Zyrtec how long does it take to work

Many people use antihistamines to treat allergy symptoms. Zyrtec and Claritin are two of the most popular brands, but which is best? Antihistamines can reduce allergy symptoms, such as watering eyes , itchy skin, hives , and swelling. They may also help with dermatitis or even mosquito bites, but manufacturers usually market them for specific allergies. Zyrtec is a brand name for the drug cetirizine.

Claritin is the brand name for loratidine. Zyretc and Claritin are in the same class of medications. Both are second-generation antihistamines, and they generally work the same way in the body. Neither is clearly better than the other. In this article, we provide detail about the differences between Zyrtec and Claritin. We also compare them to two other popular brands of antihistamines: Benadryl and Allegra.

Zyrtec and Claritin are brand-name medications that people can buy over the counter. They are available in various forms, including pills, chewable tablets, and syrups. Zyrtec contains cetirizine hydrochloride, also called cetirizine HCL, while Claritin contains loratadine.

Zyrtec and Claritin are second-generation antihistamines. They are less likely to make a person feel drowsy or otherwise affect alertness than older, first-generation antihistamines. The labeling of Zyrtec says that a person should not take it when driving a vehicle or using machinery.

People should avoid taking Zyrtec with alcohol or other medicines that could cause drowsiness. 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 study found that both drugs were absorbed into the bloodstream within 1—2 hours of taking the medication. Researchers are often studying, comparing, and improving antihistamines.

Other popular brands on the market today are Allegra and Benadryl. When a person comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system reacts and produces a chemical called histamine.

Histamine causes many allergy symptoms, including inflammation of the skin or sinuses, pain, redness, and wheezing. Immune responses also encourage extra mucus to develop, which helps to clear allergens from the nose and throat.

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Frequently Asked Questions. Please click here for more information. What is an antihistamine? Your choice. Any time of day works. Can I chew or swallow the dissolve tabs? Or do they need to dissolve on my tongue first? Cetirizine liquid may be easier for children to take than tablets. The liquid medicine will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to give the right dose. If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure out the right amount.

You may only need to take cetirizine on a day you have symptoms — for example, if you have been in contact with something that has triggered your allergy, like animal hair. Or you may need to take it regularly to prevent symptoms — for example, to stop hay fever during spring and summer. Take your forgotten dose as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. If you forget to give a dose to a child who is taking cetirizine twice a day, you can give the missed dose if it's within 4 hours of when they should have had it.

If you remember more than 4 hours after, do not give the missed dose. Instead, wait until the next dose and carry on as normal. If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine. Cetirizine is generally very safe. 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. Like all medicines, cetirizine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. The most common side effect of cetirizine is feeling sleepy and tired. This happens in more than 1 in 10 people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if this side effect bothers you or does not go away. Other common side effects of cetirizine happen in more than 1 in people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away:.

Children are more likely to get diarrhoea, sneezing or a blocked and runny nose than adults. Call your doctor straight away if you have bruising or bleeding that's more than normal. In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to cetirizine. These are not all the side effects of cetirizine. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicines packet. Cetirizine can be used in pregnancy. There is no good evidence that it causes harm to the baby. However, other antihistamines such as loratadine may be recommended as there is more information about its use in pregnancy.

If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take cetirizine while breastfeeding. There is some information available which shows that only very small amounts get into breast milk. Cetirizine has been used for many years while breastfeeding without side effects in babies.

If your baby is not feeding as well as usual, seems unusually sleepy, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, health visitor or midwife. Some medicines can increase the chances of you having side effects with cetirizine. Check with your pharmacist or doctor if you're taking any medicine that makes you drowsy, gives you a dry mouth, or makes it difficult for you to pee. Taking cetirizine might make these side effects worse.

There might be a problem taking some herbal remedies and supplements alongside cetirizine, especially ones that cause sleepiness, a dry mouth, or make it difficult to pee. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements.

Cetirizine is a type of medicine called an antihistamine. When you come into contact with something you're allergic to, such as pollen, animal hair or fur, your body produces a chemical called histamine. Usually histamine is a useful substance, but in an allergic reaction it causes unpleasant symptoms including itchy, watery eyes, a running or blocked nose, sneezing and skin rashes.

For example, if you have a reaction to an insect bite, you may only need to take cetirizine for a day or two. You may need to take cetirizine for longer if you're taking it to prevent symptoms — for example, to stop hay fever when the pollen count is high. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure how long you need to take cetirizine for.

However it's best to take cetirizine only for as long as you need to. If you take it regularly over a long period there's a very small chance of severe itching if you stop treatment suddenly. If you've been taking cetirizine every day for a long time, talk to your doctor before stopping it. It's best not to drink alcohol while you're taking cetirizine as it can make you feel sleepy.

Cetirizine is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine, but it's still possible to feel sleepy after taking it. If this happens to you, do not drive a car, ride a bike, use tools or machinery until you do not feel tired anymore. It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected.

It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking cetirizine. UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving.

That's because it's less likely to make you feel sleepy than sedating antihistamines, such as Piriton chlorphenamine.