What medication helps allergies?
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®).
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®).
Antihistamines are medicines that treat allergy symptoms by blocking the effects of histamine. Antihistamines come as pills, chewable tablets, capsules, liquids, nasal sprays, and eye drops.
Unlike Benadryl, which lasts only four to six hours, Zyrtec is effective for 24 hours, meaning you only have to take it once daily. It also works faster than Benadryl, according to a position statement from the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI).
There is currently no cure for allergies. However, there are OTC and prescription medications that may relieve symptoms. Avoiding allergy triggers or reducing contact with them can help prevent allergic reactions. Over time, immunotherapy may reduce the severity of allergic reactions.
Zyretc and Claritin are in the same class of medications. Both are second-generation antihistamines and generally work the same way in the body. Neither is clearly better than the other.
- Stay hydrated. When it is dehydrated, your body produces more histamines (the chemicals that cause your allergy symptoms), so drinking enough water—at least one-third of your body weight in ounces—each day is key. ...
- Eat Vitamin-C-rich foods. ...
- Quercetin. ...
- Sinus rinses.
Allergies happen when your body's immune system reacts to certain substances as though they are harmful. Allergy symptoms may not go away unless you avoid your triggers, stick to your medications, find the right combination of medications, and consider surgery.
Antihistamines reduce or block histamines, so they stop allergy symptoms. These medicines work well to relieve symptoms of different types of allergies, including seasonal (hay fever), indoor, and food allergies. But they can't relieve every symptom. To treat nasal congestion, your doctor may recommend a decongestant.
As well as taking a non-drowsy antihistamine during the day (such as cetirizine or loratadine), your doctor may advise that you take a drowsy antihistamine at night time if the itching is making it difficult to sleep. Do not take 2 antihistamines together unless recommended by your doctor.
What is the fastest acting antihistamine?
Second- and third-generation antihistamines are less likely to cause drowsiness. Of these, cetirizine works the fastest but has a higher chance of making you feel drowsy. Fexofenadine is the least drowsy option.
Official answer. Cetirizine can be taken at any time of the day. In most people it is non-sedating, so they take it in the morning. However, a percentage of people do find it to be sedating so if it does make you drowsy it is best to take it in the evening.
Warming climate, longer pollen season, worse allergies
Seasonal allergies can already last from early spring through late fall. But warming from carbon pollution results in more freeze-free days each year, giving plants more time to grow and release allergy-inducing pollen.
Antihistamines are a great first step in relieving seasonal allergies. They work by blocking “histamine,” which is a chemical released by your immune system when your body detects something harmful. In the case of seasonal allergies, your immune system is overreacting to certain allergens when it releases histamine.
- Saline nasal irrigation.
- Air filters. Consider using an air filter in your indoor environments. ...
- Butterbur.
- Bromelain. Bromelain is an enzyme found in papaya and pineapple. ...
- Acupuncture.
- Probiotics.
- Honey. ...
- Air conditioners and dehumidifiers.
Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between Claritin 24 Hour Allergy and Zyrtec.
It is never safe to take multiple antihistamine medications such as Zyrtec and BENADRYL® or Claritin and BENADRYL® together.
Claritin is unlikely to cause CNS side effects such as sedation, or confusion when used at dosages of 10mg/day. Side effects may be more likely when used at higher dosages. Zyrtec is 3.5 times more likely than Claritin to cause sedation, particularly when used at dosages higher than 10mg/day.
What is the most powerful natural antihistamine? Researchers haven't yet established any natural product as the “best” or “most powerful.” Natural antihistamines with the most research backing their use include stinging nettle, vitamin C, quercetin, butterbur, bromelain, and probiotics.
A potent antioxidant, vitamin C protects your cells from damage, reduces the severity of allergic reactions and helps your body to fight infections. When taken during allergy season, vitamin C can slow down the overreaction of your body to environmental triggers by decreasing your body's histamine production.
Does honey help allergies?
What Does Science Say About Honey and Seasonal Allergies? Unfortunately, honey does not help with allergies. Bees eat nectar and gather pollen produced by brightly colored flowers. These are not the same pollens responsible for most allergies (trees, grasses, and weeds).
If you're looking for an OTC allergy medicine that won't make you sleepy, our best overall pick, Allegra Adult 24-Hour Non-Drowsy Antihistamine, is a great choice. Children over the age of 12 and adults can take one 180-milligram tablet per day but should be on the lookout for side effects, such as dizziness or nausea.
Newer antihistamines like Allegra and Claritin are generally safe for daily use. But allergy medications with decongestants, such as Claritin-D or Benadryl-D, could make your allergies worse with long-term use.
In addition, do not take loratadine (Claritin) while taking erythromycin (an antibiotic), ketoconazole (an antifungal drug), cimetidine (a heartburn medicine), or clarithromycin (an antibiotic) due to potential drug interactions and an increased risk of side effects.
- Oral antihistamines. Antihistamines can help relieve sneezing, itching, a stuffy or runny nose, and watery eyes. ...
- Corticosteroid nasal sprays. These medications improve nasal symptoms. ...
- Cromolyn sodium nasal spray. ...
- Oral decongestants.
