As well as sedation, overdose often presents with anticholinergic symptoms (see Anticholinergic Syndrome). At higher doses, they can also cause sodium channel blockade with subsequent cardiovascular effects including QT prolongations and Torsades de Pointes.
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.
Antihistamines are used to relieve or prevent the symptoms of your medical problem. Take them only as directed. Do not take more of them and do not take them more often than recommended on the label, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.
Even if you're severely suffering from allergies, with incredibly watery eyes or a scratchy throat, it's not recommended to take more than the daily dosage as there can be side effects that occur.
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 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.
Some antihistamines are taken every 4 to 6 hours, and some are longer-lasting antihistamines that are taken every 12 to 24 hours. Consult the drug label and ask your health care provider how long and how often you should take an antihistamine.
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.
Other information. Adults and children 6 years and over: One 10 mg tablet once daily; do not take more than one 10 mg tablet in 24 hours. A 5 mg product may be appropriate for less severe symptoms.
As well as sedation, overdose often presents with anticholinergic symptoms (see Anticholinergic Syndrome). At higher doses, they can also cause sodium channel blockade with subsequent cardiovascular effects including QT prolongations and Torsades de Pointes.
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.
Oral antihistamines, such as Zyrtec and Benadryl, shouldn't be taken together without a healthcare provider's OK. Taking oral antihistamines together can lead to additional side effects and potentially an antihistamine overdose. Signs of an overdose may include the following: Fast or racing heartbeat.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, vision problems, agitation, feeling restless and then drowsy or tired, fast heartbeats, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, trouble walking, or trouble swallowing or speaking.
While it is just now showing up in the FDA Enforcement report, Perrigo initiated the recall of the antihistamine in late September after it found that the products potentially contained an impurity.
by Drugs.com
This is a therapeutic duplication and it is usually recommended to take only one antihistamine at any time, however if you have been prescribed to take both together then it is appropriate.
Do NOT "double-up" on a dose. Do NOT take a dose sooner than you're supposed to. Do NOT take two different antihistamines at the same time. Instead, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have trouble finding a drug that works well for your allergy symptoms.
Common medications like Zyrtec, Allegra, Flonase, and Claritin don't usually stop working. It's time to check for new allergies if your nose is still stuffy and you can't stop sneezing after taking your regular allergy medicine. You may need a new treatment plan, not just more medication.
Withdrawal symptoms are usually mild (e.g. nausea, vomiting, headache, sweating, anxiety, dizziness), highly variable and can last up to 6-8 weeks.
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.
Studies have shown equal effectiveness for Zyrtec and Claritin for allergic rhinitis and urticaria.
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.
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.
Remember: "red as a beet, dry as a bone, hot as a hare, blind as a bat, mad as a hatter, and full as a flask."