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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?
6 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
?: 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.
Answered 4/28/2020
3.5k views
More than antacid: Zantac (ranitidine) is a selective histamine receptor blocker. Histamine release may cause hives in some patients and blocking both kinds of receptors (H1 with Zyrtec and H2 with Zantac (ranitidine)) may be helpful. Thanks for trusting HealthTap!
Answered 2/5/2017
3.5k views
H2 blocker: Chronic hives are one of the most challenging and frustrating processes to treat. There are 100's if not 1,000's of potential causes. Treatment is focused at identifying the underlying trigger and eliminating it if possible. The combination of Histamine 1 blockers (Zyrtec, Allegra, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) etc.) plus a histamine 2 blocker (Zantac, Pepcid, Tagamet ) is helpful in about 50% of pts.
Answered 9/29/2018
3.5k views
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