Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
What antihistamine gets rid of hives but doesn't make you tired?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Several: Most people find Claritin (loratadine) doesn't make them drowsy, but it sometimes doesn't work as well as the drowsy-causing anti-histamines. Zyrtec is effective against hives, but in some people causes drowsiness, in others it doesn't. Best to try it and see. Both are available without prescription.
Answered 6/24/2014
4.9k views
Try selective H1: Of the antihistamines, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is the most effective, but also causes the most sedation. Some of the more selective h1 agents (eg. Claritin, Allegra or zyrtec can help). Note, zyrtec is probably a little bit more effective, but also has a sedation rate of 12%.
Answered 11/28/2017
4.9k views
Related Questions
A member asked:
Bad hives two years, covers body, can't breath, swells face, feet, hands, gets bad if Benadryl (diphenhydramine) isn't taken at least twice a day. How to get rid of?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
I am allergic to hay, each allergy attack causes red spots and hives. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) gets rid of the hives but not the red dots. How can I get rid of them?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Should i take Benadryl (diphenhydramine) before exercising to try and prevent exercise induced extremely itchy painful hives all over my body and sore throat?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Hello! I've been getting hives and red swollen spots on my wrists, hands, elbows, and knees after I started using whey protein powder. I do wanna keep drinking protein powder but I'm tired of having the itching welts and hives. I eat a Benadryl every day
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
In class,at home,1-2/day ,Hives are oftenly occure on my full body ,tell me the best way to resolve this problem ,even antihistamines doesn't work .
A doctor has provided 1 answer
People also searched for:
How long to take antihistamines to get rid of hives?
What are good ways to get rid of hives without antihistamines?
Are antihistamines ever known to bring out the hives they r being taken to prevent? My hives get bumped up within 90mins of any antihistamine.
How many times should I take 10 mg Benadryl (diphenhydramine) to get rid of hives?
What can I do to get rid of my hives other than taking benadryl (diphenhydramine)? Nothing else really helps (claritin, creams, etc.) I still get them frequently.
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
