Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Claritin (loratidine) are two popular brands. They contain different compounds but appear to be equally effective. Antihistamines can reduce allergy symptoms, such as watering eyes, itchy skin, hives, and swelling.
Benadryl and Claritin are both antihistamines, but Claritin is likely more effective for itchy eyes. It also causes less drowsy effects and only needs to be taken once per day, whereas Benadryl needs to be taken every 4-6 hours to manage allergy symptoms.
“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.”
Eye allergies can come with a variety of symptoms, ranking from minor eye irritation to more visible and annoying reactions. ZYRTEC® is only indicated for itchy, watery eyes.
What's the best time of day to take ZYRTEC®? Any time of day works. And ZYRTEC® will continue to work for 24 hours.
Cetirizine is the most potent antihistamine available and has been subjected to more clinical study than any other.
Taking antihistamines can help reduce your allergy symptoms, including eye puffiness.
Avoid oral antihistamines.
As noted above, all oral antihistamines including newer-generation antihistamines, such as Claritin, Zyrtec (cetirizine, Pfizer) and Allegra (fexofenadine, Aventis Pharmaceuticals) dry the eye. This can worsen ocular allergies in two ways.
Flonase (fluticasone) and Nasacort (triamcinolone) are two examples of OTC steroid nasal sprays. They can take longer to work than antihistamines and decongestants. But some experts consider them to be the most effective type of controller medication for long-lasting nasal allergies.
Sandoz issued a voluntary recall of 1,023,430 units of Zyrtec (10 mg) capsules as a result of failed impurities and a specification being reported for impurity at the 21-month stability time point, according to an FDA Enforcement Report.
Since both medications have a common core chemical structure, Zyrtec and Xyzal generally have the same level of effectiveness, onset of action, and range of allergy symptoms treated. Xyzal is slightly less drowsy, so if drowsiness is an issue with your allergy medicine, Xyzal is better than Zyrtec.
Oral antihistamines for allergic conjunctivitis are cetirizine, fexofenadine, and loratadine. These are usually taken once a day. Antihistamine eye drops include Alaway and Zaditor. . The eye drops will relieve symptoms in the eyes, but the oral dose will also help treat a runny nose and other symptoms.
Eye Allergy Causes
Like all allergies, eye allergies happen when your body overreacts to something. The immune system makes antibodies that cause your eyes to release histamine and other substances. This causes itching and red, watery eyes. Some people also have nasal allergies.
Benadryl every 6 hours or so is best. For eyelid swelling that interferes with your child's vision, use a long-lasting vasoconstrictor eye drop (such as a tetrahydrozoline, like Visine). No prescription is needed. The recommended dose is one drop every eight to 12 hours as needed for one to two days.
Take over-the-counter medication
For swollen eyes caused by an allergic reaction or seasonal allergies, antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may provide aid.
How does using antihistamines affect my glaucoma? Answer: Antihistamines can cause an angle closure glaucoma attack (when fluid is completely blocked from leaving the eye, causing a dangerous rise in pressure) in some patients who have narrow angles.
The most common causes of eye allergies are seasonal allergies to pollen and mold spores. People with seasonal hay fever (allergic rhinitis) normally notice their symptoms worsen when they go outdoors on days with high pollen counts.
NETTLE LEAF. Nettle leaf can help naturally block your body's ability to produce histamine, which will reduce itching and swelling.
Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva becomes swollen or inflamed due to a reaction to pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, or other allergy-causing substances.
Conclusions: In a skin test model of wheal-and-flare suppression, fexofenadine showed rapid distribution into the skin compartment with faster onset of action and greater potency vs loratadine.
Though the newer antihistamines all appear to be equally safe and effective, some people may respond better to one than another. So if, for example, cetirizine doesn't seem to help, try fexofenadine or loratadine, Hong says.
Allergists recommend long-acting, non-sedating antihistamines — ones that won't make you sleepy — for everyday use. Though you may know them by their brand names, the generic versions tackle the same problems: Cetirizine (Zyrtec®, Aller-Tec®, Wall-Zyr®). Fexofenadine (Allegra®, Aller-ease®, Aller-Fex®, Wal-Fex®).