Do not take 2 antihistamines together unless recommended by your doctor.
If a healthy adult takes only a slightly higher dose of antihistamine, such as accidentally taking two pills instead of one, their symptoms may not be serious, or they may not have any symptoms. However, a larger overdose, especially in children or older adults, may cause serious symptoms.
Adults—1 to 2 milligrams (mg) every eight to twelve hours as needed. Children 12 years of age and older—0.5 mg to 1 mg two times a day as needed. Children 4 to 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. Children and infants up to 4 years of age—Use is not recommended .
Depending on your symptoms, you can take antihistamines: Every day, to help keep daily symptoms under control. Only when you have symptoms. Before being exposed to things that often cause your allergy symptoms, such as a pet or certain plants.
These common side effects include sedation, impaired motor function, dizziness, dry mouth and throat, blurred vision, urinary retention and constipation. Antihistamines can worsen urinary retention and narrow angle glaucoma. The antihistamines rarely cause liver injury.
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.
The recommended dose is one tablet (180 mg) daily. Take your tablet with water before a meal. This medicine starts to relieve your symptoms within 1 hour and lasts for 24 hours. If you take too many tablets, contact your doctor or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately.
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.
What happens if I take more than one dose of Claritin®? Taking more than the recommended dose of Claritin® may cause drowsiness. In the case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away- always follow label directions.
If you're allergic to something that's often around, you may need longer treatment. Some people take antihistamines every day, but usually under medical guidance. If you find you're needing to take antihistamines long term, talk to your GP about this.
Antihistamine Overdose Symptoms
Again, while side effects are generally mild and overdosing on Zyrtec is nearly impossible at toxic levels, drowsiness and dry mouth are signs that you shouldn't be taking more than one Zyrtec pill, Hill adds.
Taking more than the usual dose is unlikely to harm you or your child. If you take an extra dose, you might get some of the common side effects. If this happens or you're concerned, contact your doctor.
You should not take Claritin and Zyrtec together. Both Claritin and Zyrtec are antihistamines, and taking these medications together can increase the risk of side effects as well as overdose. In addition, you should avoid taking Zyrtec or Claritin with alcohol or any other sedative.
Regular use for chronic allergies
You may take an antihistamine every day to keep long-term allergy symptoms under control.
If you take too much ZYRTEC you may be more likely to have side effects such as: confusion, diarrhoea, dizziness, tiredness, headache, malaise, dilating of pupil, itching, restlessness, sedation, somnolence (feeling drowsy), stupor, abnormal rapid heart rate, tremor, urinary retention.
“Zyrtec is found to be more potent, or stronger, in laboratory studies, compared with Claritin,” says Dr. Kung. “It also reaches a higher concentration in the skin, which can be more helpful for skin-related allergies. However, Zyrtec has a greater chance of making you sleepy while taking it.”
The usual dose for treating hives is 180mg once a day for adults and children aged 12 years and over.
If you take too many tablets: You may feel very sleepy or tired, dizzy, confused, restless, shaky, or have a fast heart rate, a headache, dilated pupils, diarrhoea, difficulty passing urine or itchy skin. If this happens talk to a doctor straight away. Take your medicine and this leaflet with you.
Cetirizine is the most potent antihistamine available and has been subjected to more clinical study than any other.
If you're someone for whom the benefits of regular antihistamine use far outweighs the occasional minor side effect, longterm use is safe for most adults and children, he adds.
Is it okay to take ZYRTEC® over a long period of time? The ZYRTEC® package label doesn't state a limit on how long you can take ZYRTEC®. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions, especially if you're taking other medicines or being treated for any other conditions.
Claritin and Zyrtec are effective and safe for most people with minor allergies.
If you feel like your allergy medication isn't working, talk to your healthcare provider about new allergy testing, and use an allergy tracker to help avoid triggers. You can also start your treatment before allergy season gets into full swing to help prevent symptoms from getting too serious.