Difference b/t Allegra, Zyrtec, Claritin, etc

[furb & dez]

With Zyrtec, you have to be careful of withdrawal. My other half didn't pack any for one of our cruises, and began itching uncontrollably after the second day without it. Turns out it's a relatively common reaction.

 

[disfan07]

My allergist said that typically-
Zyrtec- strongest
Allergra- middle
Claritin- weakest

I take 20mg of zyrtec a day (10mg 2x day) and 180mg of allegra in the afternoon. I also usually take benedryl to sleep.

Also, zyrtec has the greatest potential of making you drowsy. Thats why she prescribed allegra in the afternoon instead of another zyrtec.

A lot of it is trial and error on what works best.

The antibiotics might not have helped because it could be a virus. Last time i had congestion and sinus pressure it was viral related...not bacteria related. It took me about 7 weeks to feel completely better

 

[Mkrop]

The way one of the Dr's explained it to me is this-
Claritin (Lotradine)- is the lowest
Allegra is the next step up- little stronger
Zyrtec is the strongest-

like a PP said- takes up to 2 weeks for the med to have an effect-takes that long for the histamine blocker to become effective

This is what our allergist told us. He said Claritin is like drinking water (when my kids were on liquids) My kids and myself take a Zyrtec each night. During allergy season, he gives us Nasonex too for the inflammation

For a sinus infection, I'm not sure that a histamine blocker is going to really do much for you. I would use Sudafed for the sinus congestion, Mucinex to thin the mucus and Advil or Tylenol for pain and fever reduction. Hope you feel better soon!

This was going to be my recommendation as well, plus adding a nasal spray like Afrin. Just went out yesterday and got all this for DH. Many million years ago, when DH and I both worked in pharmacies, this is what the pharmacist always recommended for really bad colds and sinuses.

And Advil and Tylenol are different, one if a pain reliever (Tylenol) and one is an antiinflammotory (Advil) so they both help with pain and fever but do so differently.

In fact one of the things, that helps in congestion is getting rid of the inflammation so you can breathe easier and it aids muscus reabsorbtion if the nasal passage is not inflammed. This is why Nasonex is precribed for cold and allergy suffers, it helps with the inflammation. Or the new Advil D commercial says "dont blame me, with a guy with a Mucus tshirt on: bc per the ad the real culprit is the inflammation.

But I would ask a pharmacist or Dr before taking any of these if you are on anything else. Dont want to over do it, or take something you are not suppose to if you take any Rxs.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

You might also try a Saline Nasal Rinse. You buy it at the drug store. Some people like the Neti Pot but I prefer the squeeze bottle style. Sounds gross, and kind of is, but I have found it to be very helpful. I have a terrible cold right now and the Saline Rinse is really helping. Be sure to use distilled or previously boiled water.

We use the squeeze bottle too. It really really helps! Target carries it too.

With Zyrtec, you have to be careful of withdrawal. My other half didn't pack any for one of our cruises, and began itching uncontrollably after the second day without it. Turns out it's a relatively common reaction.

Yep! I had terrible hives due to an allergic reaction to some burn medicine (Silvadene) over the summer. Took prednisone and Zyrtec for the hives. Went off the prednisone and kept the Zyrtec, my hives got worse!! After doing some research I found out that Zyrtec can cause severe hives. I stopped taking it, would take 2 benedryl at night to stop scratching in my sleep and then used coconut oil and cold showers to sooth the itching until I was better.
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Allison,
for the sinus congestion and pain I would suggest Tylenol cold head congestion or a product similar (I use the Target brand) and the netti pot.
Also during cold and flu season increase your Vitamin D intake. DH and I have done that the last few years and have reduced our illnesses to about one every year for me and one every 3-4 years for DH. Which is saying a lot with 4 kids in 3 different schools!

I hope you feel better soon!

 

[Fly4free]

The way one of the Dr's explained it to me is this-
Claritin (Lotradine)- is the lowest
Allegra is the next step up- little stronger
Zyrtec is the strongest-

like a PP said- takes up to 2 weeks for the med to have an effect-takes that long for the histamine blocker to become effective

This has been my experience with allergy meds. Zyrtec works the best, Claritin was the least, and Allegra was almost as good as Zyrtec.

Dr. also said to take the allergy meds. a few weeks before the allergy season.

 

[honeydiane1953]

I have just started Zyrtec. The MD that prescribed them is one of the best. I am a retired nurse so I know a lot of doctors. If he likes Zyrtec that's good enough for me.