Studies have shown equal effectiveness for Zyrtec and Claritin for allergic rhinitis and urticaria. Studies have not compared the effects of Zyrtec and Claritin for conditions such as postnasal drip, but research suggests intranasal antihistamines such as azelastine are more effective.
Postnasal drip caused by allergies can be managed with OTC antihistamines and decongestants. Note that older antihistamines like Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton can actually thicken mucus; instead, try Claritin, Alavert, Allegra, Zyrtec, Xyzal or Clarinex.
Fexofenadine (brand Allegra) and loratadine (brand Claritin) are good second-generation antihistamines that are non-sedating and could be good for mild to moderate postnasal drip symptoms.
“Claritin is a 24-hour antihistamine that works in the same way as Zyrtec, however, research has found that Claritin may be less potent than Zyrtec and therefore less effective,” explains Dr. Parikh. Although potential side effects may also be minimized as a result, she adds.
There are multiple kinds of antihistamines, and different antihistamine drugs have different combinations of them. It may be that the active antihistamine in Claritin, loratadine, isn't the kind that's most effective for you. This could cause Claritin to not work well when you take it.
Zyrtec. Zyrtec (cetirizine) is the strongest of the second-generation antihistamines, says Dr. Garcia-Ibáñez. And because there is less chance of toxicity with this medication, the dosage can be increased substantially, at the discretion of your doctor, he says.
Medication that shrinks swollen nasal tissues to relieve symptoms of nasal swelling, congestion and mucus secretion.
Antihistamines. Antihistamines tend to dry out the lining of the nose and thicken mucus. If sinus sufferers also have allergies, physicians will prescribe antihistamines such as Claritin, Allergra, Zyrtec or Benadryl and/or allergy shots to control the inflammation that results from allergies.
However, it may help ease a tickling cough caused by mucus running down the back of your throat. This type of cough can sometimes happen with respiratory allergies such as hay fever. Cetirizine helps dry up your nasal secretions, so it might help ease this type of cough.
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.
Antihistamines act on the histamine receptors, which often cause typical allergy symptoms, such as excess mucus production and postnasal drip. A range of antihistamines is available. Prescription first-generation oral antihistamines include: diphenhydramine (Benadryl), also available over the counter (OTC)
“Zyrtec is found to be more potent, or stronger, in laboratory studies, compared with Claritin,” says Dr. Kung. “It also reaches a higher concentration in the skin, which can be more helpful for skin-related allergies. However, Zyrtec has a greater chance of making you sleepy while taking it.”
Some older, sedating antihistamines may dry and thicken post-nasal secretions more; newer non-drowsy antihistamines do not have this effect.
How long can post-nasal drip last? Efforts to treat post-nasal drip should be taken early on. However, symptoms of severe post-nasal drip may linger for weeks or months. If early treatments fail or symptoms increase after 10 days, you may need to visit your doctor.
There are various factors that could be to blame for this. One significant problem is that lying down in bed changes your elevation, draining mucus into the upper respiratory airway. The reaction is usually to start coughing and feel the need to frequently clear your throat.
Environmental triggers, such as allergies, cold weather, or dry air, may cause postnasal drip. While treatment options depend on the cause, postnasal drip often clears up without the need for medication. However, antihistamines and decongestants may help those with viral infections or allergies.
This medication is an antihistamine that treats symptoms such as itching, runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing from "hay fever" and other allergies. It is also used to relieve itching from hives. Loratadine does not prevent hives or prevent/treat a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
Claritin and Sudafed belong to different classes of drugs. Claritin is an antihistamine and Sudafed is a decongestant. They are both used to treat allergy and hayfever symptoms such as runny nose.
Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra are all good antihistamine options and are generally well-tolerated by many people. But there are some differences between them that may make one of these antihistamines better for you than the others. For example, Zyrtec and Allegra may work faster than Claritin.
No interactions were found between Claritin and Zyrtec. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Why do antihistamines stop working? Antihistamines can stop working because your allergies might be getting worse or you might have immune system changes due to aging. You also might not be taking the medication as directed. If you take an antihistamine after being exposed to an allergy trigger, it won't work as well.