The main difference between Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D is that Zyrtec-D contains the decongestant pseudoephedrine. Also known by its brand name, Sudafed, pseudoephedrine works by shrinking blood vessels to reduce swelling and congestion in the nasal passages. Zyrtec is the brand name for cetirizine.
Is Zyrtec better than cetirizine?
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. Both are second-generation antihistamines, and they generally work the same way in the body.
Is it better to take Zyrtec at night or in the morning?
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.
Is it OK to take Zyrtec everyday?
Can be taken once a day. May be given daily on a regular basis when allergens are most prevalent (such as during spring or summer). Zyrtec does not appear to interact with many drugs (theophylline slightly decreased the clearance of Zyrtec). Zyrtec has been demonstrated to be safe in children older than 6 months.
What is the difference between Claritin and Zyrtec?
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.
What is comparable to Zyrtec?
(cetirizine)
- Zyrtec (cetirizine) Over-the-counter. …
- 9 alternatives.
- Zyrtec D (cetirizine / pseudoephedrine) Prescription or OTC. …
- Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) Prescription or OTC. …
- Claritin (loratadine) Prescription or OTC. …
- Claritin-D (loratadine / pseudoephedrine) Prescription or OTC. …
- Flonase (fluticasone) …
- Allegra (fexofenadine)
Can I take Zyrtec twice a day?
It’s usual to take cetirizine once a day. Children sometimes 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, stomach pain and diarrhoea.
Does Zyrtec cause weight gain?
H1 receptor antihistamines such as cetirizine, fexofenadine, and desloratadine are among the most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of allergies and have been shown to stimulate appetite and weight gain as side effects of treatment (6).
How long does Zyrtec last in your system?
The elimination half-life of Zyrtec is between 8 to 9 hours. It takes approximately 5.5 x elimination half-life for a medicine to be cleared from your system. For Zyrtec this is 5.5 x 9 hours which is about 2 days.
How quickly does Zyrtec work?
Most people experience at least 24 hours of relief after a single dose. Zyrtec, on the other hand, is fast acting. People who take it may feel relief in as little as one hour. Antihistamines like Zyrtec and Claritin are designed to calm the histamine reaction your body has when it’s exposed to an allergen.
Can Zyrtec calm anxiety?
Antihistamines work by having a calming effect on the brain, helping you to feel less anxious.
What are the side effects of long term use of Zyrtec?
That said, Cetirizine can cause adverse effects, such as:
- some drowsiness.
- excessive tiredness.
- dry mouth.
- stomach pain.
- diarrhea.
- vomiting.
Can you build a tolerance to Zyrtec?
According to Erstein, it’s entirely possible to develop a tolerance to either medication, so the Zyrtec you’ve been using daily may feel like it’s losing effectiveness over time. Research into allergy medication tolerance is sparse, but there are number of other explanations to consider, too.
Can I take Claritin in the morning and Zyrtec at night?
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.
Does Zyrtec dry up mucus?
When they dry out mucus, they can actually thicken it. Newer antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin, Alavert), fexofenadine (Allegra), cetirizine (Zyrtec), levocetirizine (Xyzal), and desloratadine (Clarinex), may be better options and are less likely to cause drowsiness.
Can I take Zyrtec at night?
ZYRTEC® provides 24-hour relief, all day and all night.