Two popular FDA-approved medications are Xyzal (levocetirizine dihydrochloride) and Zyrtec (cetirizine hydrochloride). Both medications are antihistamines, also called H1 blockers. They block the action of histamine, thereby relieving allergy symptoms.
What is the difference between levocetirizine and cetirizine?
Previous research suggested that levocetirizine is less sedating than cetirizine, and that 2.5 mg of levocetirizine is equivalent to 5 mg of cetirizine. levocetirizine is the R-enantiomer of cetirizine, and the investigators hypothesized that it would be more potent.
What does cetirizine dihydrochloride do?
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.
What is equivalent to cetirizine?
Cetirizine is a non-sedating antihistamine. It is similar to other second-generation antihistamines including loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra) and azelastine (Astelin).
Is cetirizine the same as Allegra?
The symptoms they treat
The main active ingredient in Allegra is fexofenadine. The main active ingredient in Zyrtec is cetirizine. Both of these drugs are antihistamines.
When should I take cetirizine?
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.
What is the best allergy medicine?
If your allergies only appear sporadically – say when pollen count is high or you have that random encounter with your friend’s cat – fast-acting antihistamines will be your best bet. These include medications like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Claritin (loratidine), Allegra (fexofenadine), and Zyrtec (cetirizine).7 мая 2018 г.
Can I take 2 cetirizine a day?
Adults and children 6 years and older can take cetirizine capsules and tablets. 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.
How many hours does cetirizine last?
It is eliminated in the urine via an active transport mechanism. The elimination half-life of cetirizine ranges from 6.5 to 10 hours in healthy adults, with a mean across studies of approximately 8.3 hours. Its duration of action is at least 24 hours.
Is cetirizine used for cold?
Cetirizine is used to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or runny nose.
Is cetirizine the same as Zyrtec?
It works against the production of histamine, and belongs to as class of medications called antihistamines. Cetirizine is available under the following different brand names: Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy, Children’s Zyrtec Allergy, Children’s Zyrtec Hives Relief, PediaCare Children’s 24 Hour Allergy, Aller-Tec, and Wal-Zyr.
Which is better cetirizine or loratadine?
It is effective in treating upper respiratory allergies while causing less drowsiness. Claritin is a common medication containing loratadine. Many individuals report Claritin as being useful as a decongestant. While patients have reported that cetirizine hydrochloride works faster, loratadine lasts longer.
What is the best antihistamine?
Sedaghat suggests taking a second-generation OTC antihistamine that’s less likely to cause drowsiness, such as fexofenadine (Allegra), loratadine, or cetirizine (Zyrtec). Compared with first-generation antihistamines, the second-generation ones are no more potent, but they are more expensive.
Can Allegra and cetirizine be taken together?
by Drugs.com
If your allergy is particularly bad then yes you can take them on the same day, as there are no known interactions. This is a therapeutic duplication and it is usually recommended to take only one antihistamine at any time, however if you have been prescribed to take both together then it is appropriate.
What works better than Zyrtec?
Zyrtec and Allegra work quickly for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and hives, typically within less than an hour. On the other hand, studies show that Claritin takes many hours to start working. Studies show that Allegra is nearly as good as Zyrtec at treating hayfever.
Which antihistamine is best for itching?
Oral antihistamines may relieve the itching. Nondrowsy oral antihistamines include fexofenadine (Allegra) and loratadine (Claritin). Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) are less expensive but can make you feel sleepy.