The choice between Claritin and Zyrtec depends on individual needs. Claritin has fewer side effects and is suitable for long-term use, while Zyrtec acts faster and is more effective at relieving severe symptoms. However, Zyrtec may cause drowsiness. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Claritin is less likely to cause sedation, make you feel drowsy and sleepy, and is preferred for treating mild to moderate allergy symptoms. However, taking Zyrtec may be more effective for severe symptoms. Both Claritin and Zyrtec are effective allergy medications, but they vary slightly.
Meclizine is an antihistamine that prevents symptoms of motion sickness like nausea, vomiting or dizziness. It also prevents and treats vertigo. Vertigo is a condition that causes extreme dizziness. Common brand names of this medication are Antivert®, Dramamine®, Medivert® and Meni-D®.
Common Claritin side effects include headache, dizziness, and digestive side effects such as nausea. Less commonly, some people may experience dry mouth, drowsiness, or fatigue. Claritin side effects are typically mild and can be managed at home.
Cetirizine is considered safe for most dogs. Speak with your vet first to ensure this medication is appropriate for your dog. It is important to only use products that contain cetirizine as the sole active ingredient and avoid human combination products that contain other ingredients that may be toxic to animals.
Cetirizine (Zyrtec® or Reactine®) is one of the most commonly used over-the-counter antihistamines recommended by veterinarians. Claritin® can also be used, but many forms of Claritin contain pseudoephedrine, which is a decongestant and is very toxic to dogs.
This human medication is used off-label for dogs.
If your dog reacts to a bug bite or has allergies and itches, your veterinarian may recommend Zyrtec to help make him comfortable. Zyrtec (generic name is cetirizine) is a human antihistamine drug and is used “off label” for dogs, as it is not FDA-approved for dogs.
In addition, do not take loratadine (Claritin) while taking erythromycin (an antibiotic), ketoconazole (an antifungal drug), cimetidine (a heartburn medicine), or clarithromycin (an antibiotic) due to potential drug interactions and an increased risk of side effects.
Fexofenadine (Allegra)
It's one of the least sedating second-generation antihistamines, making it a safe option for long-term use if you take it as your doctor prescribes.
Second-generation antihistamines such as loratadine (Claritin) and fexofenadine (Allegra) cross the blood-brain barrier to a much lesser extent.
In fact, doctors sometimes prescribe antihistamines to patients who have dizziness or vertigo that isn't caused by allergies, because it's an effective treatment. Because antihistamines are also used to treat allergy symptoms, the medication may help to alleviate your stuffy or runny nose, along with your dizziness.
Vertigo attacks are triggered by issues in the inner ear (like BPPV, Ménière's disease, labyrinthitis/neuritis) or the brain, often by head movements, stress, dehydration, certain medications, migraines, or lifestyle factors, causing sensations of spinning or imbalance by disrupting the body's balance signals. Triggers vary but common culprits include sudden head turns, loud noises, high salt intake (Ménière's), anxiety, or even viral infections.
To get rid of vertigo fast, immediately sit or lie down in a dark, quiet room, avoid sudden head movements, and try the Epley maneuver if it's likely BPPV, a common inner ear issue, which involves specific head and body tilts to reposition crystals, but see a doctor for persistent vertigo or if you have fall risk. Staying hydrated, managing stress, and getting rest also help, but a professional diagnosis is key to fast, effective treatment.
Yes, Claritin can help with post-nasal drip by reducing the body's histamine response, which often leads to mucus production. It's a non-drowsy antihistamine, making it a good option for daytime relief. However, it might not be as effective for everyone, especially if nasal congestion is the primary issue.
Key takeaways: Claritin (loratadine) is an over-the-counter antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms like itchy eyes and a runny nose. Claritin typically starts working in 1 to 3 hours. Its effects usually last for around 24 hours.
Your body's reaction to certain allergens can change over time, which means the medications you were taking might not be as effective. To get to the bottom of why your allergy meds aren't working, you'll want to talk to your healthcare provider. It's possible that it might be time for a specific IgE blood test.
The choice between Claritin and Zyrtec depends on individual needs. Claritin has fewer side effects and is suitable for long-term use, while Zyrtec acts faster and is more effective at relieving severe symptoms. However, Zyrtec may cause drowsiness. Always consult a healthcare provider.
These are some examples of prescription allergy medicines:
What is the new FDA warning for Zyrtec and Xyzal? The FDA is requiring a new warning on the labeling for Zyrtec and Xyzal about the risk of severe itching after stopping these medications. For some people, the itching may be serious enough to require medical care.
Oral antihistamines, such as Benadryl, Zyrtec, and Claritin, aren't known to increase blood pressure. Other antihistamine forms also aren't known to have a major effect on blood pressure.
If you're using oral antihistamines very often, you might have wondered if it's OK to keep relying on antihistamines to control symptoms of allergies. The good news is there's no research evidence to suggest regular, long-term use of modern antihistamines is a problem.
Claritin interacts with alcohol, other oral antihistamines, and medications that cause drowsiness, such as muscle relaxers. Claritin also interacts with “nighttime” cold medications, such as NyQuil (acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / doxylamine).
Try an allergy pill
Allergy medicines that are safe for your pet include: Benedryl (diphendyrmine) Claritin (loraditine) *never ever give your pet Claritin-D. Zyrtec (Cetirizine)
There are situations where dogs should not take Zyrtec: Dogs with kidney or liver disease: These are the organs most active in metabolizing and excreting medications.
Treating the Inflammation
Famotidine is a histamine-blocking antacid commonly used in the palliation of mast cell tumor disease. Other antihistamines such as loratadine and diphenhydramine may be helpful in addressing histamine issues outside of the stomach.