Which antihistamine is best loratadine or cetirizine?

Cetirizine hydrochloride is effective in treating hay fever. Our allergists often recommend medications with this active ingredient when symptoms include itching. Some individuals reported that medications with cetirizine hydrochloride work faster than those containing loratadine.
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Which is better loratadine or cetirizine?

Both agents produced substantial symptomatic relief according to patients' daily diary assessments; however, cetirizine was more effective than loratadine in relieving the symptoms of rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal obstruction, and nasal pruritus (P <. 0001).
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Is loratadine and cetirizine the same?

Claritin (loratadine) helps to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies. Compared to other antihistamines, this medication may not make you as sleepy. Cetirizine (Zyrtec) is an allergy medication. It can help relieve common allergy symptoms, including runny nose, sneezing, and itchy or watery eyes.
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Which has less side effects cetirizine or loratadine?

Claritin tends to have fewer side effects than Zyrtec. They include headache, drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth. Conversely, loratadine can cause nervousness and difficulty sleeping in some patients. Zyrtec may cause all those same side effects, plus nausea and sore throat.
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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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Loratadine, Diphenhydramine, and Cetirizine - Antihistamines



Can you take loratadine and cetirizine?

No interactions were found between cetirizine and loratadine.
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What is the best antihistamine 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. Consider whether you might prefer a type that doesn't cause drowsiness.
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Can I switch from cetirizine to loratadine?

Some people may need to combine different allergy medications to treat their allergy symptoms. However, you should never take different oral antihistamines such as cetirizine and loratadine together since doing so can result in dangerous complications.
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Who should not take loratadine?

If you are using the tablets or capsules, do not use in children younger than 6 years unless directed by the doctor. If you are using the liquid or chewable tablets, do not use in children younger than 2 years unless directed by the doctor.
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Can I take cetirizine everyday?

Cetirizine (Zyrtec) is safe to take every day if you have allergy symptoms on a daily basis. If you don't have allergy symptoms every day, you can take it as needed on days when these symptoms bother you.
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How quickly does loratadine work?

Response and effectiveness. Loratadine is well absorbed after oral administration and peak levels are reached within an hour. Symptom relief may occur within 10-20 minutes of the first dose, with an average time of onset of 27 minutes. By 45 minutes, all patients should notice a reduction in their allergy symptoms.
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What are the side effects of loratadine?

Loratadine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
  • headache.
  • dry mouth.
  • nosebleed.
  • sore throat.
  • mouth sores.
  • difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
  • nervousness.
  • weakness.
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Can I take cetirizine twice a day?

The usual dosage for adults younger than 65 years and children who are 6 years and older is one 10-milligram (mg) dose per day. You shouldn't take more than 10 mg in 24 hours. Your doctor may recommend a 5-mg dose once or twice per day if your allergies are mild.
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What time of day should I take loratadine?

Should I take Claritin (loratadine) at night or in the morning? Claritin (loratadine) can be taken either at night or in the morning since it normally doesn't cause sleepiness.
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Can you take loratadine 10 mg twice a day?

Adults and children 6 years of age and older—One tablet or 10 milligrams (mg) once a day. Do not take more than one tablet per day.
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Is it better to take antihistamines at night or in the morning?

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.
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Which antihistamine is safest?

Loratadine, cetrizine, and fexofenadine all have excellent safety records. Their cardiovascular safety has been demonstrated in drug-interaction studies, elevated-dose studies, and clinical trials. These three antihistamines have also been shown safe in special populations, including pediatric and elderly patients.
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Is loratadine a good antihistamine?

Loratadine is known as a non-drowsy antihistamine. It's less likely to make you feel sleepy than other, so-called, sedating antihistamines such as Piriton (chlorphenamine). Most people prefer to take a non-drowsy antihistamine instead of a sedating one.
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Can I take antihistamine if I have Covid?

You may take an expectorant/cough suppressant combination as needed for cough and congestion. Take an antihistamine/decongestant combination for your allergy symptoms and congestion. If you have uncontrolled blood pressure, then you should avoid the decongestant component.
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What is the brand name of loratadine?

Claritin (loratadine) is an antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms. Claritin blocks the action of histamine, a substance in the body that initiates allergic symptoms like itching, sneezing, runny nose, and allergic skin rashes.
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What is comparable to cetirizine?

Zyrtec for Allergy Relief. Xyzal (levocetirizine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine) are both antihistamines. Xyzal is produced by Sanofi, and Zyrtec is produced by a division of Johnson & Johnson.
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Is cetirizine used for itching?

About cetirizine

Cetirizine is an antihistamine medicine that helps the symptoms of allergies. It's used to treat: hay fever. conjunctivitis (red, itchy eye)
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What are the top five antihistamines?

Cetirizine (Zyrtec) Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) Clemastine (Tavist) Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
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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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