However, newer antihistamines like Zyrtec and Claritin are less likely to cause this side effect. Claritin is long acting. Most people experience at least 24 hours of relief after a single dose. Zyrtec, on the other hand, is fast acting. People who take it may feel relief in as little as one hour. It also releases a substance called histamine.
This substance causes many of the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Antihistamines are designed to block the effects of the histamine that your body produces. In turn, they decrease the symptoms of the allergy. Zyrtec and Claritin have very few side effects and are generally recognized as safe for most people.
However, some side effects may still occur. Zyrtec can cause sleepiness, but only in some people. Take it for the first time when you will be at home for a few hours in case it makes you sleepy. Claritin is less likely to cause sleepiness than Zyrtec when you take either at recommended doses.
More serious side effects of these medications are rare. If you have one of the following side effects after taking either medication, seek emergency medical attention:. Children may have any of the side effects that adults do, but they can also have completely different reactions to antihistamines. Children may become stimulated, restless, or sleepless. Claritin is active in the body for at least 24 hours.
The typical daily dose of Claritin for adults and children who are 6 years and older is 10 mg per day. The typical daily dose of Claritin for children aged 2—5 years is 5 mg. Children this age using Zyrtec should be given 2. Get the SingleCare prescription coupon cards. Claritin is taken as a once-daily antihistamine that can be purchased as a generic OTC drug. It is not usually covered by Medicare or insurance plans. Second-generation antihistamines such as Zyrtec and Claritin are less likely to cause sedating side effects; however, of the two, Zyrtec has been reported to cause a higher incidence of drowsiness.
Other adverse effects of Zyrtec include fatigue, lethargy, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, constipation, cough, and nausea. Common side effects of Claritin include headache, fatigue, dry mouth, stomach pain, nervousness, diarrhea, skin rash, nose bleeds, and blurred vision.
Other serious side effects may include abnormal heart rate, palpitations, severe faintness, or seizures. It is important to contact your healthcare provider and seek care immediately should you experience any of these serious side effects. This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your doctor or healthcare provider to learn more. Most antihistamines, including Zyrtec and Claritin, are metabolized by the liver and excreted in the kidney.
These drugs are broken down by the P cytochrome enzyme in the liver which is involved in the metabolism of a number of other drugs. For this reason, both Claritin and Zyrtec have a number of drug interactions.
Zyrtec and Claritin should be avoided with another sedating antihistamine such as Benadryl diphenhydramine. Taking these two medications together can increase CNS side effects like sedation and impairment in judgment, concentration, and memory. You should also avoid using Zyrtec or Claritin with alcohol which can also increase drowsiness.
Other sedating medications that Zyrtec is likely to interact with include benzodiazepines, some anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, and certain antidepressants among other drugs. This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Please consult your doctor before taking these medications.
Antihistamines should not be taken if there is a history of an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the medication. Before taking either Zyrtec or Claritin, you should consult your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease. This is because these drugs are processed and excreted in the kidneys. Children under 6 years of age, and adults over 65, should also consult their healthcare provider before taking Zyrtec or Claritin.
Additionally, Zyrtec is contraindicated with the concurrent use of alcohol, tranquilizers or other forms of sedatives as they can increase the sedating side effects of this drug. Studies have shown that most antihistamines do not cause birth defects when taken during pregnancy. However, some of these drugs do have the potential to cause certain birth defects. Before taking Zyrtec or Claritin in pregnancy, you should talk to your doctor about the potential risks.
It's much less likely to make you feel sleepy than some other antihistamines. Cetirizine is available on prescription, but you can also buy it from pharmacies and supermarkets. Take our survey. Cetirizine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:.
If you or your child have been prescribed cetirizine, follow your doctor's instructions about how and when to take it. If it is from a pharmacy or shop, follow the instructions that come with the packet.
You can take cetirizine with or without food, but always take the tablets or capsules with a drink of water, milk or squash. Swallow them whole. Do not chew them. Cetirizine liquid may be easier for children to take than tablets. The liquid medicine will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to give the right dose. If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one.
Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure out the right amount. You may only need to take cetirizine on a day you have symptoms — for example, if you have been in contact with something that has triggered your allergy, like animal hair. Or you may need to take it regularly to prevent symptoms — for example, to stop hay fever during spring and summer.
Take your forgotten dose as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. If you forget to give a dose to a child who is taking cetirizine twice a day, you can give the missed dose if it's within 4 hours of when they should have had it.
If you remember more than 4 hours after, do not give the missed dose. Instead, wait until the next dose and carry on as normal.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine. Cetirizine is generally very safe. 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. Like all medicines, cetirizine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
The most common side effect of cetirizine is feeling sleepy and tired. This happens in more than 1 in 10 people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if this side effect bothers you or does not go away. Other common side effects of cetirizine happen in more than 1 in people.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away:. Children are more likely to get diarrhoea, sneezing or a blocked and runny nose than adults. Call your doctor straight away if you have bruising or bleeding that's more than normal. In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to cetirizine. These are not all the side effects of cetirizine. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicines packet. Cetirizine can be used in pregnancy.
There is no good evidence that it causes harm to the baby. However, other antihistamines such as loratadine may be recommended as there is more information about its use in pregnancy. If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take cetirizine while breastfeeding. There is some information available which shows that only very small amounts get into breast milk. Non-sedating antihistamines are less likely to cause drowsiness.
Although drowsiness is unlikely to happen, it can still occur in some people and may affect the performance of skilled tasks such as driving. Take care until you know how these medicines affect you.
Usually, antihistamine tablets start to work within 30 minutes after being taken and tend to be most effective within hours after being taken. Sedating antihistamine, in particular, may not be suitable for some people. If you have any of the following problems, let your doctor or pharmacist know before you start taking any antihistamines:.
Most people who take antihistamines do not have any serious side-effects.
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