Can I take Zyrtec and Allegra together?
Official answer
Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between Allegra and Zyrtec.
As well as taking a non-drowsy antihistamine during the day (such as fexofenadine, cetirizine or loratadine), your doctor may suggest that you take a sedating antihistamine at night time if the itching is making it difficult to sleep. Do not take 2 antihistamines together unless your doctor advises you to.
Antihistamines can stop working because your allergies might be getting worse or you might have immune system changes due to aging. You also might not be taking the medication as directed. If you take an antihistamine after being exposed to an allergy trigger, it won't work as well.
It's safe for most people to take allergy medications that are in different classes. For example, nasal steroids and oral decongestants can be taken together. However, you shouldn't combine oral antihistamines, such as Zyrtec and Benadryl, without a healthcare provider's OK.
Skip Short-Acting Allergy Meds at Night
Some medications for treating allergies, like cetirizine (Zyrtec) and fexofenadine (Allegra) last 24 hours and don't need to be taken at night.
When an allergy medication doesn't work anymore—either as well as before or at all—it could be because your body is no longer reacting to the drug in the same way it once did or is clearing it too quickly for it to be effective. This is known as a drug tolerance. This can happen after months and years of use.
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. Cetirizine can be taken with or without food.
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.
If antihistamines aren't working for you and you have allergy-like symptoms, it may not be a bad allergy season—but instead something non-allergic you're reacting to. Symptoms of nonallergic rhinitis include: Sneezing. Runny or stuffy nose.
Why do I still have allergies after taking Zyrtec?
If you have seasonal allergies and notice that your allergy medicine stops working, it might be because you've developed new allergies. People rarely develop a tolerance to allergy medications. Common medications like Zyrtec, Allegra, Flonase, and Claritin don't usually stop working.
Therefore, if there is no histamine present in your body, antihistamines can't relieve symptoms. If you're taking antihistamines and not finding any relief from symptoms, it may not be a “bad allergy season,” or that something is wrong with the brand of medication you chose.
Allegra and Zyrtec are common over-the-counter drugs used to treat allergy symptoms. Both drugs are safe and effective, but studies show Zyrtec's effects may last longer than Allegra's. Zyrtec is more likely to cause drowsiness. Drinking fruit juices can make Allegra less effective.
These medications should never be taken together or with any other antihistamine medications. Antihistamine overdose may occur if multiple types of antihistamines are taken at the same time. Overdose symptoms may include irregular heartbeat, behavioral changes, seizure, cardiac arrest, and (in sever cases) death.
You can safely mix different types of allergy medications, like Flonase, a nasal spray, and Claritin, an antihistamine. In fact, it's often recommended by doctors.
Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between Claritin 24 Hour Allergy and Zyrtec.
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.
For many people with allergies, symptoms are the worst around 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. Taking an antihistamine at bedtime may help you or your child feel better in the morning during allergy season.
Zyrtec. 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.
"I would strongly recommend instead of taking a second antihistamine, you actually take a different medication like a steroid nasal spray," Sweet said. That's like taking a Claritin to start your day, plus a shot of Flonase in your nose if your symptoms persist. Saline solution is another nasal spray to try.
What to do for allergies when nothing works?
You may need immunotherapy.
If you don't get relief from medicines alone, it might be a good option for you. This long-term treatment exposes you to what you're allergic to. Over time, it can reduce or prevent your allergy symptoms. It could stop your body from overreacting to allergens all together.
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Allegra Allergy (Fexofenadine)? Do not take fexofenadine with fruit juice (such as apple, orange, or grapefruit). These juices can make it harder for your body to absorb fexofenadine. Avoid taking an antacid within 2 hours before or after you take fexofenadine.
Best for Nighttime
If you're looking for an antihistamine that will relieve your symptoms so you can sleep, we recommend Benadryl Ultratabs. This OTC medication starts working in as little as 15 minutes, relieving itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, itchy throat and nose, and sneezing.
You can take other allergy medications with Zyrtec or Benadryl if they belong to a different therapeutic class. For example, you might try adding a decongestant or steroid nasal spray, such as Flonase (fluticasone propionate). These are safe to take if you have already taken an antihistamine.
Overdosing on antihistamines, the most common line of defense against seasonal allergies, can lead to increased drowsiness, nausea, vomiting and—in the case of first-generation sedating antihistamines—seizures and coma.
