A 37-year-old member asked:
Zyrtec or allegra (fexofenadine) for hives: which is the better antihistamine?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Thomas Golbertanswered
Allergy 61 years experience
Zyrtec (cetirizine): Which drug is better fora specific patient cannot be predicted. I generally try zyrtec first because it does cannot claim not sedating. A little sedation helps alleve itching. Allegra, (fexofenadine) claritn, and Clarinex are allowed to claim no sedation.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Barbara Stark Baxteranswered
Allergy and Immunology 44 years experience
Benadryl (diphenhydramine): It helps if you know what caused the hives. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) will work the quickest but also will be out of your system the quickest and will sedate most people. If the hives are due to a recent pet exposure or food ingestion Benadryl (diphenhydramine) will be the best choice. If it is due to a recent exposure to outdoor pollens Allegra may be your best choice and for unknown ongoing hives i would try zyrtec.Variables.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Feb 26, 2019
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