They may also help with dermatitis or even mosquito bites, but manufacturers usually market them for specific allergies. Zyrtec is a brand name for the drug cetirizine. Claritin is the brand name for loratidine.
Zyretc and Claritin are in the same class of medications. Both are second-generation antihistamines, and they generally work the same way in the body. Neither is clearly better than the other. 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. Also, discuss any ongoing or bothersome side effects. These side effects are usually not emergencies. Be cautious. Taking cetirizine is generally safe during pregnancy.
If you have liver or kidney disease, ask your doctor about taking cetirizine. For example, avoid consuming alcoholic drinks while you take cetirizine. Doing so may be dangerous. Mixing cetirizine with alcohol can cause drowsiness or make you less alert. If you take any type of tranquilizer, sedative, or sleep aid, make sure to mention this to your doctor before you use cetirizine.
Mixing cetirizine with drugs that depress your central nervous system can increase sleepiness. It can also further affect your mental and nervous system functions. There is a possibility of a drug interaction between cetirizine and theophylline. Theophylline Theo is a drug that some people with asthma and other lung problems take. In some instances when the two drugs were taken, it took longer for cetirizine to leave the body. However, the interaction may be dose-related.
It has only been reported with daily theophylline doses of mg or more. Cetirizine-D and brand-name versions, such as Zyrtec-D, are combination drugs. These drugs contain both cetirizine and the decongestant pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine is a stimulant and can make certain health conditions worse. Your doctor may tell you that cetirizine-D is not for you if you have any of these conditions:. Cetirizine is an OTC drug that can relieve mild to moderate allergy symptoms.
Like any drug, especially OTC medication, you should understand all of the considerations before you start taking it. Talk to your doctor about any questions you have about your symptoms and any other conditions you may have. Your doctor may recommend a different antihistamine or a combination drug of cetirizine and another product that may require a prescription. Learn more about the ways you can treat a stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, at home, including tips on decongestants, humidifiers, and steam remedies.
Zyrtec cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine. Although Zyrtec Zyrtec details can still cause drowsiness and other side effects, the drug tends to cause less drowsiness and fewer side effects in general and is safer if you need to drive or operate machinery. Zyrtec and Benadryl are brand names for cetirizine and diphenhydramine, respectively.
Zyrtec and Benadryl are both antihistamines that block histamine receptors and provide allergy relief. Both products are available in brand and generic and in various formulations to suit multiple ages and patient preferences. Adults: 10 mg by mouth once daily as needed. Children: varies by age. Follow package instructions or consult a pediatrician Adults: 25 to 50 mg by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Follow package instructions or consult a pediatrician How long is the typical treatment?
Varies Varies Who typically uses the medication? Children and adults Children and adults Conditions treated by Zyrtec and Benadryl When the FDA approved Zyrtec as a prescription product in , it had three indications: to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis, perennial allergic rhinitis, or chronic urticaria.
Zyrtec has been available over the counter since Benadryl is also used to treat runny noses and sneezing from the common cold. There is very little data comparing the oral forms of Zyrtec and Benadryl.
One study compared the two medications for food allergies. Zyrtec also had a longer duration of action lasted longer. A literature review of Benadryl compared to non-sedating antihistamines concluded that all antihistamines were similarly effective, but that the newer antihistamines, like Zyrtec, caused less sedation. They state that Benadryl is associated with significant side effects like sedation, poor sleep, and motor impairment, potentially leading to accidents and death, and should only be used as a last resort.
Because both Zyrtec and Benadryl are OTC, the most effective medication for you can be determined by trial and error to see which medication helps your symptoms while causing the least side effects. Your healthcare provider can guide you with product selection as well. Because they are available over-the-counter, Zyrtec and Benadryl are not usually covered by insurance or Medicare Part D or Advantage plans.
Some exceptions may apply. Get the SingleCare prescriptions discount card. Zyrtec and Benadryl have similar side effects. The most common side effects are sleepiness or drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, and headache.
This is not a full list of side effects. Other adverse effects may occur. Consult your healthcare provider for professional medical advice. The combination could cause slowed breathing as well as excess dizziness, drowsiness, and psychomotor impairment. Benadryl also should not be taken with potassium products in solid dosage forms due to the risk of ulcerative lesions.
This chart is not a full list of drug interactions.
0コメント