Because antihistamines like Claritin and Zyrtec are now available over the counter, we can trust that they’re generally safe for longterm use, says Shih.
Is it safe to take Zyrtec every day?
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 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 take Zyrtec at night?
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.
Does Zyrtec work better the longer you take it?
Claritin is long acting. 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.
Do antihistamines weaken immune system?
Most anti-allergy medications do not affect immunity, but it does depend on the medication. Medication such as antihistamines and Montelukast are generally considered safe so you should continue to use these. To the best of our knowledge, there is no reason to think that antihistamines would lower the immune response.
Can Zyrtec make you gain weight?
Antihistamines that can cause weight gain include: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl and others) Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Why is Zyrtec being recalled?
According to the June 26, 2019, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Enforcement Report, P & L Developments initiated the recall after learning of a recall issued by its supplier over potential Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia) and Ralstonia pickettii (R. pickettii) contamination.
Can Zyrtec cause depression?
The over-the-counter allergy medication cetirizine (Zyrtec and generic) has been linked to depression, as has another type of drug, montelukast (Singulair), which is often used to treat people with allergic asthma.
What happens when you stop taking Zyrtec?
For example, some people experience symptoms with cetirizine if they take it for a while and then stop suddenly. The main withdrawal symptom is called pruritus— itching and burning sensations of the skin ranging from moderate to severe. Other antihistamine withdrawal symptoms include interruptions in sleep patterns.
Which is better Claritin or Zyrtec?
Zyrtec has a quicker onset of action compared to Claritin and may be more effective than Claritin in reducing allergy symptoms, according to one clinical trial. However, cetirizine, the active ingredient of Zyrtec, has been shown to produce more drowsiness than loratadine.
Who should not take Zyrtec?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to cetirizine or levocetirizine. Cetirizine injection is not for use in children young than 6 years old who have liver or kidney disease. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take cetirizine oral if you have any medical conditions.
Can Zyrtec cause anxiety?
Antihistamines are known to cause extreme drowsiness; however, in certain people, they can cause insomnia, excitability, anxiety, restlessness, and a rapid heart rate.
Does Zyrtec have to build up in your system?
Zyrtec and Claritin are effective for about 24 hours. A person should only take one dose per day. The body absorbs both antihistamines quickly, but Zyrtec seems to work faster for some people. A 2014 study found that both drugs were absorbed into the bloodstream within 1–2 hours of taking the medication.
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.
Can Zyrtec cause heart palpitations?
Although palpitations may be caused by a heart problem, they also occur because of stress, fatigue, or use of alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine. Many medicines, including diet pills, antihistamines, decongestants, and some herbal products, can cause heart palpitations. Nearly everyone has palpitations from time to time.