Zyrtec can help with an allergic reaction. If you are having a mild allergic reaction, like hives or itching, you can take Zyrtec. However, if you are having trouble breathing or if you have swelling around the face or mouth, you should seek emergency medical treatment.
How much Zyrtec should I take for an allergic reaction?
Dosage. The dosage of Zyrtec is 2.5 mg (0.5 teaspoons) milligrams for children 2 to 6 years of age, and 5-10 milligrams for those aged 6 years and older. Larger doses have not been shown to be more beneficial for the treatment of hay fever, but may be more useful for the treatment of hives in some people.
Which antihistamine is best for allergic reaction?
Claritin and Zyrtec are popular over-the-counter antihistamines. Doctors consider them safe and effective treatments for minor allergies. Both are second-generation antihistamines. These cause less drowsiness than first-generation antihistamines.
Is Zyrtec or Benadryl better for hives?
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is great for allergies, but curl up on the couch after taking it and get ready for a nap. Zyrtec (cetirizine) works to treat sneezing and runny nose, and causes less sedation compared to Benadryl. Works well to also treat hives and itchy skin.
Does Zyrtec help with swelling?
Cetirizine is used to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or runny nose. Cetirizine is also used to treat itching and swelling caused by chronic urticaria (hives). Cetirizine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Is Zyrtec or Benadryl better for poison ivy?
A group of medications called antihistamines are very good at reducing the itching: diphenydramine (Benadryl) is good for night time because it makes you sleepy and loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are good for daytime because they don’t.
Can I take Benadryl 24 hour Zyrtec?
Most allergy medicines should not be combined with one another, according to Dr. Susan Besser, a primary care provider at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. “You should not take multiple oral antihistamines together, such as Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra or Xyzal.
Does drinking water help allergic reaction?
So, water actually has the power to regulate your histamine levels. This does not mean drinking water can act to prevent or treat an allergic reaction, but it’s good to know that avoiding dehydration by drinking water will help to maintain normal histamine activity.
Can you have an allergic reaction to antihistamines?
Antihistamines are the cornerstone of allergy therapy and are not expected to cause hypersensitivity reactions.
What helps itching from an allergic reaction?
Use an over-the-counter anti-itch drug.
A nonprescription oral antihistamine, such as loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl Allergy, others), may help relieve itching.
Does Zyrtec have the same ingredients as Benadryl?
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine hydrochloride) are antihistamines used to treat allergy symptoms, such as itching, hives, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing from hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and other allergies, such as allergies to molds and dust mites.
Will Zyrtec clear up hives?
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.
How do you calm down hives?
Wear loose-fitting, cotton clothes. Apply a cold compress, such as ice cubes wrapped in a washcloth, to the itchy skin several times a day—unless cold triggers your hives. Use anti-itch medication that you can buy without a prescription, such as an antihistamine or calamine lotion.
Will Benadryl help swelling?
A quick-acting allergy medication, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can help reduce swelling and itching after an insect bite or sting. Drug allergies can also cause swollen lips. One of the most common causes of drug allergies, according to the ACAAI, is penicillin.
Does Zyrtec work for swollen eyes?
Antihistamine pills and liquids work by blocking histamine to relieve watery, itchy eyes. They include cetirizine (Zyrtec), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), fexofenadine (Allegra), or loratadine (Alavert, Claritin), among others. Some may cause drowsiness. Antihistamine eye drops work well for itchy, watery eyes.
Which antihistamine is best for swelling?
If your symptoms of swelling occur during the day, it’s best to take non-drowsy medicines such as cetirizine and loratadine. Other side effects of antihistamines can include: headaches. a dry mouth.