Studies have shown equal effectiveness for Zyrtec and Claritin for allergic rhinitis and urticaria.
Claritin is long acting. Most people experience at least 24 hours of relief after a single dose. Zyrtec, on the other hand, is fast acting. People who take it may feel relief in as little as one hour.
Cetirizine is the most potent antihistamine available and has been subjected to more clinical study than any other.
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.
With an added decongestant, both medications are effective for treating sinus pressure and nasal congestion. Some studies suggest that Zyrtec is more potent than Claritin. However, Zyrtec may have more sedative effects than Claritin. Consult your healthcare provider for the best allergy medicine for you.
Flonase (fluticasone) and Nasacort (triamcinolone) are two examples of OTC steroid nasal sprays. They can take longer to work than antihistamines and decongestants. But some experts consider them to be the most effective type of controller medication for long-lasting nasal allergies.
Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra are all good antihistamine options and are generally well-tolerated by many people. But there are some differences between them that may make one of these antihistamines better for you than the others. For example, Zyrtec and Allegra may work faster than Claritin.
Cetirizine has the fastest onset of action among the newer antihistamines. Fexofenadine does not impair psychomotor or cognitive skills and shows no dose-related increase in sedation but has a slower onset of action than diphenhydramine and cetirizine.
If there is no histamine, then antihistamines can't relieve symptoms. If antihistamines aren't working for you and you have allergy-like symptoms, it may not be a bad allergy season—but instead something non-allergic you're reacting to.
The Allegra Adult 24-Hour Allergy Relief easily tops our list thanks to the medicine's quick-acting formula to tackle your allergy symptoms any time of the day.
No interactions were found between Claritin and Zyrtec. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
All ZYRTEC® medicines start working at hour 1 on the first day you take it.
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 Zyrtec every day? Yep. "When taken in the recommended doses, antihistamines can be taken daily. This is especially true with Zyrtec, since it doesn't show decreasing effectiveness if used daily," says Sima Patel, MD, an allergist at New York Allergy & Sinus Centers.
Why do antihistamines stop working? Antihistamines can stop working because your allergies might be getting worse or you might have immune system changes due to aging. You also might not be taking the medication as directed. If you take an antihistamine after being exposed to an allergy trigger, it won't work as well.
Antihistamines may stop working because hives can become worse over time or because the intensity of hives can wax and wane over time. It's also possible that antihistamines become less effective because people aren't taking them as prescribed.
Avoid the use of alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers as cetirizine can increase the risk of drowsiness. Cetirizine may cause central nervous system depression; avoid activities requiring mental alertness until accustomed to the medication.
The Allegra Adult 24-Hour Allergy Relief is our top pick for fast-acting allergy medicine. It works within one hour and since it's non-drowsy, you can take it at any time of the day. If you have itchy eyes or a runny nose, this medicine is perfect for you.
ZYRTEC® Allergy Dye-Free Chewables
Adults and children 6 years and older Chew and swallow 2 tablet (10 mg) once daily; do not take more than 1 tablet (10 mg) in 24 hours. A 5 mg product may be appropriate for less severe symptoms. Adults 65 years and over Ask a doctor.
If you have a severe allergy, you might need to carry an emergency epinephrine shot at all times. Given for severe allergic reactions, an epinephrine shot (Auvi-Q, EpiPen, others) can reduce symptoms until you get emergency treatment.