Different medications can treat allergies, including steroids and allergy shots, but usually the first thing to try is an
antihistamine. When your body comes into contact with whatever your allergy trigger is -- pollen, ragweed, pet dander, or
dust mites, for example -- it makes chemicals called histamines. They cause the tissue in your nose to swell (making it stuffy), your nose and eyes to run, and your eyes, nose, and sometimes
mouth to itch. Sometimes you may also get an itchy rash on your skin, called
hives. Antihistamines reduce or block histamines, so they stop allergy symptoms. These medicines work well to relieve symptoms
of different types of allergies, including seasonal (hay fever), indoor, and food allergies. But they can't relieve every symptom. To treat nasal congestion, your doctor may recommend a
decongestant. Some medicines combine an antihistamine and decongestant. They come in
different forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, nasal sprays, and eyedrops. Some are only available by prescription. Others you can buy over the counter (OTC) at your local pharmacy. Prescription antihistamines include: OTC
antihistamines include: Eyedrops treat symptoms of eye
allergies, including itchy, watery eyes. Some medications combine an antihistamine and a decongestant to ease congestion. Older ones tend to cause more side effects, particularly drowsiness. Newer
antihistamines have fewer side effects, so they may be a better choice for some people. Some of the main side effects of antihistamines include: If you take an antihistamine that causes drowsiness, do so before
bedtime. Don’t take it during the day before you drive or use machinery. Read the label before you take an allergy drug. Antihistamines may interact with other medications you are taking. Talk to your doctor first if you have an
enlarged prostate, heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid problems,
kidney or liver disease, a bladder obstruction, or glaucoma. Also check with your doctor if you are
pregnant or nursing. We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Many people use antihistamines to treat allergy symptoms. Zyrtec and Claritin are two of the most popular brands, but which is best? Antihistamines can reduce allergy symptoms, such as watering eyes, itchy skin, hives, and swelling. 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. Regardless of marketing claims, little scientific evidence shows that either is more effective. Active ingredients Zyrtec and Claritin have different active compounds. Zyrtec contains cetirizine hydrochloride, also called cetirizine HCL, while Claritin contains loratadine. Drowsiness 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. Timescales 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 2014 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. This dulls the body’s response to minor or harmless allergens, such as pollen, dust, and pet dander. Share on Pinterest Zyrtec and Claritin are safe for most people with minor allergies, but side effects can include headaches and dizziness.Claritin and Zyrtec are effective and safe for most people with minor allergies. However, as with all medications, there may be some side effects. Loratadine—present in Claritin—may not be safe for people with severe liver conditions. The liver has to break down loratadine. The kidneys break down cetirizine—found in Zyrtec—and the body excretes it in the urine, largely unchanged. Claritin is more likely to interact with other drugs than Zyrtec. Claritin is broken down in the liver by enzymes that other drugs can inhibit. This may lead to Claritin building up in the body, which increases the risk of side effects. Everyone reacts to medications differently, but Claritin and Zyrtec may have the following side effects:
Some people experience a severe allergic response called anaphylaxis after taking antihistamines. A person should seek emergency medical attention if any of the following symptoms are present:
Some antihistamines are safe for children, but it is a good idea to talk with a doctor or check the label carefully before giving antihistamines to a child. In 2012, a review found that some antihistamines may be problematic during pregnancy. However, the authors noted that there was no evidence linking cetirizine or loratidine to birth defects. A study published in 2014 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. People can purchase Zyrtec, Claritin, and other popular brands without a prescription from supermarkets, pharmacies, and online stores. Does Claritin help with allergic reactions?Claritin (loratadine) is an antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms. Claritin blocks the action of histamine, a substance in the body that initiates allergic symptoms like itching, sneezing, runny nose, and allergic skin rashes. Claritin is available as a generic drug.
What can I take for allergic reaction instead of Benadryl?Pills and liquids. Cetirizine (Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy). Desloratadine (Clarinex). Fexofenadine (Allegra, Allegra Allergy). Levocetirizine (Xyzal, Xyzal Allergy). Loratadine (Alavert, Claritin). Which antihistamine is best for allergic reaction?What are the best allergy medicines to take?. Benadryl (diphenhydramine). Claritin (loratadine). Allegra (fexofenadine). Zyrtec (cetirizine). Xyzal (levocetirizine). |