects. Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause?
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication? Brand names Brand names of combination products. Other uses for this medicine. What special precautions should I follow? Before taking cetirizine, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cetirizine, hydroxyzine Vistaril , or any other medications.
Be sure to mention any of the following: antidepressants, medications for anxiety, medications for mental illness, medications for seizures, other medications for cold and allergy, sedatives, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and theophylline Theo, Theolair.
Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. If you become pregnant while taking cetirizine, call your doctor. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this medication.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet. Cetirizine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: drowsiness excessive tiredness dry mouth stomach pain diarrhea vomiting Some side effects can be serious.
It's best not to drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller for your headaches, but they usually go away after the first week of taking cetirizine. Talk to your doctor if your headaches last longer than a week or are severe. It may also help if you stick to simple meals and avoid rich or spicy food.
If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit until you feel better. Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machines if you feel dizzy or a bit shaky. Speak to a pharmacist if you have signs of dehydration , such as peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor. If your symptoms last longer than a week, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.
Children under 16 must not be given aspirin. Cetirizine and breastfeeding If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take cetirizine while breastfeeding. Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:. Mixing cetirizine with herbal remedies and supplements There might be a problem taking some herbal remedies and supplements alongside cetirizine, especially ones that cause sleepiness, a dry mouth, or make it difficult to pee.
Important: Medicine safety Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements. How does cetirizine work? Cetirizine blocks the effects of histamine and reduces these symptoms. When will I feel better?
You should start to feel better within an hour. How long should I take cetirizine for? It depends on why you're taking cetirizine. You may only need to take it for a short time or as a one-off dose. Is it safe to take cetirizine for a long time? Cetirizine is unlikely to do you any harm if you take it for a long time. Can I drink alcohol with it? Is there any food or drink I need to avoid? You can eat and drink normally while taking cetirizine.
Can I drive or ride a bike with it? What's the difference between cetirizine and other antihistamines? What's the difference between cetirizine and other non-drowsy antihistamines? Can I take it with painkillers? Can I take 2 types of antihistamine in 1 day?
Do not take 2 antihistamines together unless recommended by your doctor. Can I take cetirizine with other hay fever treatments? Can I take cetirizine at higher doses than on the packet? Will it affect my fertility? Will it affect my contraception? Can lifestyle changes relieve hay fever? Tips for when you're outside Do not cut grass or walk on grass. Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes. Put Vaseline around your nostrils to help trap pollen.
Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash off pollen. Tips for when you're inside Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible. Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth.
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