Can you take cetirizine and loratadine in the same day

Many customers who regularly buy first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine understand not to take them with alcohol or other sedatives that increase drowsiness. Purchasers of newer antihistamines may need a pharmacist’s intervention to ensure that they receive the full benefit of the drug—without unexpected side effects.

A conversation that starts with “What do you drink for breakfast?” may seem odd, but it will quickly identify whether a customer purchasing a product with fexofenadine should use another antihistamine instead. Grapefruit, orange, and apple juice impair absorption of fexofenadine. Coffee? No problem. Fruit juice devotees could switch to another beverage until their congestion clears, or they might prefer to use another antihistamine in the same class—loratadine, which fruit juices do not affect.

Checking out with a bottle of Milk of Magnesia or complaining of heartburn? Fexofenadine also interacts with antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium if they are taken within 30 minutes of the antihistamine. The antacids reduce the bioavailability of fexofenadine, so they should be taken at least half an hour after the antihistamine.

Loratadine and cetirizine have similar interactions with a number of other medications. The antihistamines may increase the risk of ulcers associated with potassium citrate and potassium chloride, so asking about the use of salt substitutes in cooking as well as checking for a prescription could be warranted.

As anticholinergics, loratadine and cetirizine also intensify the effects of other drugs commonly used for severe congestion, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma. While most anticholinergics can be modified or monitored when taken with loratadine or cetirizine, several should be avoided entirely, including aclidinium, cimetropium, glycopyrrolate, glycopyrronium, ipratropium, oxatomide, tiotropium, and umeclidinium. An intranasal corticosteroid might be a better alternative for relief of congestion in patients taking these drugs.

Loratadine and cetirizine may also increase the depressant effects of central nervous system depressants such as opioid agonists and benzodiazepines. They should not be combined with azelastine, benzodiazepines, bromperidol, orphenadrine, oxomemazine, and paraldehyde. If avoidance isn’t possible, dose modification should be suggested for buprenorphine, chlorphenesin, droperidol, flunitrazepam, methotrimeprazine, suvorexant, tapentadol, thalidomide, and zolpidem.

These antihistamines may also significantly reduce the effect of levosulpiride and should not be taken with this mood-elevating antipsychotic.

Individuals with irritable bowel syndrome who take eluxadoline might want to consider an alternative antihistamine to loratadine or cetirizine, as both can cause constipation when taken with this drug.

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Can you take cetirizine and loratadine in the same day

November 28, 2018

Cetirizine hydrochloride and loratadine are active ingredients used in antihistamines, such as Zyrtec and Claritin, to treat symptoms related to allergies such as sneezing, itchy and swelling. Both ingredients can be found in various forms including pills, chewable tablets, and syrups. These medications can be bought over the counter to treat your symptoms. Cetirizine hydrochloride and loratadine are very similar but they may affect patients in different ways. It’s important to compare both ingredients to determine which type of medication will work best for your symptoms.

Characteristics Of Cetirizine Hydrochloride

Cetirizine hydrochloride is found in some second-generation antihistamines, such as Zyrtec. Second-generation antihistamines are newer than first-generation medications and are associated with fewer nervous system effects. Cetirizine hydrochloride is effective in treating hay fever. Our allergists often recommend medications with this active ingredient when symptoms include itching.

Some individuals reported that medications with cetirizine hydrochloride work faster than those containing loratadine. Many people responded to medications with the ingredient, cetirizine hydrochloride, within an hour while responding to loratadine in 1-3 hours. However, a 2014 research study found that both ingredients were absorbed into the bloodstream within 1–2 hours of taking the medication. So how fast the medication works depends on the individual.

While cetirizine hydrochloride is effective in treating your allergy symptoms, there are some downsides to the ingredient. For example, medications containing cetirizine hydrochloride are more likely to cause drowsiness than ones with loratadine. Doctors don’t recommend taking these medications before driving or operating machinery. It has also been indicated in a study of the treatment of allergic rhinitis, that more patients will experience dry mouth after taking medications with cetirizine hydrochloride.

Characteristics of Loratadine

Loratadine is also found in second-generation antihistamines. It is effective in treating upper respiratory allergies while causing less drowsiness. Claritin is a common medication containing loratadine. Many individuals report Claritin as being useful as a decongestant.

While patients have reported that cetirizine hydrochloride works faster, loratadine lasts longer. Products with the ingredients state to be effective for 24 hours, but many people claim that cetirizine hydrochloride’s effects expire before then. For long-lasting relief, medications with loratadine may be the better option.  

However,  Loratadine is likely to interact with other drugs causing more risks for side effects. Drugs containing loratadine are also not safe for people with severe liver conditions.

Which Active Ingredient Is Right For Me?

Cetirizine hydrochloride and loratadine products are effective in treating allergies; however, there are advantages and disadvantages to both active ingredients. As with any medication, you might experience side effects. It’s important to discuss taking new medication with your doctor and disclose any medical conditions you may have. Our NYC allergists will determine which product will best treat your allergies.

Meet The Physician Collaborator

Dr. Bruce Dobozin specializes in Allergy and Immunology with a sub-specialty in asthma and allergic conditions. He has been in practice for more than 20 years. He is dual certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Allergy & Immunology. To book an appointment with Dr. Dobozin, call (212) 686-4448 or stop by one of our six locations.

What happens if you take loratadine and cetirizine?

No interactions were found between cetirizine and loratadine.

Can I take loratadine and cetirizine in one day?

As well as taking a non-drowsy antihistamine during the day (such as cetirizine or loratadine), your doctor may advise that you take a drowsy antihistamine at night time if the itching is making it difficult to sleep. Do not take 2 antihistamines together unless recommended by your doctor.

Can you take two of the same allergy pills in the same day?

You should not take multiple oral antihistamines together, such as Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra or Xyzal. Pick one and take it daily. These medicines work better to control symptoms if you take them daily,” she explains.

Which is more effective cetirizine or loratadine?

Zyrtec (cetirizine) was shown to be significantly better than Claritin (loratadine) in a controlled environment. A small clinical trial showed that Zyrtec was better at reducing symptoms compared to Claritin and a control.