Question 1

whenever i get hot i start to itch, i had hives prior but they're gone i'm currently on zantac (ranitidine) and zyrtec (costco brand). it doesn't seem to work.

Accepted Answer

Cholinergic ?: There is a condition known as cholinergic urticaria (small bumps) which occurs during the cooling down period after a rise in core body temperature (hot shower, exercise, stress etc). If this fits your pattern, then try taking the antihistamine up to every 8 hrs to see if this may work.

Question 2

zyrtec/zantac combo for hives? had hives for over a yr. allergist found nothing. keeps saying it'll "go away." gp presc. z/z combo. an antacid? why?

Accepted Answer

?: Zantac (ranitidine) , although used mainly for acid suppression, is used to block another histamine receptor (H2). It is supposed to enhance the effectiveness of antihistamine which blocks (H1) receptor.  Consider trying Zyrtec up to 4 doses per day without or with Zantac (ranitidine).  Unfortunately the cause for chronic urticaria is often unknown.

Question 3

dry cough for 6 weeks. not constant, but now and then. history of allergies, but allergy meds not relieving cough. chest x-ray normal. taking meds (allegra, zyrtec, and zantac) for allergies (including hives). meds control the allergies and hives, but not

Accepted Answer

Nasal Steroid: Speak to your PCP about adding a nasal steroid to your regimen such as Flonase or nasonex (mometasone). Sometimes the pills dont control symptoms enough alone.

Question 4

my son is 17mths,40lbs & healthy he takes zyrtec qd with zantac (ranitidine) bid & pulmicort 0.5mg 1qd. what otc can i get for cough/congestion for him?

Accepted Answer

Cold meds in child: Over the counter cough and cold preparations are no longer FDA approved or recommended for children under the age of 2.  Since your child is asthmatic, the best way to treat his cough is with his asthma and allergy medication regimen (including albuterol) and following up with his pediatrician if symptoms persist or worsen.

Question 5

i suffer from relentless itching. it is my entire body no rash. i take zyrtec with zantac, try moisturizers, no doctors help. what do i do?

Accepted Answer

Immedaite: comprehensive medical/allergic examination to include blood, urine and allergy testing. Relentless itching ( pruritus) can be from multiple causes: liver disease, blood disorders, autoimmune disease, , systemic allegies, drug or food intolerance etc. Get a thorough exam asap.

Question 6

hives for 4 days i hve perscribed meds hydroxyzine 25mg, diphenhydramine 25 mg, ranitidine hydrochloride 150 mg & cetirizine  10mg .. wat should i use?

Accepted Answer

That's a lot: Cetirizine taken every day helps reduce frequency/severity of hives outbreaks.  Hydroxyzine reduces itching immediately but also is potently sedating so is best used at bedtime only when needed. Diphenhydramine is similar to hydroxyzine but less effective (also less sedating) and can be used for as-needed daytime use. Ranitidine may complement cetirizine for some people with very severe symptoms.

Question 7

nsaids gave me very mild hives in the past & allergist wants to desens me by having me take a baby aspirin a day at home. i take xyzal, (levocetirizine) zantac. safe?

Accepted Answer

Does not work: Whereas desensitization usually works for those with NSAID induced asthma, it does not usually work for hives.

Question 8

how long do you need to take allegra and zantac (ranitidine) to treat hives?

Accepted Answer

Hive treatment: Hives can be acute, lasting less than 6 weeks or chronic lasting greater than 6 weeks, (possibly even for years). Antihistamines might control hives but could be needed long-term. Try stopping daily antihistamines once every month for a few days to see if they are still needed. See an allergist to help find the underlying cause if your pcp fails to discover a trigger.

Question 9

i've been taking zyrtec (cetirizine) everyday for hives. it has help but i feel like i need to take an extra. could i take 1 capsule twice a day with 12 hrs gap?

Accepted Answer

Usually: Yes, we often treat with double the recommended daily dose of Zyrtec (cetirizine) to control hives.  Would not recommend it without discussing with your physician since it is a higher dose and consideration of medication interactions and side effects is warranted.

Question 10

i take zyrtec once a day everyday for chronic hives. i'm pregnant now, can i continue to take it?

thanks!

Accepted Answer

Yes: Pregnancy category B. No known risk to fetus. Generic cetirizine is same, only less expensive. How well does it work? Some people with chronic hives need 2 or 3 a day for control. There is a good chance it will go away in the future. Most chronic urticaria is autoimmune and not allergy.

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Doctor answers about:

How much Zyrtec and Zantac can I take a day for hives

A member asked:

Whenever i get hot i start to itch, i had hives prior but they're gone i'm currently on zantac (ranitidine) and zyrtec (costco brand). it doesn't seem to work.

A member asked:

Zyrtec/zantac combo for hives? had hives for over a yr. allergist found nothing. keeps saying it'll "go away." gp presc. z/z combo. an antacid? why?

A member asked:

Dry cough for 6 weeks. not constant, but now and then. history of allergies, but allergy meds not relieving cough. chest x-ray normal. taking meds (allegra, zyrtec, and zantac) for allergies (including hives). meds control the allergies and hives, but not

A member asked:

My son is 17mths,40lbs & healthy he takes zyrtec qd with zantac (ranitidine) bid & pulmicort 0.5mg 1qd. what otc can i get for cough/congestion for him?

A member asked:

I suffer from relentless itching. it is my entire body no rash. i take zyrtec with zantac, try moisturizers, no doctors help. what do i do?

A member asked:

Hives for 4 days i hve perscribed meds hydroxyzine 25mg, diphenhydramine 25 mg, ranitidine hydrochloride 150 mg & cetirizine 10mg .. wat should i use?

A member asked:

Nsaids gave me very mild hives in the past & allergist wants to desens me by having me take a baby aspirin a day at home. i take xyzal, (levocetirizine) zantac. safe?

A member asked:

How long do you need to take allegra and zantac (ranitidine) to treat hives?

A member asked:

I've been taking zyrtec (cetirizine) everyday for hives. it has help but i feel like i need to take an extra. could i take 1 capsule twice a day with 12 hrs gap?

A member asked:

I take zyrtec once a day everyday for chronic hives. i'm pregnant now, can i continue to take it? thanks!

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