What happens if Zyrtec doesn't work?

Common medications like Zyrtec, Allegra, Flonase, and Claritin don't usually stop working. It's time to check for new allergies if your nose is still stuffy and you can't stop sneezing after taking your regular allergy medicine. You may need a new treatment plan, not just more medication.

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What should I take if Zyrtec doesn't work?

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.

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Can I take 2 Zyrtec if one doesn't work?

It is important to take allergy pills and antihistamines as directed. If your allergy medications do not provide enough relief from your symptoms, do not take additional doses. Instead, reach out to your doctor to find a more effective allergy treatment plan.

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Why is my Zyrtec not working for 24 hours?

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.

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Why am I still itchy after taking Zyrtec?

When a person stops taking their medication, their body will produce more histamine to make up for the lack of antihistamine. This results in extreme itching. It's common for someone who's addicted to an antihistamine to scratch until they're raw and bleeding.

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Side effects due to prolonged use of antihistamines - Dr. Sriram Nathan

25 related questions found

How long does it take for Zyrtec to stop itching?

The onset of effect occurs within 20 minutes in 50% of people and within an hour in 95%. Effects persist for at least 24 hours following a single dose of Zyrtec. No tolerance has been found to Zyrtec's antihistaminic effect.

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What happens if you take 2 Zyrtec within 12 hours?

Taking more than the usual dose is unlikely to harm you or your child. If you take an extra dose, you might get some of the common side effects. If this happens or you're concerned, contact your doctor.

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Can I take 2 Zyrtec a day?

ZYRTEC® Allergy Dye-Free Chewables

Adults and children 6 years and older Chew and swallow 2 tablet (10 mg) once daily; do not take more than 1 tablet (10 mg) in 24 hours. A 5 mg product may be appropriate for less severe symptoms.

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Why can't you take two Zyrtec a day?

Taking too much antihistamine can lead to adverse side effects and a potential antihistamine overdose. Antihistamines are a class of medication that treat allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itching. As with any medication, taking too much can be harmful.

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Can I take 20 mg of Zyrtec a day?

ZYRTEC 10 mg film-coated tablets

The maximum recommended daily dose is 20 mg, do not exceed this dose, unless told to do so by your doctor.

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Why is my antihistamine not working?

If there is no histamine, then antihistamines can't relieve symptoms. If antihistamines aren't working for you and you have allergy-like symptoms, it may not be a bad allergy season—but instead something non-allergic you're reacting to. Symptoms of nonallergic rhinitis include: Sneezing.

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Is it better to take Zyrtec at night or in the morning?

What's the best time of day to take ZYRTEC®? Any time of day works. And ZYRTEC® will continue to work for 24 hours.

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Does anything work better than Zyrtec?

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.

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Is there anything stronger than Zyrtec for allergies?

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.

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Why is my nose still stuffy after taking Zyrtec?

Sometimes, despite aggressive allergy treatment, nasal congestion persists. It's possible that the culprit is sinusitis. Sinusitis, not to be confused with rhinitis, is characterized by inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses. Swelling can cause sinus drainage passages to become blocked and mucus to accumulate.

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Can I take one Zyrtec in the morning and one at night?

by Drugs.com

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. If you do experience any odd symptoms please see your doctor.

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What happens if you take too much Zyrtec at once?

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, vision problems, agitation, feeling restless and then drowsy or tired, fast heartbeats, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, trouble walking, or trouble swallowing or speaking.

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Can I take 1 Zyrtec every 12 hours?

take 1 tablet every 12 hours; do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours.

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How long does Zyrtec stay in your system?

by Drugs.com

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.

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What is the best antihistamine?

What are the best allergy medicines to take?
  • Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
  • Claritin (loratadine)
  • Allegra (fexofenadine)
  • Zyrtec (cetirizine)
  • Xyzal (levocetirizine)

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Does Zyrtec get rid of itchy skin?

Many people use antihistamines to treat allergy symptoms. 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.

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Will Zyrtec stop body itching?

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.

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What symptoms does Zyrtec cure?

ZYRTEC® can be used for temporarily relief of the following common allergy symptoms:
  • Runny nose.
  • Sneezing.
  • Itchy, watery eyes.
  • Itching of the nose or throat.

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