Question 1

claritin vs zyrtec which works better for seasonal allergies?

Accepted Answer

: This is defined by your own unique genetics. I find fexofenadine works better than either of these. Zyrtec (cetirizine) is a bit sedating to most, Claritin (loratadine) is the cheapest in generic form. Try them all &amp; you'll decide what works for you.

Question 2

i get headaches from allergies. can i take claritin (loratadine) and zyrtec at the same time? claritin (loratadine) didn't work alone when i traveled away from home.

Accepted Answer

Yes, but: Both Claritin (loratadine) and zyrtec (cetirizine) are new generation antihistamines.  While there is no harm to using them together, there is likely no added benefit either.  The most effective treatment for nasal allergies is the topical nasal steroid sprays such as qnasl, flonase, veramyst, nasonex, (mometasone) etc if a person doesn't have relief with an antihistamine alone.

Question 3

why are the mg dosage of antihistamines different? allegra is 180mg , claritin (loratadine) is 5mg , and zyrtec is 10mg.

Accepted Answer

Potency: Although the doses are not equal they are equivalent in potency. That is the drugs will have equal efficacy at controlling congestion, runny nose etc. The doses are different because they are different compounds and those compounds are of different weight and size.

Question 4

i have very bad seasonal allergies. i have tried everything, zyrtec, claritin (loratadine) and allegra. nothing works, what can i take?

Accepted Answer

See an allergist: If none of these OTC meds worked, unlikely that anything else will, you need to be evaluated, good history and physical examination. See your doctor first for initial evaluation, who would refer you or check aaaai.org or acaai.org for an allergist in your area, best wishes

Question 5

i have had post-nasal drip for two years now and i have tried everything, flonase, claritin, (loratadine) zyrtec, cingulair. nothing seems to work. what should i d?

Accepted Answer

See physician: Different potential causes for long-standing post nasal drip are numerous and several potential interventions exist that you have not tried.  Discuss with a physician who can examine you (preferably an allergist or ent) to begin the pathway towards finding relief.

Question 6

zyrtec, claritin, singular, and allegra don't work on my 7 yr olds allergies at night (nasal drip & cough) only benedryl. can he take it every night?

Accepted Answer

Dose?: Zyrtec & Benadryl (diphenhydramine) are very similar. He should get similar relief if he's taking the right dose for his weight.  Benadryl (diphenhydramine) will make him more drowsy.  You should talk to his doctor about an rx nose spray to control allergies like Flonase or nasonex.

Question 7

can zyrtec work best for nose allergy even though claritin works best for eye allergy, for the same person?

Accepted Answer

Interesting...: In general, there is not a difference. However, individuals are somewhat unique. If a person finds that one of the allergy meds works better for his eye allergies and the other one seems better for his nose allergies, it is fine for him to tailor his medication to his symptoms. No worries.

Question 8

i recently had an allergic reaction to a new detergent, resulting in a rash on my back, chest, and arms.  cortisone cream seemed to work, but i still have a small lingering rash.  i was wondering if pepcid with loratadine or zyrtec/allegra would work?

Accepted Answer

: If you just avoid that detergent and avoid wearing any clothes that were washed in it this should self heal. I try to avoid using the pharmacy when the body itself can sort things out. Just keep the skin clean &amp; all should be well within 3-4 weeks.

Question 9

i have horrible allergies right now (runny nose, itchy eyes, itchy throat) i took claritin (loratadine) & zyrtec they didn't work what do you suggest i try now?

Accepted Answer

Allergies: 21 year old lady with allergies unresponsive to OTC antihistamines. If blocking histamine has not worked, try using a nasal corticosteroid spray such as Flonase which you can buy over the counter. You should also try to avoid allergen triggers and visit a specialist in Rheumatology who can use an allergy panel to diagnose your specific allergy and possibly do immunotherapy. Good luck.

Question 10

can you take claritin and zyrtec together?

Accepted Answer

NO: they are both antihistamines and would not be useful or safe taken together!

Hope this helps
Dr z

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Doctor answers about:

Do claritin and zyrtec work differently

A member asked:

Claritin vs zyrtec which works better for seasonal allergies?

A member asked:

I get headaches from allergies. can i take claritin (loratadine) and zyrtec at the same time? claritin (loratadine) didn't work alone when i traveled away from home.

A member asked:

Why are the mg dosage of antihistamines different? allegra is 180mg , claritin (loratadine) is 5mg , and zyrtec is 10mg.

A member asked:

I have very bad seasonal allergies. i have tried everything, zyrtec, claritin (loratadine) and allegra. nothing works, what can i take?

A member asked:

I have had post-nasal drip for two years now and i have tried everything, flonase, claritin, (loratadine) zyrtec, cingulair. nothing seems to work. what should i d?

A member asked:

Zyrtec, claritin, singular, and allegra don't work on my 7 yr olds allergies at night (nasal drip & cough) only benedryl. can he take it every night?

A member asked:

Can zyrtec work best for nose allergy even though claritin works best for eye allergy, for the same person?

A member asked:

I recently had an allergic reaction to a new detergent, resulting in a rash on my back, chest, and arms. cortisone cream seemed to work, but i still have a small lingering rash. i was wondering if pepcid with loratadine or zyrtec/allegra would work?

A member asked:

I have horrible allergies right now (runny nose, itchy eyes, itchy throat) i took claritin (loratadine) & zyrtec they didn't work what do you suggest i try now?

A member asked:

Can you take claritin and zyrtec together?

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