Fexofenadine (brand Allegra) and loratadine (brand Claritin) are good second-generation antihistamines that are non-sedating and could be good for mild to moderate postnasal drip symptoms.
Studies have shown equal effectiveness for Zyrtec and Claritin for allergic rhinitis and urticaria. Studies have not compared the effects of Zyrtec and Claritin for conditions such as postnasal drip, but research suggests intranasal antihistamines such as azelastine are more effective.
Postnasal drip caused by allergies can be managed with OTC antihistamines and decongestants. Note that older antihistamines like Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton can actually thicken mucus; instead, try Claritin, Alavert, Allegra, Zyrtec, Xyzal or Clarinex.
I took him to the dr 4 weeks ago and she prescribed Telfast (5ml 2 a day) and Monte Air tablets. According to her the post nasal drip is due to allergies. The medication worked for about 3 weeks and now the post nasal drip is back in all its glory.
Both medications are used to treat the same symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, itchy throat, and hives. In a clinical trial, both medications appeared to be equally effective in treating allergy symptoms.
As an antihistamine, Zyrtec can help with many allergy symptoms, while Sudafed primarily helps with nasal congestion. These medications can usually be taken together, as long as it's safe for you to take either medication alone.
What's the best time of day to take ZYRTEC®? Any time of day works. And ZYRTEC® will continue to work for 24 hours.
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.
Antihistamines and decongestants may dry out the mucous membranes in your nose and sinuses and slow the movement of the cilia (the tiny hairs that line the nose, sinuses, and the air passages inside the lungs and that remove irritants).
Spicy foods and carbonated beverages are strong triggers of LPR. (If you have significant PND symptoms after eating spicy foods or drinking carbonated beverages, you are likely suffering from LPR.)
Rhinitis (inflammation of lining of the inside of your nose) is one of the most common causes of post-nasal drip. Rhinitis is often due to allergies (allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever) but can be caused by other things such as the common cold, hormonal changes and certain medicines.
Zyrtec (cetirizine) is the strongest of the second-generation antihistamines, says Dr. Garcia-Ibáñez. And because there is less chance of toxicity with this medication, the dosage can be increased substantially, at the discretion of your doctor, he says. Zyrtec is an effective treatment for allergy symptoms and hives.
How long can post-nasal drip last? Efforts to treat post-nasal drip should be taken early on. However, symptoms of severe post-nasal drip may linger for weeks or months. If early treatments fail or symptoms increase after 10 days, you may need to visit your doctor.
Most cases of post-nasal drip go away with time, but long-lasting, untreated post-nasal drip and excess mucus can create a breeding ground for germs, which in turn can lead to additional health complications, including sinus infections and ear infections.
“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.”
Since both medications have a common core chemical structure, Zyrtec and Xyzal generally have the same level of effectiveness, onset of action, and range of allergy symptoms treated. Xyzal is slightly less drowsy, so if drowsiness is an issue with your allergy medicine, Xyzal is better than Zyrtec.
Claritin and Zyrtec are effective and safe for most people with minor allergies.
Some older, sedating antihistamines may dry and thicken post-nasal secretions more; newer non-drowsy antihistamines do not have this effect.
The older, over-the-counter antihistamines, including diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), might not be the best choices for postnasal drip. When they dry out mucus, they can actually thicken it.
Catarrh is usually caused by the immune system reacting to an infection or irritation, which causes the lining of your nose and throat to become swollen and produce mucus. This can be triggered by: a cold or other infections. hay fever or other types of allergic rhinitis.