Is Zyrtec as powerful as Benadryl?
Summary. Benadryl and Zyrtec are both OTC antihistamines used to relieve the symptoms of allergies or minor allergic reactions. Most people find Zyrtec less sedating than Benadryl, but you should use caution when taking either of them for the first time until you know how your body reacts.
If you've ever slept 14 hours after popping a Benadryl, you're well aware that some allergy meds can seriously knock you out. That's not as common with Zyrtec, but 11 to 14 percent of people do report feeling sleepy after taking it, making it the most common side effect reported, says Boomershine.
Many people use antihistamines to treat allergy symptoms. Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Claritin (loratadine) are two popular brands. They contain different compounds but appear to be equally effective. Antihistamines can reduce allergy symptoms, such as watering eyes, itchy skin, hives, and swelling.
How long to wait between doses of two oral antihistamines depends on the specific medications. If you've taken an antihistamine like Zyrtec, its effects can last for up to 24 hours. So you'd want to wait until it's been at least 24 hours since taking Zyrtec to take Benadryl (or another antihistamine).
Cetirizine has the fastest onset of action among the newer antihistamines.
Zyrtec provides longer-lasting relief than Benadryl and is usually taken once a day. While both drugs can alleviate allergy symptoms, they may be chosen based on individual needs and preferences.
Benadryl and Zyrtec are both OTC antihistamines used to relieve the symptoms of allergies or minor allergic reactions. Most people find Zyrtec less sedating than Benadryl, but you should use caution when taking either of them for the first time until you know how your body reacts.
Zyrtec (cetirizine) is a second-generation antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. It is available over the counter for use in adults and children 2 years and over. Side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, sore throat, dizziness, and stomach pain.
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.
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.
Why is Benadryl not recommended anymore?
This is because as a first-generation antihistamine diphenhydramine crosses the blood-brain barrier, which causes sedation in patients. Moreover, the FDA has issued warnings that taking higher than recommended doses of the antihistamine Benadryl can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma or even death.
It is never safe to take multiple antihistamine medications such as Zyrtec and BENADRYL® or Claritin and BENADRYL® together. Combining BENADRYL® with other antihistamine medications can lead to serious complications or, in rare cases, an antihistamine overdose.
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.
Cetirizine is the most potent of the antihistamines having the strongest binding to histamine receptors but can have a mild sedative effect in some individuals, so it'd be best to take at nighttime.
Bilastine is a new second generation H1-antihistamine recently approved for the symptomatic treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic urticaria (CU). Bilastine epitomizes the evolution of research on antihistamines concerning both efficacy and safety.
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.
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.
Cetirizine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes/nose, sneezing, hives, and itching. It works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction.
In summary, I would suggest an oral, 2nd or 3rd generations antihistamine (e.g. cetirizine, desloratadine, fexofenadine, levocetirizine, loratadine).
Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) aren't known to raise blood pressure when used alone. Antihistamines are part of many combination over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold products. They may be combined with a medication that can raise your blood pressure.
What is the best time of day to take Zyrtec?
What's the best time of day to take ZYRTEC®? Any time of day works. And ZYRTEC® will continue to work for 24 hours.
Peak concentrations are reached within one hour of administration of Zyrtec tablets or syrup. The onset of its effect occurs within 20 minutes in 50% of people and an hour in 95%. Effects persist for at least 24 hours following a single dose of Zyrtec.
Allergy Medications
First generation antihistamines, while very effective at controlling symptoms, are often associated with symptoms in older adults such as anxiety, confusion, sedation, blurred vision, reduced mental alertness, urinary retention and constipation.
Cetirizine is eliminated primarily by the kidney but also undergoes metabolism in the liver to some extent. Patients with renal and/or liver disease may be at greater risk for adverse effects from cetirizine due to decreased drug clearance.
Typically, antihistamines might offer temporary relief for mild anxiety symptoms, but they aren't recommended for long-term use as primary anxiety treatments. Prolonged use can lead to increased tolerance, reduced effectiveness, and potential side effects.
