What are the top five antihistamines?

What are the best allergy medicines to take?
  • Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
  • Claritin (loratadine)
  • Allegra (fexofenadine)
  • Zyrtec (cetirizine)
  • Xyzal (levocetirizine)
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Which antihistamine is the most effective?

Cetirizine is the most potent antihistamine available and has been subjected to more clinical study than any other.
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Which oral antihistamine is best?

In terms of which non-drowsy antihistamine works best, a statistical analysis of multiple studies found that fexofenadine is no better or worse than the other second-generation antihistamines for blocking the action of histamine.
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What is the fastest working antihistamine?

BENADRYL® Allergy Relief is the fastest-acting allergy relief capsule, it is the only brand to contain acrivastine a unique active ingredient. Acrivastine starts to work in 15 minutes providing fast relief.
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What is better cetirizine or loratadine?

Loratadine has fewer sedating properties compared to cetirizine. The effectiveness of the two are more or less equal. However, cetirizine may have a quicker onset of action.
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Antihistamines for Everything?



Is Zyrtec or Claritin better?

Bottom Line. Zyrtec and Claritin are both second generation antihistamines with low risk of sedation; however, Zyrtec is more likely to cause sedation than Claritin. Zyrtec also has a quicker onset of action (one hour vs up to three hours for Claritin) but both last for 24 hours.
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Is Allegra or Claritin better?

Allegra and Claritin are both effective at relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis compared to using no medication at all. However, Claritin has been shown to provide more overall symptom relief compared to Allegra. It has also been shown to provide overall relief faster than Allegra.
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Which antihistamine is best for itching?

A nonprescription oral antihistamine, such as loratadine (Alavert, Claritin, others), cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy, others) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl Allergy, others), may help relieve itching.
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Is Zyrtec better than Benadryl?

Is Zyrtec or Benadryl better? Both drugs are similarly effective, but Zyrtec may cause less drowsiness. Zyrtec still can cause drowsiness as well, though. Since both medications are available OTC, you can try one to see how it improves your symptoms.
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Can doctors prescribe stronger antihistamines?

In some cases, your doctor may be able to prescribe a different type of medication, or a strong antihistamine to help tackle symptoms. They may also be able to refer you to a consultant allergist for further help if your allergies are having an impact on your life for several months during the year.
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Is it OK to take antihistamines every day?

Depending on your symptoms, you can take antihistamines: Every day, to help keep daily symptoms under control. Only when you have symptoms. Before being exposed to things that often cause your allergy symptoms, such as a pet or certain plants.
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Is Benadryl stronger than Claritin?

Claritin is usually recommended over Benadryl for allergic rhinitis and other allergy symptoms. Both drugs have similar effectiveness but Claritin has less sedating side effects. Claritin only needs to be taken once daily which may be preferred for some people.
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Who should not take Zyrtec?

You should not use Zyrtec-D if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, severe high blood pressure (hypertension), severe coronary artery disease, if you are unable to urinate, or if you are allergic to hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril). Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days.
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Can I take Zyrtec in the morning and Benadryl at night?

The short answer? Yes, you can take both Zyrtec and Benadryl.
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Is flonase an antihistamine?

Is fluticasone (Flonase) an antihistamine or decongestant? Fluticasone (Flonase) is neither. It is a type of steroid that helps to lessen the inflammation caused by allergies.
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How do I stop uncontrollable itching?

For temporary relief of itching, try these self-care measures:
  1. Avoid items or situations that cause you to itch. ...
  2. Moisturize daily. ...
  3. Treat the scalp. ...
  4. Reduce stress or anxiety. ...
  5. Try over-the-counter oral allergy medicine. ...
  6. Use a humidifier. ...
  7. Use creams, lotions or gels that soothe and cool the skin. ...
  8. Avoid scratching.
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Why am I still itchy after taking antihistamine?

But it's not uncommon for antihistamines to be or become ineffective. Studies on the effectiveness of antihistamines for chronic hives have shown a response rate as low as 44 percent. Antihistamines may stop working because hives can become worse over time or because the intensity of hives can wax and wane over time.
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What is the best oral medication for itching?

Popular Itching Drugs
  • Kenalog. triamcinolone. $7.18.
  • hydroxyzine hydrochloride. $13.47.
  • Cutivate. fluticasone propionate. $11.69.
  • Vistaril. hydroxyzine pamoate. $9.67.
  • Clobex. clobetasol. $27.40.
  • Temovate. clobetasol, embeline. $27.40.
  • Olux. clobetasol. $27.40.
  • Cormax. clobetasol. $27.40.
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Is Xyzal better than Allegra?

Xyzal and Allegra are each effective at treating allergy-related reactions, but Xyzal has a longer duration of action.
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Which is better Zyrtec or Allegra?

Both drugs were found to be equally effective in treating allergy symptoms, and Allegra was found to cause less drowsiness than Zyrtec. Another study showed that Zyrtec was more effective than Allegra, and that side effects were similar.
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Who should not take Claritin?

Who should not take CLARITIN?
  • liver failure.
  • liver problems.
  • moderate to severe kidney impairment.
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Why is Zyrtec not working?

So, why do allergy medicines stop working? Air pollution and warm temperatures can worsen your allergy symptoms, so much so that allergy medicines seem to stop working. Both of these culprits appear in the spring and summer, which is why allergy season usually begins as temperatures start warming up after winter.
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Why does Xyzal work better than Zyrtec?

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.
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Does Claritin raise blood pressure?

For allergy sufferers with heart disease, medicines such as Allegra, Zyrtec or Claritin should be safe. However, medicines containing decongestants — including Allegra-D, Zyrtec-D and Claritin-D — could increase your blood pressure and heart rate or interfere with your heart medication.
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Is cetirizine the same as Zyrtec?

Zyrtec is a brand name for the drug cetirizine. Claritin is the brand name for loratidine. Zyretc and Claritin are in the same class of medications.
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