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.
Yes, most people can take antihistamines every day, if they have daily symptoms of their allergies.
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.
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.
Cetirizine is unlikely to do you any harm if you take it for a long time. However it's best to take cetirizine only for as long as you need to. If you take it regularly over a long period there's a very small chance of severe itching if you stop treatment suddenly.
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.
Side effects of antihistamines
sleepiness (drowsiness) and reduced co-ordination, reaction speed and judgement – do not drive or use machinery after taking these antihistamines. dry mouth. blurred vision. difficulty peeing.
Allergists recommend long-acting, non-sedating antihistamines — ones that won't make you sleepy — for everyday use. Though you may know them by their brand names, the generic versions tackle the same problems: Cetirizine (Zyrtec®, Aller-Tec®, Wall-Zyr®). Fexofenadine (Allegra®, Aller-ease®, Aller-Fex®, Wal-Fex®).
When antihistamines block histamine, our appetite can increase. This, plus side effects like drowsiness, could lead to weight gain. Your risk of gaining weight from antihistamines may depend on many factors. But a healthy diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors can help you manage your risk.
Claritin and Zyrtec are effective and safe for most people with minor allergies.
Long term use of some antihistamines may increase your risk of dementia. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is vital for memory and learning.
Yes, you can take Claritin daily and long term. It is an antihistamine used to treat for allergy symptoms. If your symptoms are year round then it is able to be taken long term. If your symptoms are seasonal or you have allergy symptoms occasionally, then it is taken daily when required.
Sandoz issued a voluntary recall of 1,023,430 units of Zyrtec (10 mg) capsules as a result of failed impurities and a specification being reported for impurity at the 21-month stability time point, according to an FDA Enforcement Report.
“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.”
Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, urinary retention, increased ocular pressure are relative contraindications to the use of antihistamines.
Downsides
A headache, sore throat, abdominal pain, fatigue, drowsiness, or coughing. Other side effects are uncommon. Stop using Zyrtec if you develop an allergy to Zyrtec. Generally does not cause drowsiness, although more likely to do so at higher dosages.
Dr Grant confirms that many people can suffer withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking antihistamines suddenly. Dr Grant recommends the patient resume taking the antihistamines and then slowly reduce the dose to wean off slowly.
To sum it up, all first-generation H1 antihistamines should be taken close to bedtime or when you're able to sleep. Second-generation H1 antihistamines and H2 blockers can typically be taken at any time of the day. One exception to this is cetirizine, which can cause drowsiness for up to 14% of those who take it.
Natural antihistamines may help you control your seasonal allergies. Common ones are stinging nettle, vitamin C, quercetin, butterbur, bromelain, and probiotics. Some alternative practices—such as acupuncture, nasal irrigation, and exercise—may also help you manage symptoms.
Some patients have reported severe itching as a symptom of Zyrtec withdrawal. This itching may begin as soon as 12 hours after the last dose of Zyrtec and can affect every part of the body. Some patients report itching so severe that they cannot control scratching and have caused sores all over their bodies.
It's generally safe to take the newer generation of antihistamines daily if you have year-round allergy symptoms.
Both fexofenadine and cetirizine are equally effective in reducing allergy symptoms. Antihistamines may be more effective or less effective based on the individual taking them.
People who take antihistamines regularly may build up a tolerance to the drug, which means they need to take higher and higher doses to get the same effect. This can lead to addiction. Antihistamines are often addictive because they work by blocking histamine receptors.