Can You Take Zyrtec And Claritin At The Same Time?

Answer

Typically, it is not recommended to use loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) at the same time. Both medications are second-generation antihistamines used for allergy relief. Taking them together would not provide much-added benefit, but could lead to side effects such as drowsiness.

In some patients, Zyrtec may work better than Claritin, however, it also may also cause drowsiness.

Zyrtec and Claritin, along with Allegra and Xyzal, are second-generation antihistamines and are still less likely to cause drowsiness than first-generation antihistamines such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine). This is because first-generation antihistamines cross the blood-brain barrier, whereas second-generation antihistamines usually do not.

I would recommend experimenting with the second-generation antihistamines (all of which can be dosed once daily) and seeing which works best for you. Alternatively, you can try switching to (or adding on), a nasal steroid.

Nasal Steroids As An Alternative

Instead of taking Claritin and Zyrtec together, another option would be to switch to or add on a nasal steroid, like fluticasone (Flonase) nasal spray, Nasacort, or Rhinocort. All three are approved by FDA and are available over the counter since 2014. Steroid nasal sprays work by blocking inflammation, itching, and congestion.

According to multiple studies, nasal steroids like Flonase have some advantages over antihistamines, including working better for nasal congestion. All nasal steroids can be used once daily with 1 or 2 sprays into each nostril or may be used as needed instead of every day.

Flonase can safely be paired with an antihistamine as well.

How Antihistamines Work

Antihistamines bind to histamine receptors that are found in the nose, lungs, eyes, and skin without activating the histamine response. By binding and changing the shape of the histamine receptor, antihistamines inhibit histamine from binding and creating its response. Histamine creates an immune response to essentially attempt to remove the offensive allergen.

Histamine can be triggered by a variety of things including pollen, dust, and pet dander. Some people are more sensitive to this response and may not even know what triggers their allergies. Antihistamines are useful in preventing the immune cascade so common in people suffering from allergies.

Conclusion

To conclude, it is not recommended to take both Claritin and Zyrtec together due to the possibility of drowsiness without additional benefit. Flonase nasal spray may be another option to provide an alternative mechanism of action against allergies.

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