Should i take zyrtec or claritin

The effect of these two drugs lasts for around 24 hours. Both medications can be used for seasonal or perennial allergies. These antihistamines have been shown to be less effective in non-allergic conditions. They are not usually recommended to treat symptoms of the common cold or bacterial infections. Both drugs may be used off-label to treat asthma that is triggered by allergies. However, other drugs may be more useful in these cases.

Clinical trials have shown that both Zyrtec and Claritin are more effective in relieving the symptoms of allergy compared to a placebo pill. However, there are a few studies that compare the effectiveness between Claritin and Zyrtec. Zyrtec has a quicker onset of action compared to Claritin and may be more effective than Claritin in reducing allergy symptoms, according to one clinical trial.

However, cetirizine, the active ingredient of Zyrtec, has been shown to produce more drowsiness than loratadine. In a randomized, clinical trial , those taking cetirizine for allergic rhinitis experienced more somnolence during the workday compared to loratadine. The choice of anti-allergy medication to use ultimately depends on your specific condition and symptoms. Your doctor will be able to suggest the best medication for you after evaluating your symptoms.

Zyrtec is available as a generic medication. For this reason, it is not typically covered by Medicare or insurance plans. With a SingleCare coupon card, this price can be lowered substantially. Get the SingleCare prescription coupon cards. Claritin is taken as a once-daily antihistamine that can be purchased as a generic OTC drug. It is not usually covered by Medicare or insurance plans.

Second-generation antihistamines such as Zyrtec and Claritin are less likely to cause sedating side effects; however, of the two, Zyrtec has been reported to cause a higher incidence of drowsiness. Other adverse effects of Zyrtec include fatigue, lethargy, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, constipation, cough, and nausea. Common side effects of Claritin include headache, fatigue, dry mouth, stomach pain, nervousness, diarrhea, skin rash, nose bleeds, and blurred vision.

Other serious side effects may include abnormal heart rate, palpitations, severe faintness, or seizures. It is important to contact your healthcare provider and seek care immediately should you experience any of these serious side effects.

This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your doctor or healthcare provider to learn more. Most antihistamines, including Zyrtec and Claritin, are metabolized by the liver and excreted in the kidney. These drugs are broken down by the P cytochrome enzyme in the liver which is involved in the metabolism of a number of other drugs.

For this reason, both Claritin and Zyrtec have a number of drug interactions. Zyrtec and Claritin should be avoided with another sedating antihistamine such as Benadryl diphenhydramine.

Taking these two medications together can increase CNS side effects like sedation and impairment in judgment, concentration, and memory. You should also avoid using Zyrtec or Claritin with alcohol which can also increase drowsiness. Other sedating medications that Zyrtec is likely to interact with include benzodiazepines, some anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, and certain antidepressants among other drugs.

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Please consult your doctor before taking these medications. Antihistamines should not be taken if there is a history of an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the medication. Before taking either Zyrtec or Claritin, you should consult your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease. However, the authors noted that there was no evidence linking cetirizine or loratidine to birth defects.

A study published in noted that 10—15 percent of women use antihistamines during pregnancy. Most appear to be safe, but some may have adverse effects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC urge people to ask a doctor before using an antihistamine or any other drug during pregnancy. Claritin and Zyrtec are popular over-the-counter antihistamines.

Doctors consider them safe and effective treatments for minor allergies. Both are second-generation antihistamines. These cause less drowsiness than first-generation antihistamines. No research has concluded that Zyrtec or Claritin is more effective, but some people report better responses with one or the other. The slight differences between the two may make one drug more appropriate for some people.

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Zyrtec vs. Claritin for treating allergies. Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, Pharm. Claritin Comparisons How do they work? Warnings Precautions Outlook We include products we think are useful for our readers. Share on Pinterest People can purchase Zyrtec and Claritin without prescription. If your choice has brought you to down to these two drugs, you may ask yourself, will drowsiness have an impact on my daily routine?

If you find that the recommended medicine works well, stick with it. If none of the OTC options seem to help, see an allergist. You may need a different course of treatment for your allergies. Shop for Zyrtec. Shop for Claritin. Many people consider nasal congestion to be one of the most bothersome allergy symptoms. Decongestants help relieve your congestion. Pollen is one of the most common causes of allergies in the United States. Pollen is a very fine powder produced by trees, flowers, grasses, and weeds….

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Find out how to know if you have one and what to do about it. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Zyrtec vs. Claritin for Allergy Relief. Medically reviewed by Zara Risoldi Cochrane, Pharm. Active ingredient How they work Side effects Dosage Cost Interactions Takeaway We include products we think are useful for our readers.

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