How long does it take for zyrtec to work

Allergy relief usually lasts for 24 hours. Claritin is suitable for adults and children over 2 years of age. Both Zyrtec and Claritin belong to the same drug class but their generic forms are different.

Zyrtec has the active compound cetirizine hydrochloride while Claritin has the active compound loratadine. Zyrtec has more sedating properties compared to Claritin. Few studies have been performed comparing the efficacy of Zyrtec and Claritin. One clinical trial has shown that Zyrtec may be better for allergic rhinitis although there were no significant differences between the two. Still, Zyrtec produces more drowsiness and somnolence compared to Claritin.

Certain antihistamines have been shown to be associated with birth defects. While Zyrtec and Claritin may have a low pregnancy risk, it is best to consult your doctor before starting either of these medications. Zyrtec or Claritin should not be taken with alcohol. Alcohol may increase sedating side effects when consumed with antihistamines.

Antihistamines should not be taken simultaneously because it can increase the risk of adverse effects. Zyrtec and Claritin can be used long term. However, these medications are usually prescribed during the allergy season. Once allergy symptoms have subsided, these drugs may be discontinued. 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. Skip to main content Search for a topic or drug. Zyrtec vs.

Claritin: Differences, similarities, and which one is better for you. By Gerardo Sison, Pharm. Want the best price on Claritin? Top Reads in Drug vs. Toujeo vs Lantus: Main Differences and S Dulera vs Advair: Main Differences and S Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Zyrtec cetirizine is an antihistamine in the class of drugs referred to as second-generation antihistamines.

Antihistamines work by blocking histamines , chemical signals released by a type of cell in the immune system mast cells in order to alert other cells about a potential invader.

With allergies or hives, this is a case of mistaken identity in which the immune system is asked to respond to a harmless invader, such as tree pollen or dust mites. Zyrtec is recommended for children 2 years of age and older and adults. It is available as a tablet that can be swallowed, as a chewable tablet, and as a liquid.

These medications can be very effective for the treatment of hives or allergies but usually cause significant drowsiness which limits their use. In addition to Zyrtec, other second-generation antihistamines include Xyzal levocetirizine , Claritin loratadine , and Allegra fexofenadine. Zyrtec is approved for the treatment of:. Zyrtec can be a good antihistamine for allergies and hives though it can cause sedation and fatigue in some people.

These symptoms are usually milder than with the first generation antihistamines, but more pronounced than with medications such as Claritin or Allegra.

Overall, Zyrtec appears to be more effective for controlling allergies than Claritin or Allegra, but similar to Xyzal. However, every person with allergies is different, and it's often impossible to predict which medication will work best for any one person.

Multiple studies show that Zyrtec is better at treating hay fever and hives when compared to Claritin loratadine or Allegra fexofenadine. Zyrtec works faster, is more effective, and lasts longer than these other antihistamines. When used for hives, Zyrtec may work better than Claritin or Allegra but is similar in effectiveness to Xyzal levocetirizine and Clarinex desloratadine. Zyrtec, however, is more likely than Claritin or Allegra to have the side effect of fatigue.

If you are coping with hay fever or hives it's important to have a good relationship with your allergist. If you've been taking cetirizine every day for a long time, talk to your doctor before stopping it. It's best not to drink alcohol while you're taking cetirizine as it can make you feel sleepy. Cetirizine is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine, but it's still possible to feel sleepy after taking it.

If this happens to you, do not drive a car, ride a bike, use tools or machinery until you do not feel tired anymore. It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking cetirizine.

UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving. That's because it's less likely to make you feel sleepy than sedating antihistamines, such as Piriton chlorphenamine. Most people prefer to take a non-drowsy antihistamine instead of one that makes them drowsy. An exception is when you want the medicine to make you sleepy — for example, if you have itchy skin that's keeping you awake.

Other non-drowsy antihistamines, such as loratadine , desloratadine, fexofenadine and levocetirizine, seem to work just as well as cetirizine. But cetirizine seems to be more likely to make you feel sleepy than loratadine, desloratadine or fexofenadine. Yes, you can take cetirizine together with paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Sometimes doctors recommend that people with a severe, itchy skin rash take 2 different antihistamines together for a few days. As well as taking a non-drowsy antihistamine during the day such as cetirizine or loratadine , your doctor may advise that you take a drowsy antihistamine at night time if the itching is making it difficult to sleep.

Yes, it's fine to take cetirizine together with some other hay fever treatments — for example, steroid nasal sprays such as beclometasone Beconase , Rhinocort Aqua and Flixonase Nasules or eye drops. Your doctor may prescribe a higher dose of cetirizine up to 4 times the usual dose for you or your child, for a severe, itchy skin rash or swelling under the skin angioedema.

Taking high doses of cetirizine is not suitable for everyone though. Speak to your doctor if you think cetirizine is not working for you. There's no evidence to suggest that taking certirizine will reduce fertility in either men or women. Speak to a pharmacist or your doctor before taking it if you're trying to get pregnant.

Cetirizine does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception. However, if cetirizine makes you vomit or have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet to find out what to do. Read more about what to do if you're on the pill and you're being sick or have diarrhoea. It'll help if you do not spend too much time outside if the pollen count is high.

Page last reviewed: 15 October Next review due: 15 October Cetirizine - Brand names: Benadryl Allergy, Piriteze Allergy, Zirtek Allergy On this page About cetirizine Key facts Who can and cannot take cetirizine How and when to take cetirizine Side effects How to cope with side effects of cetirizine Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions about cetirizine. About cetirizine Cetirizine is an antihistamine medicine that helps the symptoms of allergies.

It's used to treat: hay fever conjunctivitis red, itchy eye eczema hives urticaria reactions to insect bites and stings some food allergies Cetirizine is known as a non-drowsy antihistamine. It comes as tablets, capsules and as a liquid that you swallow. Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today?

It's usual to take cetirizine once a day. Children aged under 12 take it twice a day. Cetirizine is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine, but some people still find it makes them feel quite sleepy. Common side effects include headaches, dry mouth, feeling sick, dizziness and diarrhoea.

Some brands of cetirizine come as capsules. These may contain soya oil. Do not take cetirizine capsules if you are allergic to peanuts or soya. Some Benadryl products do not contain cetirizine, but a different antihistamine such as acrivastine. Most adults can take cetirizine. Antihistamines work by fighting symptoms of hay fever and seasonal allergies. They combat histamines secreted by your body after an allergic reaction. This decreases the symptoms you may be feeling, such as sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.

Zyrtec is meant to provide hour relief. The same is true for other antihistamines like Claritin. Other antihistamines work differently than Zyrtec.

Make sure to follow the directions on the box. Zyrtec can be taken every day to mitigate allergy symptoms before they start, but it can also be taken once you confirm seasonal allergies.

Antihistamines are known for causing drowsiness. As a result, do not take alcohol after an antihistamine, and avoid driving. Common side effects of Zyrtec and other antihistamines include vomiting, headaches, dry mouth, fatigue, and headaches. Diarrhea and constipation can also occur. Using Zyrtec for Treating Hives and Allergies. May Verywell Health. January Mayo Clinic. April August Zyrtec vs Claritin for Allergy Relief.

Skip to content Allergies caused by airborne pathogens can cause symptoms that are annoying in the best of circumstances.